When Steven Schiavone was in seventh grade, he managed to access his father’s laptop by cracking the password. His motivation at the time was simply to play a video game, but this event marked the beginning of his interest in cybersecurity. “I proudly showed my dad—who happened to be a Senior Vice President of Global Technology at Bank of America,” Schiavone said.
Now a junior at Pace University, Schiavone is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. He has received the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service and will serve as president of the university’s Cybersecurity Club. In addition, he works as a student manager in the Digital Forensics Lab on Pace’s New York City campus.
Schiavone emphasizes that cybersecurity is now essential for everyone. “It’s 2025. Companies and individuals don’t have a choice about cybersecurity anymore,” he said. He explained that with sensitive information such as banking details and medical histories stored online, security affects all aspects of daily life. “Whether or not you have ever touched a keyboard, the security of your data affects your livelihood.”
As captain of the Collegiate Cyber Defense Team within the Cybersecurity Club, Schiavone developed a 120-page contingency guide to help his teammates prepare for competitions against professional hackers representing government interests. His commitment extends beyond campus activities; recipients of the CyberCorps scholarship are required to work for government agencies after graduation. “This opportunity recognizes a dream of mine,” said Schiavone. “I want to keep these critical systems secure. I want to keep soldiers secure. I want to protect our nation’s infrastructure from hackers that are taking down hospitals and gas pipelines.”
Outside his academic pursuits, Schiavone volunteers at InfoAge Science and History Museums in Wall, New Jersey, where he maintains and demonstrates early digital computers used by the U.S. Navy. He operates a UNIVAC 1219 naval firing computer from 1969 that once managed missile systems aboard naval ships.
Schiavone’s decision to attend Pace University was influenced by family ties and an appreciation for New York’s history and opportunities. His mother graduated from Pace in 1996, both parents worked in Manhattan’s Financial District during previous decades, and three grandparents immigrated through Ellis Island.
He also credits faculty members with shaping his experience at Pace: “I have these professors who do incredibly meaningful work…Professor Joe Acampora is probably one of the smartest minds in cybersecurity, and Pace is so lucky to have him,” he said. “And Dr. Darren Hayes, my direct supervisor in the Digital Forensics Lab and Director of Cybersecurity, is incredibly intelligent and well networked.”
From childhood curiosity about passwords to leadership roles in cybersecurity competitions and historical preservation efforts, Schiavone remains committed to advancing digital security while honoring its roots.
