Applied Learning

This page highlights the applied learning experiences that contributed to my LeADERS distinction at Old Dominion University. Each section includes a summary of the work I completed for specific courses and professional activities, along with samples that demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and real-world application I developed.

Throughout my time at ODU, I also worked full-time in roles involving technical support and IT troubleshooting. While this experience was outside of a traditional internship structure, it provided real-world opportunities to apply what I was learning in class. It also helped me strengthen important skills such as time management, accountability, and patience—skills that are essential for success in both professional environments and the cybersecurity field.

These combined experiences reflect how I connected academic learning to professional practice and how each opportunity helped me grow both personally and professionally as I prepared for my future career.

CYSE 368 – Cybersecurity Internship

For CYSE 368, I completed a cybersecurity internship where I was able to apply what I learned in my classes to a real-world environment. I gained experience in areas like network security, incident response, and risk management. This internship helped me strengthen my technical skills and gave me a better understanding of what it’s like to work in the cybersecurity field. It also helped me build professional skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving that will help me in my future career.

Please find my Internship Final Reflection here.
This report summarizes the tasks and projects I completed during my internship and reflects on the skills and knowledge I gained through real-world experience.

IDS 300W – Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts (Writing Intensive)

In IDS 300W, I learned how to approach problems from multiple perspectives and how to connect ideas from different fields. This class helped me improve my writing, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. I completed research-based assignments that required me to look at complex issues through an interdisciplinary lens. These skills are important in cybersecurity because it’s a field that often crosses over with law, business, and technology.

Please find my Interdisciplinary Term Research Paper here.
This paper explores a real-world issue by applying ideas from multiple disciplines, showing my ability to think critically and write effectively.

CYSE 425W – Cyber Strategy and Policy

CYSE 425W focused on cybersecurity strategies, policies, and national security issues. I learned how organizations and governments create policies to protect critical systems and manage cybersecurity risks. This class helped me understand the bigger picture of cybersecurity beyond the technical side. It also taught me how important policy-making, risk management, and communication are when working in this field.

Please find my Cybersecurity Strategy Policy Papers here.
These four papers review cybersecurity policies and strategies, demonstrating my understanding of policy development and its role in protecting national security and organizational systems.

Next Steps:

To learn more about the LeADERS program and how it supported my academic and professional development, please visit my LeADERS page.

To read a full reflection on how these experiences have shaped my professional growth and career goals, please visit my Professional Development page.