Cybersecurity Guide

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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