Hello! My name is Abigail Berardi. From Naval Intelligence to entrepreneurship to computer simulations, I’ve learned that the most innovative solutions arise from bridging the gaps between diverse fields. I am currently a dual-degree student at Old Dominion University (ODU), pursuing Electrical and Computer Engineering with a declared major in Modeling and Simulation Engineering, an innovative program offered exclusively at ODU. I am also proud to be a recipient of the Department of Education’s Modeling and Simulation Fellowship, a program with opportunity for involvement in technology-driven impact across an extensive array of fields. The blueprint for this educational journey was modeled from inspiration drawn from my service in the Navy, an early fascination with engineering, and the creativity fostered through developing a successful online business.

From experience, I have learned that when one door closes, another opens offering opportunities to expand horizons. My first business venture as a pre-teen entrepreneur, ended abruptly with the shutdown of the community article-writing platform known as Squidoo. Days spent writing about the ponies of the White House and how to put together the perfect dolphin-themed birthday party transitioned into contemplating colorful pixels, searching for the perfect fonts, and aligning and sizing graphics on products to post for sale on my second business: a brand-new Zazzle print-on-demand store. Through these experiences, I learned how to market a business, create websites, and use basic HTML to customize blog posts. My enthusiasm for the creative process blended with inspiration from countless hours studying chess, running free on a horse through mountain valleys, studying mechanical engineering details of the great pyramids and perfecting my favorite champion level Irish dance routines. The flexibility of my online business model has allowed it to remain an integral part of my life even from exploring the caves of Okinawa while stationed on my first Navy ship to the palm trees of sunny San Diego with my helicopter squadron.

Looking up from a supply box of Navy pencils given to me as an award, I found myself congratulated by a recruiter for being the first in the office to receive a score of 99 on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This marked the beginning of a five-year pause from pursuing a Computer Engineering degree as I stepped through a new door to join the Navy, see the world, and explore a lifelong fascination with the United States Intelligence Community. Creativity took new forms in my daily work as I developed visualizations to present complex intelligence data effectively. I learned to distill vast amounts of complex information into cohesive and impactful narratives, tailored to strategic, operational, and tactical viewpoints—my first real introduction to abstraction. Driven by my passion for uncovering deeper insights, I found the answers I sought from collaborating with cryptologic specialists whose technical expertise broadened my perspective, showing me the value of interdisciplinary knowledge in solving challenging problems. These experiences solidified my passion for combining technical expertise with creative problem-solving. When my Navy service came to an end, I stepped through another door with an exciting vision for my future: to fuse a Computer Engineering degree with my intelligence skills and knowledge to make an impact in the field of cybersecurity.

During my academic journey, I have embraced opportunities to explore areas of interest and possibility. Deciding to specialize in Modeling and Simulation Engineering as my major was a pivotal point in shaping new interests and career paths. The ability to explore what-if scenarios has fascinated me, offering a perfect blend of my engineering and technical interests with the thrill of anticipating future scenarios in intelligence. This has opened another door to exciting opportunities in state-of-the-art fields like Artificial Intelligence and well-established areas like biomedical engineering. As I delved deeper into cybersecurity, a significant turning point for me was discovering how quantum computing is transforming the field. I became captivated by the intersections of Quantum Computing, simulations, Artificial Intelligence, and other facets of industry. My current driving goal is to become involved in and contribute to Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE).

I do not see my plan as perfect or complete. Instead, I view it as a work in progress, continually refined by new opportunities and experiences. I aim to continue blending insights from diverse disciplines and allowing the challenges I face to equip me with a fresh perspective and a broader vision.