Professional experience across AI research, cloud security, and technology consulting.
A mix of stipend-supported research appointments, a competitive research fellowship, and hands-on technology consulting — spanning AI/cybersecurity research at the Air Force Research Laboratory, graduate research at Norfolk State University, and small-business technology solutions.
AI / Cybersecurity Research Intern — Air Force Research Laboratory
- Built a Python middleware prototype (UNMASK) that extracts measurable behavioral features from multi-turn conversations and produces structured output for downstream risk and intent evaluation.
- Designed the underlying behavioral taxonomy, feature definitions, and quantification approach; built and ran a benchmarking and validation pipeline across iterative build-test cycles.
- Built a Python terminal UI and an HTML educational portal for UNMASK, plus supporting technical diagrams, to make the research explorable for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proposed and helped implement WHISPER's ephemeral-compute approach on AWS (API Gateway, Lambda, EC2, EC2 Launch Templates, IAM, Boto3), replacing embedded credentials with role-based authentication.
- Presented research findings to Department of Defense audiences and at a research symposium.
Graduate Research Assistant — Norfolk State University
- Conducted graduate cybersecurity research on phishing, adversary behavior, and applied AI within the university's Cybersecurity & AI Research Lab.
- Performed technical analysis of security threats and research products to surface relevant trends and emerging risks.
- Documented findings and delivered technical presentations to faculty and research collaborators.
IBM Master's Fellow
Competitively awarded fellowship supporting graduate research in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity at Norfolk State University, held concurrently with the Graduate Research Assistant appointment above.
Owner / Technology Solutions Consultant — Vandy Production
- Own and operate a technology solutions business serving small businesses, clothing brands, contractors, and direct consumers, built through referrals, Etsy, and a company website.
- Run customer discovery from business problem to technical solution: clarify requirements, explain trade-offs, and recommend practical, cost-appropriate approaches.
- Design and implement websites, e-commerce, payment integrations, CRM configuration, and branding using Shopify, Wix, Etsy, Stripe, Square, PayPal, and Adobe Creative Cloud; administer domains, DNS, email, and hosting.
- Deliver post-launch training, troubleshooting, and maintenance; repeat engagements and ongoing relationships are the primary source of continuing work.
Sales & Service Representative — Cintas
- Managed approximately 120 commercial accounts (~$1M annual revenue) with autonomy across service delivery, billing, credits, contracts, and retention.
- Contributed to approximately 2–5% incremental portfolio revenue growth by identifying unmet needs, expanding product adoption, and developing new sales opportunities.
- Closed an approximately $2,000 custom order at an established municipal account by identifying an unmet branding need and developing the purchasing relationship directly.
Credentials
Education
M.S., Cybersecurity — Norfolk State University (GPA 4.0/4.0). M.B.A. — Regent University. B.A., Political Science — Norfolk State University (GPA 3.4/4.0, Cum Laude).
Certifications & Training
CompTIA Security+ CE. SANS SEC540: Cloud Security and DevSecOps Automation (in progress). Google Cloud Platform Career Jumpstart.