{"id":494,"date":"2026-05-03T16:26:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-03T16:26:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/hpcybersecurity\/?page_id=494"},"modified":"2026-05-03T21:47:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T21:47:36","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/hpcybersecurity\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Why exactly would it be important for a digital forensic analyst or network administrator to have training\/experience under the Research category?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning is the basis of knowledge. Besides a tutor or professor, one of the efficient methods to learn is research. Not all universities offer the same degrees; as an example, Old Dominion University is the closest university in my area that offers a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Otherwise, the only way to learn cybersecurity is through online research. Many times, the coursework provided in both LeADERS and non-LeADERS classes requires research outside of the course. I have learned many subjects, such as European history, through online, self-directed research. It can be a long, time-consuming process to learn via online research, but given enough time, anyone can master the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For digital forensic analysts or network administrators, speaking from experience, there will be scenarios that will stump even experienced professionals. They must accept the fact they do not know everything, and that is perfectly fine. It merely means there is much more to improve upon. Additionally, administrators in the cybersecurity field have an expectation for employees to be rather self-sufficient, which also means an expectation of continuous self-education. Of course, reaching out to an expert is beneficial. However, most of the time, I will be left in the dark to guide myself. Research, then, is my torch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts about?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the Research category, I took Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts (IDS 300W). This course tasked me with designing a research question, collecting studies from several disciplines related to the research question, then drafting a comprehensive conclusion by pulling insights from these sources. This research paper is essentially a project, and it also serves as the final assignment dictating either a pass or fail in the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides responding in class discussions, I attended several meetings with my professor to discuss how to better modify and amend my research question to narrow down its specificity. My research question focused on the effects of legal guidelines and issues of privacy on digital forensics within the United States. Although students are open to choosing any topic, it was recommended to choose one based upon its relation to our professional interests. It so happened that not many scholars detailed how politics, society, and technology impacted digital forensics. Lastly, we were tasked with peer-reviewing each other’s essays and identifying areas of improvement and strengths. Ultimately, I gained a better perspective on how to improve my research essay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How does this course related to my development as a professional?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, I mainly learned to be patient and timely. It took several months to collate and read peer-reviewed articles, connect different disciplines together, and reach a comprehensive conclusion on my research question that integrates insights from my sources. This was a very specific process that pushed my critical thinking skills to the test. For a digital forensic analyst, learning is an ongoing process that requires self-discipline and resolve to accomplish. Learning and memorization are not one-day processes, but they require weeks, months, or even years to crystalize information for easy access. Change is inevitable, and this applies to the digital forensics industry. Analysts must be willing to adapt to new technologies and be familiarized with new regulations (e.g., Federal Rules of Evidence) and an evolving society. Tomorrow is not the same as yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of what I learned about my strengths and areas for improvement when it comes to the Research category, I noticed that I was not as patient with online research as I should be. I could easily skim, read, and decipher whether or not articles I obtained were viable for my research paper. I could distinguish whether or not their information is also accurate by cross-referencing them to another article. However, even finding these “perfect” articles was a long hassle to slog through, as scholarly sources, such as Google Scholar, do not always produce the articles I want. I now realize I must tailor my search terms to either be more or less inclusive to get the sources I need.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Why exactly would it be important for a digital forensic analyst or network administrator to have training\/experience under the Research category? Learning is the basis of knowledge. Besides a tutor or professor, one of the efficient methods to learn is research. Not all universities offer the same degrees; as an example, Old Dominion University is… <\/p>\n

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