Cybersecurity Guide

Chris Carroll is a teaching professor and program director at Drexel University, where he prepares students for careers in cybersecurity and IT. Drawing on nearly 30 years of industry experience, he brings practical insight into networking, cloud computing, ethical hacking, and secure systems design.
Professor Chris Carroll explains how Drexel’s cybersecurity program combines technical IT training with cybersecurity education so students can build practical skills and real career options. He emphasizes that many graduates begin in roles like networking, server administration, or support before moving into cybersecurity, and that Drexel’s co-op model helps students gain that experience early.
He also argues that strong fundamentals matter more than chasing every new technology trend. His advice to students is to build good academic habits, explore different areas of IT and security, and pursue certifications strategically once they know their direction and can align them with employer needs.
Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide.

Marrci Conner is a seasoned cybersecurity educator and IT professional who brings more than two decades of industry experience and 17 years of college-level teaching to her work at Henry Ford College.
With expertise spanning cybersecurity, networking, programming, and digital forensics, she offers students a rare mix of technical knowledge, business insight, and real-world perspective that helps prepare them for both the classroom and the workforce.
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Dr. Diane Murphy of Marymount University explains why the field now offers multiple entry points for students, career changers, and professionals who want to protect systems, data, and people in an increasingly digital world.
Drawing on decades of experience across industry, government, entrepreneurship, and higher education, Dr. Murphy shares why modern cybersecurity education must go beyond theory. Her perspective makes a strong case for experiential learning, workforce readiness, and future-focused skills that prepare students not just for today’s jobs, but for the challenges still coming next.

More details about this episode are available on Cybersecurity Guide.

Robert Greenberg, Director of the Cyber Forensics Intelligence Center and Assistant Professor of Practice at Sam Houston State University.
With decades of industry experience and a strong background in computer science, he brings practical insight into cybersecurity education, digital forensics, and student career preparation.
Robert Greenberg discussed the university’s cybersecurity, digital forensics, and computing pathways. He explains the differences between computer science, cybersecurity, information assurance, and digital forensics, while outlining SHSU’s undergraduate, master’s, certificate, and PhD options.
He also emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, internships, certifications, and extracurricular projects in preparing students for the workforce. The conversation highlights a key takeaway for listeners: succeeding in today’s cybersecurity job market requires more than earning a degree alone.
Learn more about the full episode at Cybersecurity Guide.

Dr. Gregory Laidlaw emphasizes students need a broad IT foundation (networking, systems, databases) because most entry jobs aren’t purely cybersecurity.
He explains the program aligns with national frameworks (including CAE) and industry feedback while focusing on principles over specific tools. He keeps courses like ethical hacking and forensics intentionally challenging, grading documentation, process, and ability to pivot—not just outcomes—while stressing ethics: written permission, clear scope, and leaving no trace.
His advice: stay open, try areas you think you won’t like, and use certifications to signal readiness to employers.
Find the full episode on Cybersecurity Guide.