I am a Ph.D. student and researcher at the University of Florida working at the intersection of cybersecurity, human–computer interaction, and sports technology. As part of the AI Powered Athletics lab and the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research, my work examines the unique privacy and security challenges faced by high-risk user groups, including student-athletes and survivors of intimate partner violence. Through qualitative and mixed-methods research, I contribute an understanding of how individuals interact with technology while surfacing real-world needs and developing principles that guide effective technology development. Previously, I was part of the Wolfpack Security Lab at NC State, where I worked on phishing detection and led a team investigating vulnerabilities in fitness tracking applications. In addition to my academic work, I am passionate about sports performance, competing in Ironman triathlons and drawing on my experience as a former Division I swimmer.
Authors: Kevin Childs,Mollie Brewer, Spencer Thomas, Celeste Wilkins, Jennifer A. Nichols, Kristy Elizabeth Boyer, Kevin R. B. Butler.
Publication Venue: ACM Conference on Human-Computer Interaction and Sports (SportsHCI), November 2025
Authors: Wesly S. Menard, Kevin Childs, Oluwatomisin Obajemu, Toni V. Earle-Randell, Kristy Elizabeth Boyer
Publication Venue: EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare (PervasiveHealth), October 2025, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Authors: Mollie Brewer, Kevin Childs, Celeste Wilkins, Zachary R. Smith, Spencer Thomas, Kristy Elizabeth Boyer, Jennifer A. Nichols, Garrett F. Beatty, Daniel Ferris.
Publication Venue: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, September 2025
Authors: Anna Crowder, Allison Lu, Kevin Childs, Carson Stillman, Patrick Traynor, Kevin R. B. Butler
Publication Venue: IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (S&P), May 2025
Authors: Mollie Brewer, Kevin Childs, Spencer Thomas, Celeste Wilkins, Kristy Elizabeth Boyer, Jennifer A. Nichols, Kevin R. B. Butler, Garrett F. Beatty, Daniel P. Ferris
Publication Venue: ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), April 2025
Authors: Kevin Childs, Cassidy Gibson, Anna Crowder, Kevin Warren, Carson Stillman, Elissa Redmiles, Eakta Jain, Patrick Traynor, Kevin Butler
Publication Venue: ACM Conference on Computer and Communications Security (CCS), October 2024
Authors: Aleksandr Nahapetyan, Sathvik Prasad, Kevin Childs, Adam Oest, Yeganeh Ladwig, Alexandros Kapravelos, Bradley Reaves
Publication Venue: IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy (S&P), May 2024
Authors: Kevin Childs, Daniel Nolting, Anupam Das
Publication Venue: IEEE Workshop on Technology and Consumer Protection (ConPro), May 2023
Description This research investigates how large language models can be applied to qualitative thematic analysis, comparing existing tools with previously preformed analysis. It introduces ContextTA, a framework aligned qualtiative analysis using contextual integrity, and evaluates its potential to supplement—but not yet replace—traditional qualitative research practices.
Description This research examines whether anonymized GPS and IMU data can be de-anonymized using video footage from sports competitions. It investigates the potential for video data to fingerprint motion data captured by sensors, particularly in the event of a data breach.
Description This research examines the collection and security of data from student-athletes, including sensitive metrics gathered during practices and games. It explores risks to privacy, fair competition, and gambling integrity, as well as existing data management solutions to address these concerns
Description: Showcases published work by Mollie Brewer and Kevin Childs about how coaches use technology presented at ACM CHI in Japan
Description: Highlights the role of Kevin Childs and Mollie Brewer in the UF and Sport collaborative
Description: Describes a vulnerability that allows for the home address of some Strava users to be discovered.
View my CV.
In my spare time, I enjoy training and competing in Ironman distance triathlons, ultramarathons, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. Stemming from a Division I background in swimming at NC State, I have developed a love for the community that sports and outdoor groups foster. Additionally, I enjoy hosting dinner parties, gardening, cooking Costco-sized portions of food, and playing piano.
