Hi, I am Roman Smal.Ambitious.Strategic.Intelligent.
I transform ideas into results through deep analysis and relentless execution, using every challenge to push boundaries and raise the bar.
Get to Know Me
My Journey
As a final-year BSc Cyber Security student, I've developed a strong foundation in network security, infrastructure protection, and solution design. My journey has been shaped by hands-on experience in network architecture, security testing, and translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable solutions.
My passion for network security and solution design was demonstrated during the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge 2025 in Cheltenham, where I worked with a team to develop comprehensive response strategies for critical infrastructure breaches. This scenario-based competition required me to analyse complex network security incidents, design multi-layered defence solutions, and present our strategic approach to government stakeholders, showcasing my ability to think like a network security professional whilst communicating effectively with non-technical decision-makers.
In my Security Testing module, I completed a penetration testing project that required presenting technical findings to non-technical clients using analogies and business-focused language. This experience taught me how to bridge the gap between deep technical analysis and executive-level communication, essential skills for a Systems Engineer.
As a Computer Lab Assistant at the University of Roehampton, I support students across Security Testing, Digital Forensics, and Network Security modules. This role has strengthened my presentation and whiteboarding skills as I regularly explain network protocols, security architectures, and defence strategies to students with varying technical backgrounds.
Beyond the classroom, I founded the Cyber Security Society at my university, leading weekly sessions where 30+ members collaborate on network security challenges, practice penetration testing, and share knowledge.
Skills & Expertise
Network Security & Infrastructure
- Network Architecture: Design and analysis of secure network topologies, VLANs, subnetting, routing protocols
- Network Security: Firewall configuration, IDS/IPS, network segmentation, access control
- Network Protocols: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, VPN technologies, network troubleshooting
- Network Scanning & Analysis: Nmap, Wireshark packet analysis, network discovery, port scanning
- Infrastructure Security: System hardening, security configurations, network monitoring
- Security Testing: Penetration testing, vulnerability assessment (Burp Suite, Metasploit, etc.)
- Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS, Linux/Unix systems, containerisation, infrastructure as code
Solution Design & Communication
- Presentation Skills: Technical presentations, whiteboarding, solution architecture diagrams
- Client Communication: Explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences, using analogies and business-focused language
- Solution Design: Developing comprehensive security solutions, multi-layered defense strategies
- Collaboration: Team-based problem solving, cross-functional coordination, knowledge sharing
- Technical Skills: Python scripting, SQL databases, data analysis, security tool proficiency
- Teaching & Mentoring: Lab assistance, one-on-one tutoring, workshop delivery, educational material development
- Documentation: Technical documentation, security reports, solution proposals
Experience
Computer Lab Assistant
University of Roehampton
London, UK
OCT 2025 – MAY 2026
7 months
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Model Agency
Ukraine / Remote
AUG 2021 – AUG 2023
2 years
Cadet to Fourth Engineer
Stolt Tankers
Worldwide (sea)
DEC 2019 – JUN 2021
1 year 6 months
Education
BSc Cyber Security
University of Roehampton
London, UK
Expected Grade: First Class Honours
Marine Engineer
National University "Odessa Maritime Academy"
Odessa, Ukraine
First Class Honours
Articles
Sharing my insights, projects, thoughts, and experiences
Deploying my own website on a home server
A complete guide to hosting a Next.js application on a Raspberry Pi, including systemd service setup, Nginx reverse proxy configuration, and Let's Encrypt SSL certificate installation.
Supporting students as a computer lab assistant
Supporting students across Security Testing, Digital Forensics, Network Security, and Computer Systems modules at University of Roehampton, developing my presentation and communication skills whilst helping others learn.
Competing at the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge
A scenario-based competition responding to a cyberattack on two UK ports, requiring us to brief government stakeholders on response strategies.
Installing Arch Linux on Raspberry Pi 5 and fixing HDMI issues
A personal journey through installing Arch Linux ARM on Raspberry Pi 5, dealing with U-Boot incompatibilities, and troubleshooting HDMI display problems.
Designing a network security architecture for multiple offices
Designing a secure network architecture connecting a cybersecurity consulting company's London headquarters with branch offices in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and York, implementing VPN tunnels, network segmentation, and comprehensive security measures.
AML detection in blockchain systems
Advanced Anti-Money Laundering detection system using ML/AI to identify money laundering patterns in Ethereum and TRON blockchain networks.
Achievements
Regional Math Olympiad Winner
1st Place
Achieved first place in the Regional Mathematics Olympiad, Odessa region, Ukraine. Demonstrated exceptional analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities in competitive mathematics.
Regional IT Olympiad Winner
2nd Place
Secured second place in the Regional IT Olympiad, Odessa region, Ukraine. Showcased strong technical aptitude and computational thinking in competitive programming and computer science.
BSc Cyber Security
First Class Honours
Expected first-class honours degree in BSc Cyber Security, demonstrating comprehensive understanding of security principles, threat analysis, and defensive strategies.
EJPT Certification
Junior Penetration Tester
Earned eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester certification, validating practical skills in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking methodologies.
Certification ID: 140964497
Cyber Security Society
President & Founder
Founded and currently lead the Cyber Security Society at University of Roehampton, growing it to 30+ active members. Organize weekly sessions on penetration testing, security research, and knowledge sharing.
UK Cyber Leaders Challenge
Participant
Selected participant in the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge 2025, Cheltenham. Engaged in scenario-based competitions involving critical infrastructure breaches and strategic response planning from a government perspective.
Capture The Flag Winner
Multiple Victories
1st Place: Roehampton CTF
1st Place: Sheffield Siege CTF
2nd Place: HackTheBox CTF
Consistently ranked at the top in competitive cybersecurity challenges, demonstrating advanced skills in penetration testing, reverse engineering, and exploit development.
Advanced Projects
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure
Developed multiple sophisticated security projects including business infrastructure assessment using ELK + Wazuh log analysis aligned with ISO 27001 and NIST CSF frameworks, a secure Node.js/Express + MySQL web application for penetration testing with SQLi, XSS, and CSRF vulnerability mitigation, and bootloader exploit analysis with bootkit identification and GPT integrity recovery.
Karate Practitioner
2nd Brown Belt (2nd Kyu)
Practiced karate for over 12 years, beginning in childhood and continuing with Chelsea Karate Club in London. Achieved second brown belt (one rank before black belt).
Contact
I'm always open to discussing opportunities, collaborations, research projects, or answering questions. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to connect.