Welcome to my ePortfolio! I am a cybersecurity student at Old Dominion University (ODU), pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity with a focus on networking, systems, hardware, and software. With a current GPA of 3.49, I am continuing to build my technical knowledge through coursework, hands-on labs, and independent practice outside of the classroom.
Cybersecurity is a field where there is always something new to learn, which is one of the things that interests me most about it. My goal is to continue developing my skills, gain real-world experience, and eventually begin my career in cybersecurity, particularly in areas such as network security, blue-team operations, and security operations centers (SOCs).
Academic Journey
My coursework at ODU has allowed me to explore both the technical and non-technical sides of cybersecurity. I am learning that protecting systems involves more than technical tools; it also requires an understanding of leadership, risk management, law, policy, and how organizations operate.
Leadership and Society (CPD 100S): This course examines leadership and its relationship with society through social, political, psychological, economic, and international perspectives. It focuses on leadership development, decision-making, communication, and understanding how leaders influence organizations and society.
Windows System Management and Security (CYSE 280): This course introduces the installation, configuration, management, and security of Windows client and server operating systems. It covers topics including Windows Server, Active Directory, authentication, Group Policy, system auditing, malware mitigation, virtualization, and network security.
Cyber Law (CYSE 406): This course examines U.S. laws and legal issues related to computers, cybersecurity, and cyberspace. It covers cybercrime, privacy, legal and regulatory requirements, and the legal authorities and limitations cybersecurity professionals must consider when conducting cyber operations.
Management of Information Security (IT 417): This course focuses on the management and implementation of information security within organizations. It covers security threats, risk assessment, security policies, security controls, contingency planning, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and the development and maintenance of information security programs.
Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy (POLS 425W): This course examines the development and implementation of cybersecurity strategies and policies. It covers cyber risk management, government and private-sector cybersecurity, national security, policy development and evaluation, and the social, political, and ethical issues surrounding cybersecurity.
Hands-On Learning & Home Lab Experience
Outside of my coursework, I have been working on my personal virtual home lab to gain more hands-on experience with cybersecurity, networking, and system administration. I am still developing my skills, but working through problems on my own has helped me better understand concepts that I first learned about in the classroom.
I have practiced creating and managing virtualized environments using Hyper-V, including Windows Server, Windows, Ubuntu Linux, Kali Linux, and pfSense systems. Through these environments, I have experimented with virtual networking, internal and external networks, firewall rules, and communication between different virtual machines. I have also gained practice with Windows Server administration, Linux command-line operations, network configuration, and troubleshooting.
My lab experience has also allowed me to work with cybersecurity tools such as Wireshark, Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Wazuh, and Splunk. I have used these tools in controlled environments to practice activities such as examining network traffic, identifying hosts and services, learning basic vulnerability assessment techniques, reviewing security events, and understanding how attacks may appear from a defensive perspective.
Building my home lab has not always gone smoothly, which has actually been an important part of the experience. I have encountered configuration problems, installation errors, networking issues, and situations where my original approach did not work. Troubleshooting these problems has taught me to research solutions, test different approaches, document what I am doing, and learn from mistakes rather than simply following instructions. My goal is to continue expanding the lab as I learn more about blue-team security and SOC operations.
Personal Interests
Beyond academics and cybersecurity, I have a diverse range of interests.
Continuous Learning: I enjoy learning new things and challenging myself to improve, especially with technology and cybersecurity.
Gaming: In my free time, I enjoy playing video games. Gaming has also helped develop my strategic thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Sports: I am a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA and the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. My own athletic background includes baseball, football, basketball, and wrestling. Participating in sports has helped teach me the importance of teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and working toward long-term goals.
Automotive and Construction: I also have a strong interest in trucks, particularly 18-wheelers and pickup trucks, along with construction, contracting, and real estate.
Future Aspirations
My current goal is to continue developing my cybersecurity knowledge while gaining as much practical experience as possible before graduating from ODU. I am particularly interested in blue-team cybersecurity and SOC environments, where I can gain experience monitoring networks, investigating security events, responding to threats, and protecting systems.
I know that I still have a lot to learn, and that is one reason I continue experimenting with my home lab and working on projects outside of class. I hope to obtain an internship or entry-level cybersecurity opportunity where I can learn from experienced professionals and apply what I have studied in a real-world environment.
Long term, I would like to establish myself in cybersecurity while also exploring my interests in construction, contracting, and real estate. My goal is to continue learning, gaining experience, and creating opportunities across the different areas that interest me.
Thank you for visiting my ePortfolio. I invite you to explore my projects, coursework, and experiences as I continue developing academically and professionally.
