Mehak Wahla
Columbia
Summary
Highly skilled NSA Research Mathematician with a proven track record of conducting cutting-edge mathematical research to solve complex problems in national security. Possesses expertise in areas such as algorithm development, statistical analysis, and modeling. Adaptable to different work environments, having done projects in four different offices located around Maryland. Adept at leveraging advanced mathematical techniques to inform strategic decision-making and support innovative technological advancement. A collaborative and detail-oriented professional dedicated to protecting the nation.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Applied Research Mathematician
National Security Agency
Fort Meade
03.2022 - Current
- Responsible for handling a Top Secret clearance and sensitive compartmented formal accesses.
- Conducted statistical analysis and data mining to extract meaningful insights from large datasets.
- Adapted novel Deep Learning techniques to enhance malware classification and detect anomalous protocols.
- Developed and implemented mathematical models and algorithms to solve complex problems in the field of cryptography that optimized parameters to find the most cost effective attacks against encryption frameworks.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design specs and requirements for encryptors to uphold D.O.D. Zero Trust principles.
- Published research findings in internal scientific journals and presented results at conferences.
- Uncovered deficiencies in machine learning models that kept it from reaching customer's desired high threshold for label accuracy.
- Investigated and resolved a query on security concerns for encryption boxes' exploitability to Side Channel Analysis.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
University of Pennsylvania
01.2020
Skills
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Network Security
- Cross-Agency Collaboration
- Computer Network Operations (CNO)
- Digital Communications
- Computer Programming
- Analysis and Probability Theory
- Number Theory
- Graph Theory
- Linear Algebra
- Cryptography
- Algebra over Finite Fields
- Counterintelligence
- Data Analysis
- Computational Costing
Affiliations
- Mathematician’s Introduction to Cryptography, October 2022 - November 2022: 160 hours 9161 Sterling Dr, Laurel, MD 20723
- Classical Cybersecurity Cryptomathematics, February 2024: 80 hours 820 Elkridge Landing Rd, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
- Applied Cryptography and Digital Communications, January 2023: 120 hours 9161 Sterling Dr, Laurel, MD 20723
- Introduction to Statistical Data Mining, February 2024 - March 2024: 200 hours 9161 Sterling Dr, Laurel, MD 20723
- Computer Security for Mathematicians, January 2024: 80 hours 9161 Sterling Dr, Laurel, MD 20723
Certification
- Cyber Security Special Achievement Award, Cyber Assurance Math Program, 02/01/24, $2,000, Nominated by the Project Lead in the touring office for creating the requirements to satisfy hardware authentication.
- Research Special Achievement Award, Cyber Assurance Math Program, 08/01/23, $2,500, Award for research in vulnerability assessment in encryption schemes via Side Channel Analysis. The claim of exploitability was proven false through use of deep learning algorithms.
- Capabilities Special Achievement Award, Cyber Assurance Math Program, 02/01/23, $2,000, Award for completing a machine learning model and achieving high standards of accuracy for the customer.
Volunteer Experience
- Family Day, 9161 Sterling Dr, Laurel, MD, 20723, 05/01/23, In charge of the tessellations exhibition that worked with kids and adults alike to demonstrate the importance and beauty of patterns in math.
- CAMP BUDDY, 2730 Hercules Road, Annapolis Junction, MD, 20701, 07/01/23, Mentored a new hiree into the NSA for the on-boarding process with the goal of acquainting them to NSA utilities and the math community.
- Teaching Assistant, 9161 Sterling Dr, Laurel, MD, 20723, 10/01/23 - 11/01/23, Became a TA for the Mathematicians' Introduction to Cryptology class.
Case Number
RES-2024-3341
Languages
Punjabi
Professional
Hindi
Professional
Timeline
Applied Research Mathematician
National Security Agency
03.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
University of Pennsylvania
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