Mr. Luther, Supervisor of Cybersecurity Research at DoD
Published 10 Aug 2020
Tags: DoD, computer-science, cybersecurity, electrical, engineering, researchWhy did you choose to pursue this career? What made you certain this was the right path?
Research is a great choice for those interested in solving problems.
What events, prior employment, or educational experiences led you to your current job?
Bachelor in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Computer Science
What schooling, education, and/or certifications did you complete to prepare you for this career?
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
How did you make the best use of your time in both your education and career?
Keep learning about new technologies.
What advice would you give to a high school or college student interested in pursuing this field of work?
Never settle for the easy solution. Keep looking for a better one.
What opportunities would you suggest high school students participate in?
Project lead the way, robotics, or computer science academy
What opportunities did you take as a student that helped advance your career (research, internships, etc.)
Cooperative Education program at my University.
What do you wish you had done differently with regards to your career/education?
I wish I had worked on homework with my peers instead of by myself.
What does a typical day at your job look like?
As a supervisor, there is no typical day. The researchers frequently spend time brainstorming, thinking about potential solutions, conducting experiments, writing code, and consulting with customers.
What was a surprising aspect of your job?
The resistance we encounter to innovation.
What qualities are necessary to be successful in your field of work, and why?
The courage to share your ideas with others and the courage to challenge the beliefs of others.
Do you have any additional advice?
The only bad idea is the one you keep to yourself.