Cybersecurity Guide

Dr. Eric Chan-Tin is a professor of computer science at Loyola University Chicago, founding director of its Center for Cybersecurity, and graduate program director for the MS in Cybersecurity.

Chan-Tin discusses Loyola University Chicago’s cybersecurity degree programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and the importance of student research, competitions, and internships.

He also explores how AI is shaping cybersecurity education, the benefits of the CyberRamblers Scholarship for Service program, and practical ways students can prepare for cybersecurity careers.

More details about the episode are on Cybersecurity Guide.

Dr. Waleed Farag is a professor of computer science and director of the Institute for Cybersecurity at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he has led federally funded cybersecurity research, education, scholarship, and workforce development initiatives.

Learn more at Cybersecurity Guide.

Lewis Heuermann is a full-time cybersecurity instructor and undergraduate program coordinator at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, bringing extensive military, industry, and teaching experience to hands-on cybersecurity education.

In this episode, Heuermann discusses practical training in areas such as Linux and Windows security, networking, cyber defense, penetration testing, digital forensics, incident response, and security operations, along with student opportunities through the Islander Cyber Society, competitions, community outreach, and industry-focused projects involving critical infrastructure, ports, refineries, drones, and agriculture.

He also encourages prospective students and career changers to stay curious, explore different areas of technology, and focus on building practical skills rather than worrying too much about choosing the perfect major at the start.

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Dr. Irvin Heard is an associate professor at the University of the Cumberlands with experience in cybersecurity, digital forensics, law enforcement, and federal research. His career includes work with NIST, the Department of Defense, and advanced cybersecurity education.

Dr. Irvin Heard discusses how his experience in the military, law enforcement, NIST, and digital forensics shaped his practical approach to cybersecurity education. He highlights the University of the Cumberlands’ hands-on, certification-aligned programs and explains pathways in information security, cyber engineering, and digital forensics.

Dr. Heard also encourages aspiring professionals to develop foundational skills such as Python and Kali Linux, participate in cybersecurity challenges, and prepare for the growing convergence of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Find this full episode and other great episodes on Cybersecurity Guide.

Randy Pestana is a national security and cybersecurity expert who serves as Director of National Security Policy and Strategic Engagement at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. His experience spans defense policy, regional security cooperation, cybersecurity strategy, and U.S. engagement with international partners.

In this episode, Pestana discusses Florida International University’s cybersecurity ecosystem, including technical degrees, cyber policy, threat intelligence, risk management, workforce development, and hands-on learning opportunities. He also advises students to choose a cybersecurity pathway that matches their interests, build practical experience, and develop meaningful professional relationships.

Dr. David Maimon is a professor of criminal justice and criminology at Georgia State University and director of its Evidence-Based Cybersecurity Research Group. His research explores cybercrime, online fraud, offender behavior, threat intelligence, and evidence-based approaches to cybersecurity policy and prevention.

In this episode, Dr. Maimon discusses his transition from traditional criminology research to evidence-based cybersecurity, focusing on cybercrime prevention, offender behavior, fraud ecosystems, and the effectiveness of security policies and interventions.

He also highlights Georgia State University’s interdisciplinary cybersecurity pathways and advises students to develop curiosity, critical thinking, AI literacy, and skills spanning technology, data analysis, policy, and human behavior.

Find more episode details at Cybersecurity Guide.

Dr. Jonathan Graham is a professor at Norfolk State University specializing in cybersecurity, digital forensics, intrusion detection, machine learning, and information assurance. With extensive experience in cybersecurity education and research, he helps prepare students for technical careers in cyber defense, government, industry, and applied research.

Graham discusses the importance of strong technical foundations, hands-on labs, digital forensics, AI and machine learning, and understanding human behavior in cybersecurity.

Find more info about this episode on Cybersecurity Guide.

Dr. Saltuk Karahan, a clinical associate professor and deputy director at Old Dominion University’s (ODU) School of Cybersecurity, whose interdisciplinary background spans systems engineering, computer science, international security studies, cyber policy, cyber war, and information/disinformation.

In this episode, Karahan explains that cybersecurity is an interdisciplinary field requiring not only technical expertise but also strong communication, leadership, risk management, policy awareness, and understanding of human behavior.

The interview also highlights Old Dominion University’s broad cybersecurity programs and his advice that students build depth in one area while staying adaptable, strategic, and committed to lifelong learning.

Learn more at CybersecurityGuide.

Dr. Arthur Carter is a professor of information systems at Radford University and chair of the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems.

With a background spanning mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering work with the Navy, business information technology, and cybersecurity education, Dr. Carter brings a practical, multidisciplinary perspective to preparing students for both technical and management-focused cybersecurity careers.

Dr. Carter discusses the difference between technical cybersecurity roles and cybersecurity management roles, emphasizing that students should explore their interests, strengths, and long-term goals before choosing a pathway.

The conversation also highlights Radford University’s multidisciplinary cybersecurity programs, online certificate options, and student outreach efforts, with the key takeaway that cybersecurity offers many possible career directions, from hands-on technical work to policy, risk, management, and leadership.

A full transcript of this episode is on Cybersecurity Guide.

Chris Carroll is a teaching professor and program director at Drexel University, where he prepares students for careers in cybersecurity and IT. Drawing on nearly 30 years of industry experience, he brings practical insight into networking, cloud computing, ethical hacking, and secure systems design.

Professor Chris Carroll explains how Drexel’s cybersecurity program combines technical IT training with cybersecurity education so students can build practical skills and real career options. He emphasizes that many graduates begin in roles like networking, server administration, or support before moving into cybersecurity, and that Drexel’s co-op model helps students gain that experience early.

He also argues that strong fundamentals matter more than chasing every new technology trend. His advice to students is to build good academic habits, explore different areas of IT and security, and pursue certifications strategically once they know their direction and can align them with employer needs.

Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide.