“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

Colin Powell

About Me

My name is Joshua Russell and I am originally from Norfolk, Virginia. Currently, I am a senior at Old Dominion University majoring in Cybersecurity. I have an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Cybersecurity from Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia. Risk Management and Penetration Testing are areas of cybersecurity I find fascinating and look forward to pursuing in the future. My creativity and innovative nature, attention to details, and passion for problem solving, allow me to assess risks, find gaps, and create meaningful solutions to cyber needs. Currently, I am on Old Dominion University’s Dean’s List and I plan on attending Graduate Schhol in the Fall 2025 semester to obtain a Masters Degree in Cybersecurity.

Organizations I Am Involved in

Tau Sigma National Honors Society

PTK Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society

Future Plans

In the future, I plan on pursuing a career in the areas of penetration testing, risk assessment, risk analysis, and risk management.  This will occur through assessing risks and analyzing their potential impacts to organizations, I will then be able to display, through penetration testing, how the threats and weaknesses can be exploited for gains by malicious actors.  After which, I will provide organizations with the proper tools to manage the risks, reduce harms associated with them, and mitigate attacks against their assets. My goals are to help businesses and organizations recognize gaps in their cybersecurity, demonstrate how they can be exploited, help to mitigate these gaps, and create ways for organizations to reduce their risks and harms.

Outside of Studies

In my free time away from school and studies, I enjoy the arts and cultural activities such as going to museums, attending plays, and listening to music. Reading a good book on the beach, traveling to new destinations, and experiencing life outdoors are all way I decompress and replenish my mental battery.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”

Confucius