From curiosity to research: My path into AI-enhanced cybersecurity

My interest in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence developed gradually, led by curiosity and a growing motivation to explore the field through research. It did not begin with a single moment, it grew through years of working closely with digital systems and the people who depend and learn from them.

In this post, I would like to highlight the moments that made me start this journey, and continue to guide my work today:

• Curiosity as a starting point, which led me from software engineering and teaching into research.
• A focus on AI-enhanced cybersecurity and early threat detection, with an emphasis on real world complex problems.
• The importance of passion and purpose in sustaining a long term research journey.

Why I chose this research path:

While working in software engineering and teaching, I spent much of my time designing systems, explaining how they function and helping students understand their behaviour. Over time, I became increasingly aware of how deeply digital technologies are essential part of our everyday life. We rely on them for communication, finance, education and decision making, often without questioning how secure or resilient they really are.

At the same time, I observed how fragile digital trust can be. Small oversights, unexpected interactions or hidden vulnerabilities can quickly lead to significant consequences. These experiences were given an opportunity to be properly studied, when I applied for the AUFRANDE PhD candidate position in Cybersecurity and AI.

Curiosity drove me to seek answers, but I found that through research, I would have the space and tools to explore these questions in depth. This shift marked the beginning of my journey from software engineering into cybersecurity research, and eventually into the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Moving from a still developing research culture in Albania, which still has a mix of positive momentum and persistent challenges, into the experiences of France and Australia helped me realise how much dedication and continuous effort is needed to reach my full potential as a researcher.

What I am currently working on:

I am currently pursuing a PhD in AI-enhanced cybersecurity and early threat detection. The core focus of my research is on synthesising heterogeneous intelligence. In simpler words, this means that I study the behaviour and I get insights from combining different types of information to improve the detection and understanding of cyber threats. Technical data, such as network data or different intrusion alerts, remains essential, but it rarely provides a complete picture on its own. Simply put, today’s threats change and evolve quickly and are shaped by more than just technology.

My research explores how artificial intelligence can bring different signals together to make sense of emerging threats. By combining multiple perspectives, I aim to spot issues earlier and support better decisions. What really excites me about this work is how closely it reflects the real world. Cybersecurity challenges are interconnected, and my research is driven by that same connected nature.

Advice for younger researchers:

One of the most important lessons I have learned so far is that research is not about having figured things out from the beginning. It is a process of learning how to ask better questions over time.

For any young women or girls considering a career in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence or research in general, staying curious and being patient with yourself is essential. Strong foundations matter, but growth often comes from stepping beyond your comfort zone and exploring ideas across disciplines. It is also important to remember that research is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress can be slow and sometimes it feels like you’re stuck, and challenges are inevitable. What makes the journey meaningful is choosing problems that genuinely matter to you. In the end, passion and purpose are not optional. They are the essence that keeps the motivation during difficult moments and give meaning to a long-term effort.

If you are interested in knowing more about my research subject, please see my AUFRANDE project.