Forging a Practical Future in Cybersecurity

I work at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and human decision-making.

For nearly three decades, I've worked across military service, enterprise security, higher education, AI research, and executive advisory. Throughout that time, one belief has remained constant: technology matters, but people make the decisions that determine whether systems succeed or fail.

My career began in the United States Air Force, where I spent 24 years serving in roles spanning network security, security operations, cybersecurity, and cyber warfare leadership. Those experiences shaped a practical approach to security rooted in understanding real adversaries, managing risk under pressure, and building teams capable of solving difficult problems.

Today, my work focuses on AI security, cybersecurity strategy, and evaluating how emerging technologies affect organizations and the people who rely on them. I work with organizations to better understand risk, improve decision-making, and develop practical capabilities that extend beyond compliance or checklists.

Alongside my advisory work, I remain deeply committed to education. I have taught thousands of students, developed training programs, and spent years helping professionals build meaningful careers in cybersecurity. My research explores how people learn complex technical skills, how AI can support learning without replacing human judgment, and how organizations can prepare their workforce for rapidly changing technology.

My perspective is also shaped by my own experiences as a neurodivergent and queer professional. Those experiences reinforced something I've long believed: diverse ways of thinking make security stronger. Better decisions come from broader perspectives, thoughtful questioning, and the creation of environments where different approaches to problem-solving are valued.

Many people know me as The Cyber Hammer, a name that grew from years of writing, teaching, speaking, and mentoring within the cybersecurity community. It reflects my philosophy that security should be practical, evidence-based, and accessible rather than driven by hype or unnecessary complexity.

Whether I'm conducting AI security research, advising executives, teaching professionals, or writing about the future of technology, my goal remains the same: help people make better decisions about cybersecurity, AI, and the systems we trust every day.