University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

A Network Security and Technology Forensics dual-major, Christopher Perme was lucky to have a Student Innovation Project (SIP) idea spark from his personal circumstances.

What was less lucky? That inspiration arrived with a dilemma: After ordering a custom-built PC worth thousands of dollars, Chris was devastated to see his desktop arrive in Arizona in an absolutely demolished state. Having clearly been dropped at some point enroute, the water-cooled case broke and the liquid within destroyed all components of the PC. Chris realized there was a need for a more secure and protective way to ship expensive electronic devices, which inspired him to develop Enforcer, a new shipping solution that ensures security of high-value hardware in transit.

Equipped with a Raspberry Pi 4, a micro 128GB SD card, an O-ring, and an automatic pressure release valve, the Enforcer is an impressively designed shipping container. Material within the Enforcer is protected from the elements with its airtight seal and thermal resilience. Additionally, opening the Enforcer trips a magnetic switch which triggers video surveillance from within the case. This makes the Enforcer ideal for transit of precious goods, as the user can view footage from the shipping container and investigate any foul play later with video surveillance.

Chris initially intended the Enforcer for desktop computers. However, as he worked on it and explored various storage methods, he realized the case could securely ship any item while providing security footage.

Chris has come a long way from his hometown of Garettsville, Ohio to UAT’s Tempe campus. It proved a fortuitous move, though, as Chris finds the campus to be the perfect backdrop for aspiring innovators.

“For starters, any resource that you could possibly imagine—it's here,” Chris explained. “All on-campus technology is updated regularly, whether it's a VR machine, or a 3D printer, or some form of network security software. It's all provided for students to get to experiment with new technology without breaking the bank.”

Chris chose to transfer to UAT after an injury ended his football career at Marietta College in Ohio. Wanting to switch his focus from athletics to academics, he applied to UAT on the advice of some family members who are also UAT alumni. Semesters later and now well settled in, the community at UAT has proved invaluable to Chris almost as much as the resources.

“Here at UAT, if you ever need a helping hand, you can walk in the hallway, say, ‘Hey, I might need help later with something,’ and chances are that they're going to reach out to you before you reach out to them,” Chris said. “There's always somebody willing to help whether they’re a professor or a student. And that's something that's really hard to come by—especially nowadays.”

Chris collaborated with James “Glenn” Truett, a Digital Maker and Fabrication and Robotics and Embedded Systems dual-major at UAT. Glenn contributed to more of the physical elements of Enforcer, such as developing schematics and assisting with 3D printing, soldering, and wiring needs for the project. UAT faculty were also helpful, with Chris being particularly grateful to Professor Dapzury Valenzuela, who oversees the SIP-related courses.

In just a few more semesters, Chris will graduate with his degrees, and plans to then return to Ohio. He says he’s eager to find an entry level network security position to get his start at a company where he can use his knowledge and skills to excel. Or, with the demand for network security and technology forensics majors, perhaps land a role he can “grow into” with mentorship and on-the-job learning. He’s keeping an open mind to possibilities but feels confident that the skills he’s learned at UAT will help him wherever he goes as long as he embraces opportunities for continuous learning.

“You learn something new with every job you're at, regardless of if you like it or not,” he said. “Every experience is a learning opportunity.”

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