TRISTAN L. COLE

Portsmouth, VA 23701 | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristanlcole/ | tristanlcole@outlook.com | https://sites.wp.odu.edu/tristancole/

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE   

Entry-level cybersecurity professional with hands-on experience in Linux system administration, vulnerability assessment, network analysis, and documentation. Strong foundation in cryptography, digital forensics, and incident response. Background in DoD environments requiring strict compliance, technical reporting, and quality assurance. Security+ certified and actively engaged in cybersecurity organizations.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity                                                                                                                                                                                           May 2026 

Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

GPA: 3.09

• Relevant Coursework: Linux Systems Administration (user/group management, permissions, package management), Digital Forensics (Autopsy, FTK Imager), Network Security (Nessus, Nmap, Wireshark, firewall configuration), Cryptography (AES, hashing, PKI).

Associate of Applied Science, IT – Cybersecurity                                                                                     August 2023        Tidewater Community College, Portsmouth, VA  

GPA: 3.73 Magna Cum Laude Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society  

• Relevant Coursework: Intro to Network Concepts, Microcomputer Operating Systems, Network Security Basics, Software Design, Internet/Intranet Firewalls, eCommerce Security, Server Administration Win

2019, UNIX I, Intro Computer Apps & Concepts, Network Communication, Security, and Authentication,

Legal Topics in Network Security, Incident Response and Computer Forensics, Network Attacks, Computer Crime and Hacking

CERTIFICATIONS / CLEARANCE

• CompTIA Security+ Certified and Continuous Education                                                  
• Issued: 12/14/2023

• Active Secret Clearance (DoD)
  
  

COMPUTER SKILLS/ABILITIES  

Knowledgeable in Linux, Security Models and Intrusion Detection, Incident Handling and Firewall Configuration, Network Security Law and Regulations, Computer Applications, Hardware Troubleshooting and Maintenance. Experience with security tools such as (Nessus/OpenVAS, Splunk, ELK) and scripting languages (Python, Java, PS1, Bash).

EMPLOYMENT 

Student Help Desk Technician (Tier 1)                                                                  

February 01, 2026 – May 15, 2026

Norfolk, Va                             

• Provide Tier 1 technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students via phone, email, and in-person assistance
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and account-related issues, resolving or escalating to appropriate departments when necessary
• Create and document service tickets and ensure timely resolution
• Assist users personal computer issues and campus technology services within scope if support
• Coordinate with internal IT teams to escalate complex technical issues efficiently

Non-Destructive Test (NDT) Inspector                                                                               

August 14, 2017 – PresentNorfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA

• Applied security and compliance standards (NAVSEA, MIL-STD, SNT-TC-1A) to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of mission-critical systems, aligning with INFOSEC and Information Assurance (IA) best practices
• Interpreted and executed technical documentation (e.g., Quality Assurance (QA) forms, procedures, manuals) to support system analysis, implementation, and lifecycle maintenance of sensitive equipment and processes
• Provided technical support and guidance to cross-functional teams, resolving issues, validating procedural compliance, and facilitating effective end-user communication and issue tracking
• Developed and maintained detailed inspection records and deficiency reports, using strong written communication to document issues, corrective actions, and procedural guidance
• Delivered hands-on training and procedural instruction, applying communication skills and subject matter expertise to improve team readiness and support user understanding of technical processes
• Collaborated with senior inspectors to develop proficiency in inspection procedures; mentored and supported newly onboarded inspectors
• Entered, verified, and maintained sensitive data while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to policies and procedures

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

CS2A ODU’s Cyber Security Student Association                                                                        

August 2024 – Present  

Member

• I am engaged in briefings reviewing upcoming cybersecurity events and examining current IT and cybersecurity topics

Tidewater Community College Cybersecurity Club                                                                                  August 2023 – Present

Member

• Practice for CompTIA certification exams
• Gained additional experience utilizing Wireshark, Nmap, and Metasploit

ISC2 VA Peninsula Chapter                                                                                                   

 February 2024 – February 2025

Student Member

• Observed and participated in industry-level presentations addressing real-world cybersecurity incidents, threats, and technology practices