Work

Mic Merritt

My work today encompasses executive advisory services, cybersecurity education, and research, with a focus on achieving practical security outcomes and fostering long-term capability building.

Merritt Collective / Principal and AI Security Advisor
I lead executive advisory, research, and consulting efforts focused on cybersecurity strategy, AI risk, adversarial behavior, and security leadership. This work supports organizations navigating emerging threats, complex environments, and high-impact security decisions.

Western Governors University / Cybersecurity Instructor
I teach and mentor students across multiple cybersecurity programs, supporting both technical mastery and career progression.

Doctoral Research / Doctorate in Computer Science (in progress)
My research explores AI-driven adaptive learning in cybersecurity education, with a focus on neurodiverse learners and the development of measurable skills.

Areas of Expertise

Cybersecurity leadership and strategy
AI security and adversarial risk
Offensive security and threat modeling
Incident response and security operations
Cloud and enterprise security
Cybersecurity and AI education

Selected Previous Experience

Oracle / Senior Principal Security Engineer and Consultant

United States Air Force / Director of Offensive Security Operations

Across these roles, I led security teams, designed and executed offensive and defensive security programs, advised senior leadership, and supported mission-critical systems in high-risk environments.

Education and Credentials

Education

Doctor of Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Colorado Technical University (in progress, April 2026)
Post-Graduate Certificate, Cybersecurity Engineering, SANS Technology Institute
Master of Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Western Governors University
Graduate Certificate, Data Science, North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science, Forensics, University of Maryland Global Campus
Multiple associate degrees in cybersecurity, information systems, and technology from the Community College of the Air Force

Certifications

ISC2 CISSP and SSCP
SANS GIAC (GPEN, GCIA, GCFA, GNFA, GCIH, GCTI, GICSP, GLEG, GSTRT, GSEC)
CompTIA (SecurityX, PenTest+, CySA+, Cloud+, Security+)
EC-Council (CEH, CHFI, CNDA)

Engagement

For executive advisory, research collaboration, or speaking inquiries, please visit Merritt Collective.
For training and educational offerings, visit MyByte.

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