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My name is Aaron Fields, and I am a Cybersecurity major at Old Dominion University. My studies focus on digital privacy, network security, and how human behavior intersects with technology. My passion lies in understanding how systems work, identifying vulnerabilities, and continuously sharpening my skills in areas like network security, endpoint hardening, and virtualized environments. In addition to my coursework and projects, I gain hands-on experience through home labs, further developing my technical skills and understanding of cybersecurity.
Experience
Academic Projects – ECPI University
During my studies at ECPI, I gained hands-on experience building and securing systems in controlled lab environments. My work focused on foundational networking, system administration, and introductory defensive security practices.
- Built and configured multi-network environments with routers, switches, and VLANs.
- Managed Windows Server environments including Active Directory, Group Policy, and domain services.
- Managed Linux systems at a basic level, focusing on permissions, navigation, and essential command-line administration.
- Completed virtual machine deployments to support course-based labs and testing. cybersecurity labs for testing exploits and defensive controls.
Home Labs & Independent Projects
I set up small-scale home labs to reinforce classroom concepts and gain comfort with system setup, troubleshooting, and experiment-based learning.
- Created simple virtualized environments to practice networking and system administration.
- Performed basic vulnerability scans using free/open-source tools.
- Practiced troubleshooting exercises across Windows and Linux machines.
- Explored foundational security concepts through controlled environments.
Academic Experience – Old Dominion University (ODU)
At ODU, my studies are focused on deeper cybersecurity concepts, and understanding the broader social, organizational, and theoretical aspects of security. Coursework emphasizes security culture, human behavior, and system fundamentals.
- Strengthening Linux fundamentals for cybersecurity, including command-line navigation and system structure.
- Studying cybersecurity from a social science perspective, including human factors, policy considerations, and the impact of technology on society.
- Learning defensive concepts at a theoretical level, such as risk, threats, governance, and foundational frameworks.
- Developing analytical thinking around how people, organizations, and technology interact within security environments.
Professional Experience – IT Technician
In my IT Technician role, I provide technical support and hardware troubleshooting for a school system, gaining practical experience with endpoint management and user support.
- Diagnosing and repairing Chromebooks, laptops, desktops, and instructional technology.
- Supporting faculty and staff with account issues, login errors, and software troubleshooting.
- Managing devices including basic imaging tasks and maintaining device organization.
- Installing and configuring applications, drivers, and system updates.
- Troubleshooting network issues including Wi-Fi, printers, and classroom equipment connectivity.
- Maintaining documentation through accurate ticketing and repair records.