Hi! I'm Hazel

My path to studying Law and IT was unexpected. After high school, I began a pharmacy degree but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit for me. Reflecting on my love of reading, writing, and social justice, I decided to pursue law.

I still wanted to combine my love for science with my law degree, so I considered my options. Growing up, I never saw tech as a field I could be part of – women are still greatly underrepresented in the industry, and I always felt behind compared to my peers, having had limited access to the internet due to growing up in a rural area.

However, as I explored how rapidly technology was transforming the legal landscape, particularly in areas like data privacy and cybersecurity, I saw an exciting opportunity to challenge myself and combine my interests. So, I took a leap of faith into a dual degree in Law and IT.

Looking back, it’s one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been an incredibly fulfilling challenge, pushing me to grow in ways I never imagined.

Discovering my path is an ongoing journey. While curiosity is one of my greatest strengths, it can sometimes make it difficult to narrow down my interests. However, I embrace this. I recognise that I am still young and constantly learning, and I'm not yet ready to limit myself to one specific direction. This mindset allows me to remain open to new opportunities and adapt as I grow both personally and professionally.

I really enjoy running, as it provides me with both a chance to get outdoors and see the world and a great form of exercise. In 2023, I ran my first half marathon, raising funds for the Black Dog Institute. The following year, despite struggling with an injury, I still completed the Bridge to Brisbane, raising over $500 for Suicide Prevention Australia. I dream of running a full marathon one day if my body allows me.

More recently, I've developed a passion for photography. Having always loved capturing moments, I decided to learn how to use a camera to truly capture the beauty of the world through my lens.

In my downtime, you may find me binge watching YouTube videos trying to understand more about the world around us. Call me a nerd, but I love to learn about the latest developments in science, tech, and the economy.

I’m currently working on building out this website. While it’s far from perfect (please don’t look too closely!), it’s been great fun! I’m excited to have my own space on the internet where I can share my work, thoughts, and experiences with anyone who’s interested.

As Vice President of the QUT Cyber Security Club, I’m focused on growing and strengthening the community. This involves managing social media, organising events, and general administration. On a personal note, I’m working toward obtaining my ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certificate.

I’m also trying to improve my photography skills. I studied a photography subject as an elective at unviersity and am working on putting my new skills to practice.

There are some links to my social media below! For general enquiries, feel free to reach out via email: hello@hazelhogan.dev