#394 TUE | Capture the Flag

Cyber: Capture the Flag by FSU CS

AgTech: Plants in Jars

FL Tech Events

Capture the Flag (CTF) is a hands-on cybersecurity competition where participants tackle puzzles, break codes, and analyze systems to discover hidden virtual flags. These challenges replicate real-world hacking scenarios, making it an excellent opportunity to gain practical skills in cryptography, digital forensics, reverse engineering, and web exploitation.

Hosted by the FSU Department of Computer Science, this event is designed for high school and undergraduate students eager to explore the fast-paced world of cybersecurity. (No prior experience is needed) CTF is an ideal introduction to essential concepts of cyber defense, fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

The program kicks off with a series of workshops, each running from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the FSU Love Building. Mark your calendars for these dates: June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 5, and July 12. Each session will guide participants through CTF techniques, offering both theoretical insights and practical challenges that gradually build in complexity.

Whether you’re a coding enthusiast or a complete beginner aiming to break into the cybersecurity field, this event offers a valuable learning experience from experienced mentors and collaboration with like-minded peers. Plus, it’s completely free — just scan the QR code or register here and secure your spot.

Laur Frazee, a 29-year-old self-taught plant enthusiast, runs the YouTube channel Plants in Jars, where she shares practical insights into DIY tissue culture. Her approachable videos have attracted nearly 83,000 subscribers, offering valuable guidance to growers interested in affordable plant propagation techniques.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, she began experimenting with plant cloning after reselling tropical houseplants sparked her curiosity. Without formal training, she relied on household items like microwaves and pressure cookers to practice tissue culture.

Over time, her simple home setup evolved into a more professional lab at a business incubator, featuring equipment like a laminar flow hood. This journey shows that functional propagation setups can be established without significant investment, encouraging small-scale growers to explore new methods. ✨

Her channel not only documents her learning process but also features collaborations with plant scientists, such as exploring the glow-in-the-dark Firefly petunia by Light Bio. These projects blend amateur enthusiasm with professional insights, fostering a community of curious and resourceful growers.

By promoting open access to plant science knowledge, she inspires others to explore tissue culture, emphasizing that setting up a small propagation lab doesn’t have to be costly. Her practical approach and community involvement make her a relatable figure for anyone passionate about plant innovation.

Kids’ Free Day by Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee | 10 AM | Challenger Learning Center, 200 South Duval St. | *Receive one complimentary child’s ticket for each adult ticket purchase. Hollywood Films excluded from this offer. Learn More Every 3rd Saturday of the Month:

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Cybersecurity Capture the Flag by FSU | 9:30 AM | Florida State University Love Building, 1017 Academic Way | Free Register

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