Stephanie Corvese is a Senior Manager in the Digital Forensics and Incident Response team. She is responsible for leading the company’s client digital forensics and incident response investigations, the training, management, and oversite of its national DFIR practice and Toronto lab. She is a GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner with a strong background in computers and consumer electronic devices, digital forensics analysis, and incident management. Stephanie is an active member of the Cybercrime External Advisory Group (CEAG), a public/private partnership between the RCMP and the private sector.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Stephanie shared her professional trajectory, insights on the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in digital forensics, personal sources of inspiration, her favorite quote, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Stephanie. Can you walk us through your background and what you’re most passionate about in your work?
I started off my academic journey with the goal of becoming a forensic anthropologist, and first pursued an undergraduate degree in Biology and Anthropology at Trent University; and then a master’s degree in forensic science from National University.
From a young age, I always had a passion for technology, and my journey eventually led me to the field of digital forensics.
I am most passionate about using my team’s knowledge and skillset to help people.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
I feel the most joy when we discover something that cracks a case wide open, and provides our clients with the evidence, support, restitution, or closure they need to resolve their situation.
What role do you see artificial intelligence and machine learning playing in digital forensics?
AI and machine learning have been part of digital forensics for many years already. The majority of forensic tools have some aspect of these built into them as a tool to assist investigators during processing and analysis.
At this stage, some vendors are experimenting with new applications for AI and ML in these tools, and I feel as long as we view AI and ML as a method to assist investigators, rather than replace them, then we are on the right path. The goal for AI and ML should always be to assist humanity rather than replace.
What approaches do you employ to stay ahead of emerging threats and tactics in digital forensics?
Digital forensics is very much a team sport. Developing and staying connected to your peer network is important to stay connected with emerging threats and technologies.
What impact do you believe increased diversity and inclusion would have on innovation, creativity, and progress in your industry?
As with any field, diverse viewpoints always offer unique ways of thinking, different perspectives, knowledge, increase cooperation, and global outreach. Since digital forensics is a team sport, the more diverse our community is, the better it is for everyone.
What leadership qualities and skills do you believe are essential for driving growth and transformation, and how do you embody those qualities in your own leadership style?
The leadership qualities I embrace are closely aligned with the culture of Doane Grant Thornton – transparency, respect, caring, cooperation, coaching. My team is very important to me, and we heavily rely on each other when we are working on a file. My role as leader is to ensure that my team feels understood, empowered, and respected; that they feel they have what they need to perform their tasks, take care of themselves, and pursue their career goals.
Who has been a personal role model or mentor to you throughout your career, and what qualities or characteristics have you admired or emulated?
I have been really blessed to have many wonderful leaders & in my career that I have drawn inspiration from. Two of them are my current bosses here at Doane Grant Thornton, Sandy Boucher and Jennifer Fiddian-Green. Others include my good friend D’Arcy Davis, and my husband, Matthew Parsons.
I greatly admire many things about all of them. Each one has unique and wonderful traits that make them great leaders in our field. Some that come to mind are Patience, kindness, determination, transparency, cooperation, respect, responsibility and accountability. I try to emulate all of these in my own leadership style.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
For me, it is all about quality time with my family and friends. Spending time with them helps me unwind and relax.
Motivation is a very person by person process. What motivates one person may not motivate the other. I spend time with my team, focusing on building a relationship with them and tailor my leadership and motivation towards their own unique needs. Building and maintaining that team relationship is vital to the overall success of our business, so I make it a priority.
What is your favorite quote?
My favourite quote is one by the legendary Maya Angelou, “At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel”
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I hope to still be a part of the Forensics team at Doane Grant Thornton, continuing the good work that we do.
What message or advice would you give to young women or girls who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?
I would tell them to go for it and pursue your dreams. Don’t be afraid to take that chance or to fail, and don’t be afraid to reach out, make those connections and grow your network.