Cloud Computing

Although Z Collective founder, Zara Ahmad-Post, is well known in industry and government for AI-enabled security research and engineering, in her local tech community in Tucson, Arizona, she is affectionately known as “Professor Zara”. In 2023, Zara launched a revamped masters’ level course in Cloud Computing that she now teaches every Fall at the University of Arizona.

“I was really excited to give students hands-on experience with some of the cutting edge technologies that underpin modern cloud computing- what we often call ‘Cloud Native’ computing. I only know of a handful of courses across the U.S. that give students a primer in modern cloud development and operations principles, so the course materials really give students an advantage as they begin to navigate their early careers.”

It isn’t just her industry perspective and experience, but also her characteristic energy and enthusiasm that make Zara a favorite among students.

In fact, many of Zara’s former students join Z Collective to volunteer and help others while continuing to build their portfolios. Z Collective volunteers give back through engineering, research, product management, documentation, and data analytics.

Neha Bharambe is one such student who began working with Z Collective after graduation. Said Neha, “Working with Z Collective has been a transformative experience for me, especially under the guidance of Professor Zara. When I joined Z Collective, I was new to many cybersecurity concepts, but Professor Zara played a pivotal role in helping me navigate this unfamiliar terrain. She provided constant support and was always open to considering my unconventional ideas on how to approach problems—even if they deviated from standard practices. This openness encouraged me to explore innovative solutions and strengthened my problem-solving abilities.”

If you’d like to learn more about Z Collective and our educational and outreach programs please get in touch.