I have been part of the FIPS 140 validation community since 2016. I have enjoyed learning the nuances of this complicated set of standards, sharing my knowledge with coworkers and vendors to streamline the validation process, and providing feedback to improve these standards.I am currently using my FIPS 140 skills to directly support more than 100 FIPS certifications through SafeLogic's RapidCert program. Prior to this, I was the Director of Operations for Penumbra Security, a cryptographic security testing lab, where I coordinated projects, wrote and reviewed technical reports, ran meetings, drafted financial documents, supervised employees, and ensured Penumbra’s daily operations ran smoothly. I also worked with developers of cryptographic devices to help them better understand and meet applicable standards. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of was creating a training program to help new employees at Penumbra understand FIPS, which relies on many disparate technical standards, official publications, and informal guidance and conventions. My training program synthesized information from all of these sources, helped employees understand the most important rules of the FIPS standard, exposed them to fine details, trained them how to find the information they need in the future, and enabled them to pass the NIST CVP exam.One of my favorite things about working in this field is that it has allowed me to utilize a variety of technical, managerial, and organizational skills to develop new systems and solve interesting problems. I have enjoyed gaining new skills and responsibilities at SafeLogic and Penumbra and supporting the growth of my team. Before working in FIPS, I earned a chemistry degree from Reed College, worked as a laboratory technician, studied psychology, and explored professional cooking.Please contact me if I can provide you with any information or other assistance!