Fueling the Future: Humza Sheikh, BAS in Cyber Operations ’26, ASUA Student Senator

Professors and other incredible people I’ve met along the way constantly fuel my passion and keep me driven. With my peers, I want to help make the cyber community and our entire college an even stronger community.

 
As the College of Information Science’s ASUA student senator, Humza Sheikh—who is originally from RawalPindi, Pakistan—is a strong advocate for the student voice, whether those students are on campus or online. Drawn to the investigative side of cybersecurity, from digital forensics to open-source intelligence, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations student brings curiosity, resilience and a deep commitment to community in his studies and leadership roles at the University of Arizona.

What brought you to the University of Arizona to study cyber operations?

I was drawn to the U of A for its strong, well-established Cyber Operations program. Having family ties here in Tucson made the transition smoother, and hearing firsthand recommendations from my cousins, who are proud Wildcats alumni, really sealed the deal for me.

What most interests you about the degree and cybersecurity in general?

My Cyber Operations emphasis area is Defense and Forensics. I am fascinated by the challenge of recovering data from corrupted disks and drives to find what’s still hidden. I also love using open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques to research solutions and uncover procedures that others might overlook. It’s like digital archaeology. One of the coolest examples? Just by analyzing photos’ metadata I can figure out how fast a car was going, where it was taken, and even how far above ground the camera was. Surprising, right?
 

What do you like best about the Bachelor's in Cyber Operations?

What I love most about my degree program is the strong foundation it provides me technically and conceptually. On top of that, the professors and other incredible people I’ve met along the way constantly fuel my passion and keep me driven. With my peers, I want to help make the cyber community and our entire college an even stronger community.

What has been your biggest challenge at the University of Arizona, and how have you overcome that challenge?

The biggest challenge here has been the adjustment from community college to university life. Having to keep myself structured while being presented with so many avenues and then picking among them, particularly. Managing myself and keeping myself grounded in university life and course loads has been a challenge. I have overcome these challenges with structure, friends and self-discipline. Adjusting to a completely different major from my previous studies in law has been a struggle—but one I enjoy and look forward to beating.

What has been your biggest challenge outside of school?

The biggest challenge I have faced outside of college has been adjusting to my mother's passing. It shook me, and for a while I struggled with guilt tied to old habits and the feeling that I was not living up to the person she believed I could be. Since then, I have been working hard to better myself not only as a student but as a friend and even a person. It’s not something I’ve fully overcome, but it is a journey I am committed to every single day with her in mind.

How are you preparing for a career in cyber operations—and what are your career aspirations?

I have been steadily building experience in cybersecurity through certifications and hands-on challenges. One of the highlights was attending Defcon 33, the world’s largest cybersecurity conference, where I got to immerse myself in the community and participate in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions. I have also competed in CTFs outside of Defcon, including the Western Regional Cyber Defense Competition, where my team placed 12th. These events have helped me sharpen my technical skills and learn how to collaborate under pressure.

On campus, I am currently involved in the Arizona Cyber Academy, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned in a practical setting, work with real clients and gain insight into the professional side of cybersecurity. Along with this, my recent internship with a nonprofit helping incarcerated people get back into society, Second Chance Tucson, has taught me so much about human nature while improving my soft skills. 

As for career aspirations, I’m especially drawn to digital forensics. I enjoy digging into data, uncovering hidden patterns and solving problems that require both technical skill and creative thinking. Long-term, I’d love to work in a role that combines investigation, analysis and impact—something that keeps me learning and contributing to the field.

Tell us about your role as the College of Information Science student senator, as well as your involvement in other student organizations.

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As the College of Information Science senator in the ASUA Senate (my term runs May 2025 to May 2026), I serve as a liaison between students and administration to advocate for student needs. I actively participate in Senate governance to vote on key policies, including club funding and initiatives to support international students. Currently, I am working with club leadership teams to improve their independence and help them identify and request resources. 

I am also heavily involved with Cyber Saguaros, a campus club focused on teaching and exploring cybersecurity. I was honored to be elected as its vice president, and it’s been a great experience helping to lead workshops other events, and having discussions with other passionate students.

Outside of campus, I am also cofounder and secretary of a nonprofit with the same name: Cyber Saguaros. Our goal is to help students and curious minds break into the cybersecurity world—whether through mentorship, resources or hands-on learning. It’s been a rewarding way to give back and build a stronger community around something I care deeply about.

What are your passions outside of school?

Outside of school, I love to cook. I’ve memorized around 40 dishes and always enjoy experimenting in the kitchen. I am also really into reading, especially mystery and horror. One of my favorite books is The Slawter by Darren Shan. Beyond that, I spend a lot of time diving into Secure, Contain, Protect (SCP) entries and creepypasta stories. There is something about the eerie, unexplained and imaginative that keeps me hooked. Yes, I love those cheesy horror stories!

What does the “InfoSci experience” mean for you?

To me the InfoSci experience is a call for growth, community and purpose. Coming from a different major and transitioning from community college, I have had to rebuild my academic foundation and find my footing in a new field—it has been difficult, to say the least. But this program has given me the space to do that—not just through coursework but also through the people I’ve met, the challenges I’ve faced and the opportunities I have taken.

What advice do you have for prospective InfoSci students?

My biggest advice for incoming InfoSci students is to start building hands-on skills early. Whether it’s game design, cybersecurity or something else, don’t just read about it, actually try it. Get involved, mess around with tools, break things, fix them and learn by doing.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of soft skills. Learn how to network, communicate and work with people. A lot of opportunities come from putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences. In short, gain skills not just by reading but actually doing.
  

Learn more about the Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations, offered on campus and online.