Old Dominion University’s LeADERS program is a graduation distinction recognizing students who complete multiple high-impact learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. These experiences aim to develop leadership skills, apply disciplinary knowledge in professional settings, appreciate diversity, foster innovation, and contribute positively to the community. To earn this distinction, students must complete at least three LeADERS-designated courses or co-curricular experiences and showcase their learning through an ePortfolio.

This course provided a structured opportunity to apply cybersecurity knowledge in a real-world setting. Through my internship at CISA, I engaged in hands-on experiences that enhanced my understanding of cybersecurity practices and professional workplace dynamics. Assignments and reflections during the course helped me articulate learning outcomes and align them with my career goals.

Final-Paper

In this writing-intensive course, I explored the foundations of interdisciplinary research and how different academic lenses can be integrated to address complex problems. I approached the course through a cybersecurity-focused lens, which allowed me to investigate how fields such as psychology, sociology, law, and political science intersect with digital security issues. For instance, we analyzed how social behavior influences cyber hygiene, and how legal frameworks shape cybersecurity policy. This perspective broadened my understanding of the human and institutional elements of cybersecurity, beyond the technical components. It also strengthened my ability to synthesize diverse viewpoints, an essential skill in crafting well-rounded security solutions and policies.

IDS-Rough-Draft

This course delved into the planning principles of cyber strategy, risk management, and the development of cybersecurity policies. It examined the connections between cybersecurity policies, businesses, and governmental institutions, as well as the social, political, and ethical implications of these policies. The course also emphasized assessing cybersecurity policies and understanding their ties to national security.

Policy-Paper-4

Over the past four years in the ODU LeADERS program, I’ve completed three impactful courses—CYSE 368, IDS 300W, and CYSE 425W—that have shaped my academic and professional journey in cybersecurity. These classes complemented my strong GPA and multiple internships by helping me apply technical skills in real-world settings, explore interdisciplinary perspectives on cyber issues, and understand the strategic and policy-driven side of cybersecurity. IDS 300W, in particular, allowed me to examine cybersecurity through lenses like sociology and law, deepening my awareness of how human behavior and systems interact with digital threats. Together, these experiences have sharpened my critical thinking, expanded my career readiness, and given me a deep appreciation for the LeADERS program’s role in preparing me to lead in a constantly evolving field.