Submitted by Ronald Scarpa
(June 27, 2026) — Ronald Scarpa, a 2021 graduate of Haddam-Killingworth High School has earned an M.S. degree from the University of New Haven, marking the completion of an exceptional academic career defined by research, competitive achievement, student leadership, technical education, and service to the University’s cybersecurity community.
Scarpa, a Killingworth native, played a major role in shaping the University’s cybersecurity culture. As president of cyber@CIT and captain of the University’s hacking team, he mentored students, organized weekly meetings, supported hands-on technical training, and helped strengthen the University’s competitive cybersecurity presence. His leadership helped create an environment where students could learn from one another.
He also co-founded the University of New Haven Linux Club, driven by a commitment to free software, user privacy, and the open internet, spearheading hands-on labs and advocacy campaigns that introduced peers to open source projects. Scarpa is a cybersecurity researcher, published author, competition leader, and founder of CTF@CIT, the University’s student-led Capture the Flag competition. Having first developed his cybersecurity skillset through Capture the Flag competitions in middle and high school, Scarpa created CTF@CIT in 2024 to make high-quality cybersecurity education more accessible, engaging, and community driven. Scarpa will begin working full-time as a cybersecurity engineer.
