Boise State Cyber Operations and Resilience Programs

08/03/2026

03/05/2026

The article highlights how cybersecurity instructor Patricia Watson is helping prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through her teaching in Boise State’s online cyber operations and resilience program. With more than 25 years of experience in information security, digital forensics and risk management, Watson emphasizes that cybersecurity is not only about technical tools but also about the human element—building resilient people who can protect networks effectively. Her own career began after an inspiring guest lecture during her studies at University of New Mexico led to an internship at Sandia National Laboratories, shaping her professional path.

In her teaching, Watson encourages students to develop empathy, patience and collaborative problem-solving skills while learning technical cybersecurity concepts. She also promotes diversity and accessibility in the field, noting that flexible online programs allow working professionals, parents and students from varied backgrounds to pursue cybersecurity careers. Watson advises aspiring professionals to stay curious, continuously learn new skills, attend industry conferences, join professional organizations and build networks within the cybersecurity community. Overall, the article portrays Watson as a mentor dedicated to strengthening the cybersecurity workforce by empowering and educating future digital defenders.

Written by Ashley Furr
Boise State College of Engineering
Boise State Online

When thinking about cybersecurity, many only imagine the technical aspects, such as firewalls, programming and the numerous racks of servers needed for

02/03/2026

Upcoming CORe Talk on Feb. 19th 6pm MST! Presented by Shea McNama.

Shea McNama is a seasoned Information Security Engineer 3 at ITD, specializing in information protection, data security, digital forensics, DLP, Intune, Purview, Entra ID administration, and Azure security. With a strong foundation in cybersecurity operations and resilience, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and real-world experience to safeguard critical systems and drive continuous improvement in security standards.
A career changer motivated by his children, Shea transitioned from 20+ years in business management, supply chain logistics, sales, and law enforcement into cybersecurity—proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion. He aims to inspire his kids (and others) to follow their dreams sooner rather than later. His journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, adaptability, and leading by example.
Shea holds a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State University (completed online while balancing parenthood and full-time work). He also earned aBachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience, with a focus on Cyber Operations and Cyber-Physical Systems Security from Boise State, along with earlier degrees: a Bachelor of Science and Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts / Marketing & Communication from Johnson & Wales University and the California Culinary Academy, plus POST certification as a Correctional Officer in Idaho.
His diverse background includes:

Over 5 years in law enforcement
Extensive supply chain and logistics experience (“farm to fork”) with companies like FreshPoint of South Texas, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, T&A Produce, and Costco
Contract sales roles across California, Texas, and Idaho
Hands-on IT knowledge, from designing/building networks to implementing software solutions

Growing up in Salinas, California—the “Salad Bowl Capital of the World” near Silicon Valley—Shea developed an early passion for computers (starting with DOS on a family 1983 IBM PC with an 8K hard drive) and sports. A former Junior Olympic Team member, he now coaches his children’s teams in soccer, softball, baseball, and football, using those experiences to teach teamwork, discipline, and resilience—lessons he applies daily in cybersecurity.
Highly analytical, process-driven, and detail-oriented, Shea excels in risk assessment, policy development, compliance with evolving IT security regulations, and cross-functional project coordination. His multidisciplinary background in sales, logistics, law enforcement, and now advanced cybersecurity enables him to bridge technical security needs with business objectives effectively.

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11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day!

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11/11/2025

Master Sergeant Ray Magden, a U.S. Air Force Flight Chief stationed overseas, is pursuing an online Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State University. With the challenges of active-duty service, unpredictable schedules, and frequent relocations, traditional in-person classes were impossible for him. Boise State’s remote learning program offered the flexibility he needed to continue his education while serving abroad.
Magden credits the program’s use of Discord for real-time communication and community as a key factor in his success. His disciplined approach to coursework mirrors his military precision, allowing him to complete assignments from Afghanistan, Korea, Greece, and soon Italy.
Looking ahead, Magden plans to transition into a cybersecurity career after his military service, using the skills and degree he’s earning online. He encourages other service members to take advantage of tuition assistance and try online learning, proving that education can adapt to even the most demanding lifestyles.

Written by Joseph Murphy

Boise State Online
Boise State College of Engineering

Balancing work, family and constant changes in technology can make it more difficult than ever to return to school on a traditional college campus. Remote

09/15/2025

Check out this article by Amanda Mecham
The Social Impacts of Computing 2025: Emerging Technologies and Well-Being workshop, held in August 2025 at Boise State University, convened interdisciplinary stakeholders to explore the societal implications of emerging computing technologies. Organized by the Social Impacts of Computing (SIoC) group in collaboration with the School for the Digital Future and the School of Computing, the two-day event featured presentations and panels on topics including extended reality (XR) in education, data ethics, artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, and the environmental impacts of digital infrastructure. Notable sessions included a keynote by Alice Crisci on empathetic AI in reproductive health, and hands-on discussions around AI-driven medical documentation, sustainability in tech, and ethical frameworks for responsible innovation. Through expert talks, unconferencing sessions, and cross-sector collaboration, the workshop fostered dialogue and action at the intersection of technology, human well-being, and ethical responsibility. SIoC continues to serve as a collaborative platform for addressing current and future societal challenges driven by computational advancements.

Boise State Online

Boise State College of Engineering

Written By Amanda MechamThe Social Impacts of Computing 2025: Emerging Technologies and Well-Being workshop was a two day event that took place in August

08/07/2025

Please check out this article by B. Keith Forland!

“Balancing Parenthood and Cybersecurity: Stevie Lewis’ Story” highlights the inspiring journey of Stevie Lewis, a single mother of three pursuing a degree in cyber operations and resilience at Boise State University. Faced with the daily challenges of parenting, studying, and financial responsibility, Lewis embodies resilience and determination. After separating from her partner mid-program, she became the sole provider for her family while continuing her education. Driven by a passion for criminal justice and a desire to create a better future, Lewis turned to cybersecurity as a stable, fulfilling career path. Despite emotional struggles and logistical hurdles, she has found strength in her progress and remains committed to setting a positive example for her children. The story underscores the importance of flexible online education programs and celebrates the perseverance of student-parents who balance family and personal growth.
Boise State Online
Boise State College of Engineering

Balancing work, school and parenting is no small feat. Late-night study sessions, overlapping commitments, moments of self-doubt — and even the occasional

07/14/2025

Written by Keith Forland
"Balancing Parenthood and Cybersecurity: Shea McNama’s Story"
In a world where balancing parenthood with personal and professional aspirations often feels impossible, Shea McNama's journey offers an inspiring testament to determination and sacrifice. As a father, student, and employee, McNama's path to earning his degrees in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State University was anything but conventional. After an injury forced him to leave law enforcement, McNama pivoted his career, enrolling in an online program that would shape his future and that of his family.

McNama’s tale also highlights the advantages of Boise State’s online format, which allowed him to balance his academic goals with the realities of raising children. The flexible schedule, asynchronous classes, and built-in breaks made it possible to earn his degree while being present for his family. His success proves that with the right blend of support, motivation, and perseverance, parent-students can achieve both academic and career advancement — without compromising their role as a parent.
Ultimately, McNama’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to change careers, chase new opportunities, and create a better future for one’s family — even when the road ahead seems impossible.

Boise State College of Engineering
Boise State Online

Balancing work, school and parenting is no small feat. Late-night study sessions, overlapping commitments, moments of self-doubt — and even the occasional

06/17/2025

Balancing parenthood and cybersecurity: Josiah Mott’s story

Josiah Mott, a student in Boise State University’s online Cyber Operations and Resilience program, exemplifies determination as he juggles work, school, and family life. With military experience and a demanding career, Mott embraces the unpredictability of parenting while pursuing his degree. Supported by a flexible employer and a “tag in, tag out” system with his wife, he finds ways to manage stress, prioritize family time, and lead by example. From Cub Scouts to building a go-kart with his sons, he ensures his children learn the value of hard work and perseverance. His story highlights the challenges of student-parenting while proving that career growth and family life can coexist with resilience and strategic planning. By Keith Forland

Boise State Online
Boise State College of Engineering

Image provided by Josiah Mott. Balancing work, school and parenting is no small feat. Late-night study sessions, overlapping commitments, moments of

05/29/2025

'The Importance of Soft Skills in Cybersecurity
Published: May 23, 2025
While technical expertise is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a career in cybersecurity, this article from Boise State University highlights the critical—but frequently overlooked—role of soft skills in the field. Through insights from cybersecurity professionals Ashley Vanpraag and Elizabeth Khan, the piece emphasizes how traits like communication, resilience under stress, continuous learning, integrity, and empathy are just as vital as programming and data analysis.
Vanpraag and Khan discuss how the ever-evolving threat landscape requires professionals to not only stay technically sharp but also excel in teamwork, ethical decision-making, and emotional intelligence. They advocate for cultivating a growth mindset, managing pressure through self-care, and effectively translating complex cybersecurity issues for non-technical audiences. Boise State’s cyber operations and resilience program reflects this philosophy by embedding soft skill development into its curriculum—preparing students for the real-world demands of the cybersecurity profession.
In sum, the article underscores that being a great cybersecurity professional is not just about stopping threats—it's about leading with empathy, thinking critically, and communicating with clarity in high-stakes environments.
By Ashley Furr

Boise State Online
Boise State College of Engineering

When someone thinks of the skills needed for a successful career in cybersecurity, the primary thought often goes to technical skills or “hard skills,”