Senior Aaron Wen places in top 25 at N.J. Cyber Aces Challenge

^{By:  Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications                         communications@bloomfield.edu}

Bloomfield College senior Computer Information Systems major Aaron Wen earned one of New Jersey’s highest honors in Information Technology on Mar. 22, as the Livingston, N.J. native placed 23^rd in the annual New Jersey Cyber Aces Challenge at Brookdale Community College.

Part of a three-round competition, Wen was one of just 80 competitors picked from a field of 950 applicants to take part in the one-day Challenge. Participants were picked based on scores on a preliminary test to compete in the event, with high school and college students, members of the military and current job seekers in the field.

Organized by national non-profit organization Cyber Aces, the event saw entrants engage in NetWars, a hands-on interactive learning environment used by government agencies to evaluate and train personnel. 

“This experience was a very valuable one to me,” Wen said of participating in the competition. “It was such a fun learning experience, and makes me want to dive deeper into the computer security field.  I also felt that I had a better understanding of real world situations in my field after doing it. The experience really boosted my confidence in my abilities.”

His top-25 finish means Wen will move on to the next round of competition, interviewing for a place on the New Jersey Cyber Aces Team, and the opportunity to train at the New Jersey Cyber Aces Academy at Brookdale.

“Bloomfield College is proud of Aaron’s accomplishments,” professor Steve Kreutzer said. “The field was very competitive and included students from colleges all over New Jersey.  Aaron represents the best and the brightest.  He is truly a model student. He has succeeded in college and this contest by continuously learning and going above and beyond what is required. I have no doubt he will continue to do so once he enters into the professional world.”

Graduating in May, the talented Wen has utilized his time at Bloomfield to secure a position with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center upon his graduation, beginning his professional career with a new accolade already on his resume.

“Bloomfield College has given me a lot of hands-on skills and knowledge in multiple I.T. disciplines,” Wen said of his time at the institution. “I feel that the program has given me practical knowledge and many skills that will carry me far in my professional career.”