Elvis Ngoc-Phu Tang

I am a second-generation Vietnamese American, serving as a son, brother, and pet owner in a household of four, where I reside with my parents. Our family includes two cats and a turtle, and our neighborhood is home to numerous stray cats. Born in May 1998, I grew up during the early proliferation of the internet, which sparked a lifelong fascination with technology. From a young age, I demonstrated proficiency in computing, achieving a typing speed of 120 words per minute in junior high. I also explored game modification using tools like Cheat Engine, altering in-game variables—such as maximizing gold reserves in Adventure Quest—which led to my clan being labeled as "Cheaters/Abusers/Time Wasters." Additionally, I experimented with modifications in Roblox and developed a popular game in 2008, during which I corresponded with one of its creators, Builderman.

In high school, I discovered my personal identity and resilience. To address prior experiences of bullying due to my slender build, I joined the wrestling team, where I formed enduring friendships that remain integral to my life. We maintain daily communication and frequently play video games together, particularly League of Legends, where I achieved a peak rank of Diamond during my most competitive phase. In recent years, I have shifted focus to casual play while exploring the card game Magic: The Gathering. My decks include a black-and-green build featuring Slimefoot, the Stowaway, and a higher-tier mono-green deck centered on Shroofus Sproutsire.

Following high school, I attended Cypress College and Fullerton College for four years to complete my general education requirements and prerequisites. During this time, I participated in the STEM2 program, which facilitated connections with industry professionals and led to a summer research internship at Cal Poly Pomona in 2019.

I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona in Fall 2019, where I pursued upper-division coursework, including electives in cybersecurity, control systems, software engineering, and communication systems. Upon graduating in Spring 2023, I specialized in cybersecurity and embedded systems. I earned the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate and the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) certification. Currently, I am preparing for entry-level roles as a SOC Analyst on a blue team or as a junior embedded systems engineer. I am also engaged in an innovative project that integrates artificial intelligence with embedded systems expertise. Having enjoyed deconstructing and reverse-engineering technologies since childhood, I am enthusiastic about the trajectory of my professional career.