Senior staff members from the Department of Homeland Security visit students from John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science

Students from Mr. Henry’s AP Computer Science class and member of O’Bryant’s Navy ROTC gathered in the Science Auditorium on Thursday, November 17, 2011, for a presentation from senior staffers from the Department of Homeland Security.  Paul Mesterhazy, Deputy Director of the National Cyber Security Division, and Kristina Dorville, Director of Cybersecurity Awareness Programs were invited to the school as part of Cybersecurity week in Boston (Nov 14 – 18).  Paul and Kristina discussed topics relevant to national cybersecurity and informed students that there are many jobs in the field of cybersecurity that require talented students with math, science and programming skills.  Paul and Kristina responded to thoughtful questions posed by O’Bryant students.  Paul and Kristina also met with BPS CIO Melissa Dodd and TechBoston director Felicia Vargas who shared information about the BPS Cyber Safety Campaign.  Our guests were impressed with the Internet safety materials developed by BPS students and took samples of the materials to share with other Department of Homeland Security administrators in Washington, DC.