When Augusta University senior Connor English arrived at Edwards Air Force Base in California in June, he wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.
As a cybersecurity major in Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences and a VICEROY scholar, English was selected to join the program’s inaugural cohort at Edwards. VICEROY, which stands for Virtual Institutes for Cyber and Electromagnetic Spectrum Research and Employ, provides students with hands-on learning opportunities designed to prepare them for careers supporting national defense and cybersecurity.
The experience gave him the opportunity to put what he had learned in the classroom into practice, represent Augusta University and gain a new perspective on what his career after graduation could look like.
“VICEROY is a great opportunity to build awareness of careers in the U.S. Department of War, giving students the opportunity to work in applied research positions over the summer, potentially leading to full-time employment after graduation,” said Michael Nowatkowski, PhD, professor and head of the VICEROY program.
During his internship, English gained hands-on experience working on cybersecurity and technology projects, including vulnerability and compliance assessments. He also developed a tool designed to make managing workforce data more efficient. For English, the experience reinforced what he had already been learning at Augusta University.
“It was a great opportunity to actually represent the school and be accepted into that program,” English said. “All the classes I’ve taken as a cybersecurity major, they really drill into those basic security concepts that everybody should know, especially as a cyber major.”
English said that foundation, along with earning his Security+ certification, helped prepare him for the vulnerability and compliance assessment work he encountered at Edwards. The experience also expanded his career interests. Before going to Edwards, he planned to pursue a career in the private sector, with an interest in ethical hacking and penetration testing.
A tour of Edwards’ cybersecurity team introduced him to similar opportunities within the Department of War, including penetration testing and digital forensics.
“Getting to know the experience that they can offer within the DoW definitely encouraged me to open my eyes and start exploring the opportunities within the government,” said English.
The experience also came with a few memorable moments outside of his day-to-day work, including the opportunity to get an up-close look at aircraft at Edwards.
“That was probably the most memorable, getting to go out there and actually stand in front of the jets and get a picture with them,” English said. “I actually encourage everyone I meet to apply for VICEROY if they can and definitely apply for those internships if they still have a year left of college.”
