Dontavious Ellis

Cybersecurity • DFIR / Incident Response

Tampa, FL • 772-205-1606 • dellis17@usf.edu
linkedin.com/in/dontavious-ellis • dontaviousellis.com • github.com/thefourierphantom
Last updated: February 2026
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Professional Summary

Cybersecurity student focused on digital forensics and incident response. Builds evidence-first casework through simulated intrusions, network traffic analysis, timeline reconstruction, and defensible reporting aligned with NIST guidance.

Technical Skills

Digital Forensics
Wireshark, PCAP, Endpoint Artifact Analysis, Timeline Reconstruction, Persistence Mechanism Detection
Network Security
Protocol Analysis (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS), Packet Capture & Analysis, Port Scanning (Nmap)
Operating Systems
Windows 10/11 (Registry, Task Scheduler, Event Logs), Linux (Ubuntu/Kali), VirtualBox, System Hardening
Programming & Scripting
Python, C, Bash, PowerShell, Git/GitHub
Security Frameworks
NIST SP 800-61, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Kill Chain Analysis
Databases
SQL (SQLite, MySQL), Database Analysis, Artifact Extraction

Education

University of South Florida (USF)

B.S. Cybersecurity • Expected Graduation: May 2028

Relevant Coursework: Discrete Mathematics, Databases, Statistics, Electrical Systems I, Calculus II

Certifications

CompTIA Security+

Jan 2026

Technical Projects

Network Intrusion Investigation (CASE-001) — Simulated DFIR Exercise

Jan 2026 – Feb 2026

  • Designed and executed controlled Windows 10 lab (VirtualBox) to investigate recurring after-hours outbound HTTPS traffic.
  • Captured and analyzed 7,000+ frames (1,000+ packets) in Wireshark, reviewing 86 TCP conversations to identify baseline deviation.
  • Validated persistence via Windows Task Scheduler artifact (PowerShell logon execution) and correlated host artifacts with network evidence.
  • Applied NIST SP 800-61 incident response methodology to document complete investigative workflow with remediation recommendations.

Published case report: dontaviousellis.com/case-files

Linux Infrastructure & Network Traffic Analysis Lab — Independent Project

  • Built isolated virtual network with 3 hardened Ubuntu VMs and 1 Kali attack platform to simulate red team/blue team scenarios.
  • Captured and analyzed 500+ packets to identify cleartext credential transmission in unencrypted HTTP and FTP sessions.
  • Executed network reconnaissance using Nmap (SYN scans, service enumeration, OS fingerprinting) across 10+ simulated endpoints.
  • Configured iptables firewall rules to block suspicious traffic patterns and logged denied connections for post-incident analysis.

BullsAID: Emergency Response Drone — SCOPE Flagship Project

Jun 2025 – Dec 2025

  • Conducted security review of 5 subsystems to identify data integrity risks, recommending cryptographic signing for telemetry streams.
  • Performed failure mode analysis on communication stack, identifying race conditions that could lead to data loss under packet loss scenarios.

Leadership & Involvement

Programs Chair — NSBE (USF Chapter)

Apr 2025 – Present

  • Organize and execute technical workshops and professional development events, engaging 100+ engineering students per semester.
  • Develop and deliver age-appropriate STEM curriculum on technology fundamentals and digital safety for K-5 students through community outreach programs.

President — USF Society for Critical Operations and Preparedness Engineering (SCOPE)

Jun 2025 – Dec 2025

  • Directed strategy for a 60+ member organization focused on mission-critical operations and emergency readiness.
  • Managed cross-functional teams across Engineering and Public Readiness divisions, overseeing complex technical initiatives.
  • Facilitated partnerships with academic and industry stakeholders to secure resources for operational training and hands-on readiness workshops.

Work Experience

Website Specialist — USF Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Tampa, FL • Sep 2024 – Present

  • Manage departmental web content through Omni CMS for 15+ department pages, ensuring data accuracy and access control.
  • Troubleshoot network connectivity, printer access issues, and system configuration during faculty/staff onboarding.
  • Provide technical support for web portals, multimedia integration, equipment setup, and IT infrastructure maintenance.

Crew Member — Chipotle Mexican Grill

St. Lucie West, FL • May 2023 – Aug 2024

  • Maintained high-volume operational efficiency, serving 200+ customers per shift while adhering to strict compliance and safety standards.
  • Trained new hires on workflow protocols, ensuring consistency in service delivery and team performance.