Cybersecurity Guide

Dr. Fan Wu is the head of Computer Science at Tuskegee University and director of the National Center of Information Assurance Education, with a WPI PhD and over 20 years of leadership advancing hands-on cybersecurity education and research. Dr. Wu discusses how Tuskegee University prepares cybersecurity students through a full BS–MS–PhD pathway, strong hands-on learning (labs, research, internships), and support programs that can reduce student debt. He also highlights key trends like the growing overlap of cybersecurity with AI/data science and other emerging technologies, and advises students to build solid coding and teamwork skills. Read more on CybersecurityGuide .

Rick Lopez, an Associate Professor at Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) and former IT consultant. Lopez explains he moved from industry to academia to “transfer skills,” using his Fortune 500 consulting background to teach students not just technical skills but also business communication and big-picture thinking. Northeast Lakeview’s NSA Center of Academic Excellence designation drives a hands-on, workforce-ready curriculum, reinforced by labs, virtual environments, and the highly ranked NightHax competition team. Students gain experience through capture-the-flag–style competitions, conferences (like Texas Cyber Summit and BSides San Antonio), and Tech Talks with industry leaders, which also help them network and understand hiring trends. Looking ahead, Lopez emphasizes that students should build skills in cloud computing, data analytics, and AI/automation, as these areas are increasingly central to cybersecurity careers. Find more on this episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

Justin Williams, is an instructor and chairperson of the Information Technology Department at Mount Aloysius College. Williams shares his personal journey into cybersecurity, starting as a student passionate about understanding cyber threats and now guiding the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. He discusses the hands-on learning opportunities available in Mount Aloysius’ NSA and DHS-recognized cybersecurity programs, including digital forensics, ethical hacking, and more. Williams also provides advice for students considering a career in cybersecurity and discusses emerging trends like AI and quantum computing that will shape the future of the field. Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

Shane Allen , an assistant professor of Information Systems and Technologies at Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City. Shane discussed his academic and professional journey, including his early experiences with cybersecurity at Electronic Data Systems. He described the student-centric approach at OSU-OKC, which offers an Associate of Applied Science in IT with a cybersecurity track and a Bachelor of Technology in IT with a cybersecurity concentration. These programs provide a progressive learning pathway with a focus on hands-on, asynchronous online learning. Shane emphasized the importance of a well-rounded education combined with industry certifications to prepare students for diverse careers in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity field. Find more details about this episode .

Albena Asenova-Belal is a cybersecurity instructor at Gwinnett Technical College with a diverse background in engineering, data analysis, and education. This episode focuses on how the college’s award-winning cybersecurity program is empowering the next generation of cyber defenders. The program is NSA and DHS-accredited, ensuring the curriculum aligns with the skills needed to succeed in the field. Students gain hands-on experience through simulation labs and competitions, with Gwinnett Tech students recently winning gold medals at SkillsUSA. FInd more info on Cybersecurity Guide .

Don Easton is the faculty lead for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cybersecurity program at Lane Community College. He has extensive experience in information security, cloud computing, digital forensics, and other technical areas. Find complete episode details on Cybersecurity Guide .

Trisha Clay is the Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Hudson County Community College. She discusses her journey into the technology industry and the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by higher education institutions. She emphasizes the importance of balancing accessibility and security, as well as the need for diverse perspectives on cybersecurity teams. Additionally, she advocates for the inclusion and representation of women and minorities in the cybersecurity field and provides advice for students interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. A full transcript and more episode details are available at Cybersecurity Guide .

Jay Soelberg, is a cybersecurity instructor at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) with over 26 years of real-world IT experience across industries like finance, retail, higher education, and legal services. Solberg discusses CWI's cybersecurity program, which provides hands-on learning and certification-ready training to prepare the next generation of cyber defenders. Find more about this episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

Eric Magidson is a professor of Computer Information Systems at Central Oregon Community College who specializes in cybersecurity, networking, and teaching methodologies. Magidson discusses the benefits of stackable credentials and degrees in cybersecurity, which allow students to quickly earn industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ while building a flexible, career-focused skillset. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning and developing employability skills like communication, teamwork, and time management alongside technical skills. He also highlights emerging trends in cybersecurity, particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence, and recommends his open-source textbook, The Password is Not "P@ssw0rd123" as a resource for students and prospective students interested in the field. Find more info on this episode at Cybersecurity Guide .

Bryan Deehring is an associate professor at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), a nationally recognized institution certified by the NSA as a Center of Academic Excellence in cyber defense. FInd a full transcript of this interview on Cybersecurity Guide.

Dr. Kemal Akkaya, a chaired professor at Florida International University (FIU), discusses his background and research in the field of cybersecurity, starting from his early interest in cryptography and progressing to work on projects like DNS security. Find the full transcript .

Dr. Matthew Heath Van Horn, an assistant professor of cyber intelligence and security at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, discusses his career journey and approach to teaching cybersecurity. Get a full transcript of the episode.

Kyle Kuhlers, a computer programming and cybersecurity instructor at Hawkeye Community College and Waterloo Career Center, discusses his journey into cybersecurity education and the key goals and approaches of his web programming and cybersecurity programs. Find the full transcript on Cybersecurity Guide .

Ben Crenshaw is the Head of Cyber and AI Education at Work ED, where he bridges the gap between academic learning and the practical demands of the cybersecurity industry. With a background as a Senior Vulnerability Analyst at Oracle and a former Cybersecurity Teacher in the Canyons School District, Ben brings both industry expertise and a passion for education to his role. At Work ED, he focuses on developing hands-on, industry-relevant programs that prepare students for real-world challenges while fostering comprehensive career pathways. Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

George Bailey is the director of Purdue University's Cyber Technical Assistance Program (CyberTAP), which provides cybersecurity advisory services and corporate education to organizations in Indiana. Find a full transcript of the interview on Cybersecurity Guide .

Tabitha Senty, a networking and cybersecurity instructor at Rosemont High School in Minnesota. Her courses provide in-depth training in networking fundamentals, routing, switching, wireless networking, and cybersecurity tools like firewalls and VPNs. Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

Tasha Cornish is the executive director of the Cybersecurity Association, a nonprofit that focuses on building a strong cybersecurity community. The organization has three Centers of Excellence: the Center for Business Growth and Innovation, the Center for Cybersecurity Talent, and the Center for Cyber Resilience. The Center for Cybersecurity Talent works to create opportunities for on-the-job training, internships, and apprenticeships to help build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Check out Cybersecurity Guide for a complete transcript of this episode.

Dr. Richard Forno emphasizes the importance of developing both technical and professional skills for a successful cybersecurity career and explains how diverse backgrounds in fields like psychology, business, and the humanities can be valuable. He highlights the evolving cybersecurity landscape, the criticality of incident response, and emerging trends like AI and technology resilience that should be on the radar of those considering cybersecurity. Find a full transcript at Cybersecurity Guide .

Dr. Richard R. Brooks is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Clemson University, with expertise in cybersecurity, game theory, and strategic reasoning. His academic and professional background includes work at organizations like Radio Free Europe, the French Stock Exchange, and the World Bank, providing him with a diverse set of experiences influencing his research interests. Dr. Brooks' work focuses on the intersection of computer security, civil rights, privacy, and freedom of speech, with a focus on defending against the misuse of technology by authoritarian regimes. His research explores areas like supply chain attacks, mobile code security, and the economic and policy factors influencing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Find a full transcript and more episode details on Cybersecurity Guide .

Dr. Ricardo A. Calix is a professor of Computer Information Technology at Purdue University Northwest with expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, and AI applications for cybersecurity. His research focuses on leveraging AI to enhance cybersecurity measures, including developing offensive and defensive strategies. Find the complete transcript of this interview on Cybersecurity Guide .

Dr. Dan Shoemaker is a professor at the University of Detroit Mercy and the director of the Master of Science and Information Assurance program specializing in cybersecurity. He has played a pivotal role in shaping cybersecurity education and training at UD Mercy. He co-authored key documents like the DHS Software assurance and IA Essential Bodies of Knowledge and was a subject matter expert for the NIST NICE Workforce Framework. Dr. Shoemaker emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to cybersecurity, which includes technical, human behavior, societal, and regulatory aspects. He also highlights the need for supply chain risk management and the challenges associated with outsourcing software development. Dr. Shoemaker has authored several books, including "Teaching Cybersecurity," "Risk Management," "Supply Chain Risk Management," and "Building Cyber Resilience." He encourages students to explore their interests within the field of cybersecurity and pursue specialized areas that resonate with them. Find more info and the complete transcript on Cybersecurity Guide .

Rebecca Passmore is an expert in digital forensics and cybersecurity. She teaches these subjects at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and also works in industry. Formerly a senior digital forensic examiner at the FBI, Passmore has been involved in challenging investigations, including one where she used digital forensics to connect a suspect to a kidnapped child. Passmore also has experience giving expert testimony in court, where she emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and staying up to date with the latest developments in the field. At Kroll, she contributes to the broader field of cybersecurity through digital investigations and providing indicators of compromise. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers various cybersecurity programs and certificates, including an online program and practical exercises in a safe cloud environment. Passmore emphasizes the importance of continuous learning to stay prepared for future trends and challenges in cybersecurity. Find a full transcript of the episode on Cybersecurity Guide .

our guest is Dr. Prasad Calyam. Dr. Calyam is a professor at the University of Missouri Columbia. We're going to be discussing cybersecurity education opportunities at the University of Missouri. Before I bring him in, let me tell you a little bit about Dr. Prasad Calyam. He is the Greg L. Gilliam Professor of Cybersecurity in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Missouri Columbia. He is leading efforts to establish a zero trust cybersecurity approach for battlefield communications. He is the director of the MU College of Engineering's Cyber Education, Research, and Infrastructure Center, Mizzou CERI, and an investigator in the Center to Stream Healthcare in Place, C2SHIP. He also directs the research group in the Virtualization, Multimedia, and Network, or VIMAN, Lab.

Retired Colonel Eric Toler joined Augusta University in 2018 as Executive Director of the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center (aka Georgia Cyber Center). Toler previously served in the U.S. Army as a Military Intelligence Officer, retiring with over 27 years of leadership and national security experience. In addition to seven combat tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans, Toler pioneered and developed cyberspace operations capabilities for the Army and Department of Defense, serving in key positions within Army Cyber Command, U.S. Cyber Command, and the National Security Agency. In his role as Executive Director of the Georgia Cyber Center, Toler is responsible for fulfilling the Center’s mission to create an ecosystem of collaboration among government, academia, and private industry partners that helps solve the state and nation’s most challenging cybersecurity problems through innovative education, training, research and development, and practical applications. Find the full transcript on Cybersecurity Guide .

In this episode of the Cybersecurity Guide Podcast, host Steve Bowcut interviews Dr. Sachin Shetty, the executive director of the Center for Secure and Intelligent Critical Systems at Old Dominion University. They discuss the importance of building resilient future systems and the role of cybersecurity in critical infrastructure. Dr. Shetty explains his research interests in computer networking, network security, and machine learning, and how his work focuses on understanding and mitigating security threats to critical infrastructure. Find a full transcript of the episode on Cybersecurity Guide .