From EURECOM to Cybersecurity at Amadeus: Elisa Chiapponi’s Journey

From EURECOM to Cybersecurity at Amadeus: Elisa Chiapponi’s Journey

Elisa Chiapponi graduated from EURECOM in 2020 with a double degree from Politecnico di Torino and Télécom Paris, specializing in Security of Communication Systems. In 2023, she obtained her Ph.D. in Digital Security from Sorbonne Université. She worked on her Ph.D. thesis at EURECOM in collaboration with Amadeus. Today, she is a Senior Cybersecurity Researcher at Amadeus, based in Sophia Antipolis. Her story shows how EURECOM prepares students for dynamic careers.

1. Journey at EURECOM

Why did you choose EURECOM?

During my studies at Politecnico di Torino, I had several options for a double degree abroad. I was looking for an institution with a strong academic reputation, close links with industry, and a learning environment where students could interact closely with professors.

EURECOM immediately stood out. The small class sizes create an ideal setting for in-depth learning and discussion, and many courses are directly taught by professors on their own research topics. This makes the classes particularly stimulating and closely connected to real-world challenges and cutting-edge research. 

Finally, the location was definitely a plus: studying in an international environment, close to the sea and in a region with many sunny days, contributed to an excellent quality of life during my studies.

What did you study at EURECOM and what topics stood out to you the most?

I followed the System Security curriculum, and my favorite course was Mobile Security. Through Capture-The-Flag (CTF) challenges, we explored the security of Android devices in a very hands-on way. This approach allowed me to learn while having fun, and it played a key role in sparking my long-term interest in cybersecurity research.

How would you describe your overall experience at EURECOM in a few words?

Challenging, inspiring, and formative.

EURECOM pushed me intellectually and helped me discover my passion for cybersecurity, which later led me to pursue a PhD. Furthermore, it gave me the opportunity to build strong and precious international friendships that I still maintain today.

2. From studies to first job

What was your first position after graduating from EURECOM?

After completing my double degree, I joined Amadeus for a research internship. The results of this internship were very positive, and Amadeus decided to sponsor a PhD project on my research topic, carried out jointly with EURECOM and Sorbonne Université.

After completing my PhD, I joined Amadeus full-time as a cybersecurity researcher.

How did you find this first opportunity?

Through the EURECOM Forum Entreprises. I left my CV at the Amadeus booth and had several discussions with people from the company. A few months later, my future manager from the security team contacted me for an interview.

Did EURECOM help you enter the job market?

Yes, very much so. The Forum Entreprises was key, but also the internship offer database and the strong industrial connections that EURECOM maintains. These bridges between academia and industry make a real difference when entering the job market.

3. Working in Cybersecurity today

What is your current role and what does a typical day look like?

I am currently a Senior Cybersecurity Researcher at Amadeus, specializing in the detection and mitigation of automated attacks (bots).

Because I work in research and innovation, no two days are exactly the same. Depending on the stage of a project, I may:

•          Study recent scientific papers and emerging attack techniques

•          Analyze real attack data to understand new adversarial behaviors

•          Design, implement, and test new detection or mitigation methods

•          Write research papers or patents when a solution proves effective

•          Present results at international conferences

•          Supervise and coordinate the work of other researchers and engineers

I also contribute to internal innovation initiatives and European research projects, which involves collaboration, coordination meetings, and some administrative tasks. This diversity is what makes the role both dynamic and rewarding.

What are the main challenges of your role today?

Like much of cybersecurity, my field is a constant arms race between attackers and defenders. When we develop a new way to block an attack, we also need to anticipate how attackers might adapt and how we can stay one step ahead.

This challenge is demanding, but it is also what makes the work exciting and intellectually stimulating.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy the fact that it is constantly evolving, intellectually challenging, and impactful. I work on cutting-edge technologies, collaborate with like-minded experts, and know that my work contributes to protecting real systems and users.

How does your field evolve and how do you stay up to date?

Staying up to date is essential, even if the volume of information can be overwhelming.

Personally, I use a combination of academic alerts for research papers, regular reviews of major cybersecurity and Internet measurement conferences, and industrial threat-intelligence feeds. I maintain a broad overview of the field, while selecting a few key papers or alerts each week to study in depth. This balance helps me stay both informed and focused.

4. Impact of EURECOM and Advice

Which skills or mindset gained at EURECOM do you use the most today?

Adaptability.

EURECOM taught me how to face new challenges, manage multiple tasks in parallel, and remain flexible in complex and evolving environments, skills that are essential in cybersecurity research.

What advice would you give to current EURECOM students?

Be curious and passionate, stay up to date in your field, and take advantage of as many research/industrial projects and internships as possible. They are invaluable to understand what you truly enjoy, what the academia/industry is actually looking for, and where you want to specialize.

Would you recommend EURECOM to a future student? Why?

Absolutely. My year at EURECOM was one of the most important and enriching experiences of my life, both academically and personally. I learned a great deal, grew significantly, and built lasting professional and personal connections.

Do you have a message to inspire future female students who are still underrepresented in tech?

Cybersecurity is a stimulating and creative field that requires thinking outside the box. Diverse perspectives are a real strength when designing effective security solutions.

The more diverse a security team is, the better it becomes at anticipating and countering complex threats. My message would be: don’t self-censor, your perspective is valuable.

We’re thrilled to share Elisa’s story! Her journey highlights how EURECOM equips students with the skills, mindset, and opportunities to thrive in challenging and dynamic fields like cybersecurity. We hope her experience inspires current and future students to follow their passions, explore opportunities, and shape their own unique paths.