Carlie Blaesing

I’m originally from Port Clinton, Ohio, but growing up in a Navy family meant I never stayed in one place for long. I’ve lived everywhere from South Carolina to Okinawa, Japan, to Texas—experiences that shaped my adaptability and curiosity about the world before eventually bringing me back to Ohio.

I’m currently a student at The Ohio State University studying Computer Science and Engineering, with a specialization in cybersecurity. Before transferring to OSU, I spent a year at Bowling Green State University as a Division I swimmer. Athletics have always been a big part of my life—I competed in swimming, cross country, and track in high school while graduating in the top 10 of my class. Today, I stay active through lifting, outdoor adventures, and being involved in OSU’s Mountaineering and Ski Club.

Outside the classroom, I’m deeply involved in the cybersecurity community. I participate in DEF CON, Hackers Teaching Hackers, and Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, and I’m active in organizations like VICEROY Scholars, the Cybersecurity Club, Women in Cybersecurity, ACM-W, the DEV Software Engineering Club, and the Society of Women Engineers. I’m especially interested in exploring different areas of cyber and finding where I can make the biggest impact.

I’ve also had the chance to travel all over the world—from Punta Cana to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, and beyond, as well as across the U.S. including Miami, Key West, Sanibel Island, and Las Vegas, and even Bahrain. I’m always chasing new experiences—whether that’s scuba diving with whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium, skydiving, white water rafting, or exploring the outdoors through hiking and camping.

At my core, I’m someone who thrives on challenge, adventure, and growth. Whether it’s tackling a complex problem in cybersecurity, pushing myself physically, or trying something completely new, I’m always looking for what’s next.