Area Professor, Cybersecurity Expert Joins Flotilla 26Q: How did you first hear about the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?
Andrew: I first heard about the Auxiliary from a co-worker of mine who is in Flotilla 26. That was the first time I had ever heard of the Auxiliary, frankly. I went to the Auxiliary website and started doing Google searches to learn more about it.
Q: What were your initial impressions of the Auxiliary?
Andrew: The Auxiliary seems like it has good intentions and good goals. I would say that it has an idealistic mission and a significant role in the advancement of the Coast Guard.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in the Auxiliary?
Andrew: I’ve looked for several years for an organization where I think I can make a real impact. I’m a physically fit person with special skills in cybersecurity. I wanted to join a group that supports my ideals; I have a lot of respect for military and law enforcement personnel. So in whatever small ways my skills can go toward helping military and law enforcement personnel do their jobs would be great.
Q: Are there particular functional areas that interest you?
Andrew: Yes, there are several. Given my professional background, working in information systems seems like a good potential fit. Working on marine safety and environmental issues would also be good. I could also see myself as a training officer, since I’m a professional educator, or working in operations.
Q: Can you tell us about your day job?
Andrew: I am a professor of cybersecurity at Utica College. I began working here as a part-time adjunct lecturer in 2011, and came on full-time in fall 2016. I specialize in digital forensics.
