Stanley Xiao

Stanley Xiao is a rising senior at University of Washington Bothell, where he is pursuing a double major in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) and Data Visualization.^[1] He is passionate about the intersection of technology and data, with a specific interest in the evolving landscape of security and policy.

Initially, Stanley focused on a career in Software Engineering while earning his Associate in Computer Science from Edmonds College. However, after observing the shifting tech landscape and the critical need for digital defense, he strategically transitioned his focus toward Cybersecurity. Rather than building applications, he is more dedicated to the challenge of securing them—specializing in threat detection and incident response to stay ahead of an increasingly complex threat environment.^[2]

Background

Stanley demonstrated an early drive for technical excellence by concurrently earning his high school diploma and Associate in Computer Science from Edmonds College. While he was initially fascinated by the architecture and creation of software, his focus has since matured into the critical field of digital defense. Driven by the "attacker’s mindset," he specializes in deconstructing vulnerabilities to transform reactive security into proactive barriers.

He aims to join a forward-thinking tech organization as a SOC Analyst, with a long-term goal of leading security teams in securing critical infrastructure. His mission is to move beyond simple detection and engineer the robust, real-time solutions necessary to prevent systemic failures before they can cause global disruption.

Education

Edmonds College

Stanley fast-tracked his technical education by concurrently earning his high school diploma and an Associate in Computer Science from Edmonds College. This intensive period provided the foundational programming and system architecture knowledge that sparked his transition from software creation to digital defense.

University of Washington Bothell

Stanley is currently a senior at the University of Washington Bothell pursuing a double major in Computer Science (Cybersecurity) and Data Visualization. His academic focus centers on mastering the theoretical and practical pillars of information security, including the CIA Triad and Zero-Trust models. He has completed specialized coursework such as Intro to Cybersecurity, Network Architecture Management, Technology Policy, and Emerging Topics in Cybersecurity. He is set to graduate in June 2027.^[3]

Interests & Goals

His primary areas of interest include threat detection, incident response, and the protection of critical infrastructure. He is particularly drawn to how an attacker's mindset can be used to identify vulnerabilities and prevent major system failures before they occur. Following his undergraduate studies, he hopes to continue his education by pursuing a Master's degree in cybersecurity to further develop his technical knowledge and defensive capabilities.