Bethany Slone, a native of Carleton, Michigan, has had a passion for the automotive manufacturing industry since childhood. “Whether I was working on cars with my dad or attending car shows with my family, I loved it all,” she said.
Bethany initially pursued a mechanical engineering major in college, driven by her enthusiasm for cars and motorsports. “I wanted to work in the automotive industry after graduation, and with limited exposure to other engineering disciplines, I thought mechanical engineering was my only pathway,” she explains.

Discovering a New Path in Cybersecurity Engineering

During her first year at the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), Bethany discovered cybersecurity engineering, a more hands-on technical field within cybersecurity and information assurance. “As soon as I learned about this option, I switched majors to cybersecurity and information assurance with a concentration on digital forensics,” she said. “Cybersecurity turned out to be the perfect intersection between my love for hands-on work and my passion for technology and innovation. Academically, I’ve never been more successful.”

STEM Outreach and Mentorship

In addition to her academic achievements, Bethany has dedicated herself to encouraging students to pursue careers in STEM. From September 2023 to March 2024, she worked as a program assistant in the Office of TRIO Programs at UM-Dearborn, supporting high school and college students in their academic and professional development. “As a first-generation college student, I’ve always wanted to inspire others to pursue rigorous career paths they might not have considered,” she said. Most notably, she mentored students at Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights, providing guidance on STEM careers and opportunities.

Bethany’s commitment to STEM outreach extended to her role as business lead for the Dearborn Electric Racing team. Working closely with CECS staff members such as Elizabeth Edenstrom, assistant director of academic success programs, and Brahim Medjahed, PhD, professor of computer and information science, she helped organize interactive programming for ENGR 095 students, introducing them to student teams and engineering careers. “I helped organize an open house at the Institute for Advanced Vehicle Systems, where ENGR 095 students could connect with student teams and explore the opportunities available on campus,” said Bethany.

Cybercrime and the Intersection of Tech and Trafficking 

A particularly powerful experience in Bethany’s academic journey happened during the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in 2024, when she led a research project focused on the victims of cybercrimes and their perceptions of technology-facilitated sex trafficking. Her work uncovered critical gaps in existing protective measures. Slone presented her research idea to her faculty mentor, Kathleen Darcy, JD, PhD, assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice studies, who agreed to help develop it. “This project marked the beginning of my work as an undergraduate cybercrime research assistant, and I had the opportunity to speak on panels about the intersection of technology and human trafficking,” she said.

Her research study, Understanding Victim Perceptions of Technology-Facilitated Sex Trafficking, explores how technology magnifies the trauma victims face. “The permanent nature of digital content distribution deepens the trauma, highlighting the need for stronger legal protections,” said Bethany. “Additionally, there is limited awareness of this issue, which calls for more discussion and safeguards to protect survivors.”

The Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship has been crucial to Bethany’s success, particularly the guidance of Darcy. “Dr. Darcy has believed in my abilities from day one, pushing me to achieve more and encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone,” she said. “She gave me the opportunity to  speak at conferences, and helped me connect with peers in the field, which has been invaluable. Her support has meant the world to me, and I hope I can serve as a mentor to others in the future, just as she has been one for me.”

Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity 
Bethany continues to be passionate about cybercrime and digital investigation, as demonstrated by her research. “This field is something I’d be interested in pursuing long-term, as I’m highly committed to advocating for survivors and seeking justice,” she said. “There is a fascinating intersection between criminal justice and cybersecurity, particularly as cybercrime becomes more prevalent as society advances technologically.” 

Slone, who is planning to pursue a master’s degree in cybercrime and digital investigation, hopes to eventually work in a senior cybersecurity engineering role within military systems or automotive manufacturing. As a first-generation college student — and a woman in a male-dominated field — she particularly values her academic accomplishments.  “One of my proudest moments was being hired, before graduation, as a cybersecurity engineer at American Axle & Manufacturing,” she said. “All of my long days, sleepless nights, and time spent investing in my future has truly paid off, putting me exactly where I worked so hard to be.”