SEC536: Adversarial AI - Penetration Testing AI Systems
SEC536Offensive Operations, Artificial Intelligence
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About Katlyn Hill
Katlyn Hill is a brain tumor survivor, yoga teacher, and lifelong sport and health enthusiast whose journey reflects both resilience and a deep commitment to mind–body healing. At just five years old, she was diagnosed with an astrocytoma, a brain tumor the size of a large egg located at the base of her cerebellum. Within three days of the diagnosis, she underwent a twenty-one-hour surgery to remove the tumor, marking the beginning of a long path of physical and emotional recovery.
Only a few months later, with the support of her parents and medical team, Katlyn joined a local basketball league. It was on the court that she discovered her love for sports and, over time, an appreciation for the powerful connection between mental and physical well-being. She went on to play basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse competitively, embracing the discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness that athletics demands.
As an adult, Katlyn began to more fully process the emotional weight of her early diagnosis—something her parents had largely carried for her during childhood. This period of reflection led her to explore new ways of supporting her mental and physical health. She eventually found yoga, a practice that became transformative. After five years of dedicated practice, she earned her 200-hour yoga teacher certification.
Over time, her approach to yoga evolved. What began as a focus on strength and dynamic movement shifted into a more gentle, restorative practice. This evolution allowed her to quiet her mind, release stored trauma, and reconnect with her body in a more compassionate way. She further deepened her work by training with Love Your Brain, a community focused on supporting individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries.
Katlyn’s journey has included additional health challenges. In her twenties, she underwent surgery to remove cholesteatomas behind her ear. Throughout her athletic career, she also experienced two significant concussions, injuries that, at the time, were often minimized in competitive sports culture. Despite symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and lasting effects like light sensitivity and brain fog, she continued to compete, reflecting both the pressures and realities many athletes face.
Today, Katlyn brings her lived experience into her work, using movement, mindfulness, and education to support others on their own healing journeys. Her story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the ongoing pursuit of balance between strength and self-compassion.
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