Lieutenant | C5I Officer | U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center•Identified inefficiencies in existing process for selecting research priorities, and spearheaded design and deployment of a new IT system to address inefficiencies. Implemented NIST cybersecurity controls across database design, API integration, web sockets, network architecture, and front-end development. Directed security assessments and implemented security patches to mitigate risks. Newly implemented IT system reduced data processing time by over 90% and saved the Coast Guard $26,000 annually.•Led the integration of Starlink satellite technology into 17 Coast Guard vessels, collaborating with SpaceX engineers to design the communication network. Ensured compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards and FIPS 140-2, maintaining secure communications on the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN). Received the 2024 DHS Secretary Innovation Award for enhancing communication capabilities while meeting Coast Guard mission and security requirements.•Managed geographically dispersed cellular-over-satellite research project in remote Alaska regions with limited resources. Leveraged Apple and AT&T partnerships to acquire iPhone test devices and secure complimentary cellular connectivity. Delegated tasks to key stakeholders for technical support and testing execution to reduce central management burden. Empowered local testers to handle regional logistics and streamlined communication to enhance efficiency. Completed project ahead of schedule, saving $5,794 on device acquisition and over $2,000 in travel expenses, while capitalizing on existing Coast Guard operational asset schedule for additional data collection at no additional cost.

Selected for highly competitive Coast Guard Advanced Education program with a selection rate of 33%, subsequently earning a graduate degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

LTJG | C5I Officer | U.S. Coast Guard Operations Systems Center • Identified and mitigated critical vulnerabilities in Coast Guard enterprise systems and maintained compliance with Command Cyber Readiness Inspection audits. Analyzed inspection audit reports and implemented comprehensive security measures aligned with DISA and DoD standards leading to significantly reduced risk of cyberattacks, ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements, and ensured the Coast Guard’s continued authority to operate within the the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN).•Led Security Enhancement Team to modernize Coast Guard DMZ to ensure compliance with NIST security standards and reduce attack surface of the perimeter network. Conducted comprehensive documentation review, identified vulnerabilities, and implemented security controls, including firewall rules, access controls, and intrusion detection systems. Updated documentation to accurately reflect the DMZ configuration. Efforts significantly reduced the attack surface of the DMZ, improved Coast Guard’s security posture, and mitigated the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.•Following reorganization of OSC’s application testing department, developed and implemented comprehensive testing frameworks and procedures for functional testing, compatibility testing, and security assessments of Coast Guard enterprise applications. Worked closely with application developers and security teams to identify strategies for addressing potential deployment issues and software vulnerabilities. Standardized documentation policy of testing results and recommendations. The developed frameworks and procedures reduced software defect density and severity by over 23% with a 30% reduction in “back out plan” executions during production deployments.

US Coast Guard Electronic Systems Support Detachment Cleveland•Oversaw departmental operations of 8 IT technicians in the tracking, prioritization, and resolution of server, network, and telephone outage reports across more than 10 geographically dislocated Coast Guard units.•Identified areas of improvement in existing IT asset management through implementation of automation. Created 10 complex PowerShell programming scripts containing a combined total of over 9,000 lines of code, providing time-saving remote management and maintenance capabilities for over 2,000 computers, 80 servers, and 3,200 user accounts.•Tracked and remediated security vulnerabilities for 1,100 computers, 17 Windows servers, and 115 routers and switches.•Implemented AAA security controls with RSA two-factor authentication for 5,000+ Cisco routers and switches as part of Coast Guard-wide network security modernization effort.

•Head of IT shop’s network division, and resident expert on USCG security configuration for Cisco switches. Deployed and maintained Cisco switches across 12 geographically dispersed units.•Installed new network, server, and telephone equipment for USCG unit occupying commercial space. Implemented physical and network security controls to prevent unauthorized access.•Installed and configured network and telephone architecture for inter-compatibility between British Petroleum (BP) and Coast Guard IT systems for Deepwater Horizon oil spill response efforts.•Troubleshot and repaired physical break in underwater fiber optic cable in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.