Cyber Operations and Resilience Staff and Instructors

Sin Ming Loo, PhD, Program Director of Cyber Operations and Resilience (CORe) program at Boise State University.

Loo is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Boise State University. He also holds a joint-appointment with Idaho National Laboratory.

Michelle Bassett is Program Manager of Cyber Operations and Resilience (CORe) program at Boise State University. She handles all facets day to day activities for CORe.

To connect with a faculty or staff member, please email CORE@boisestate.edu

Derek Beardall has 17 years of experience with a local law enforcement agency. Currently, he is a Digital Forensic Examiner on a federal task force, where he specializes in the investigation of cybercrimes, computer intrusions, violent crimes, financial crimes, organized crime and national security matters. Beardall’s instructional experience consists of 13 years in the topics of Firearms, Emergency Vehicle Operations (EVO), Arrest and Control Techniques (ARCON), and how to investigate sex crimes and human trafficking for the local police academy and his agency.

Beardall holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Minor in Sociology, and a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience. He has several certifications through the federal government, including CompTia A+, Computer Analysis and Response Team (CART), Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE), Digital Extraction Technician (DeXT), Digital Evidence Laboratory Technician (DEL), MAC Imaging Authorization, Mobile Device Authorization and CART Windows Authorization. Beardall is a major supporter of continual education and has authorized a publication titled “Unveiling the Digital Shadows: Cybersecurity and the Art of Digital Forensics.”

When not teaching at Boise State University, Beardall values spending time with his beautiful wife, enjoys playing hair salon, dolls and drawing with his five daughters, dominating his son on any and every video game (he’s 20 years old) and is an artist for hyperrealistic art.

Theron Beam is a Product Engineer for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. His area of focus is distribution controls and sensors used to protect power systems.

He graduated from Boise State University with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 2020. He obtained his Security+ certificate shortly after graduation.

Brenda Burget is an accomplished security professional with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry including 15 years dedicated to cybersecurity. She has held senior roles in product security engineering and management at a major corporation and a prominent gaming company, where her strategic leadership and technical expertise contributed to building robust security frameworks and driving innovative solutions in a rapidly evolving field.

Burget holds the Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) certification from ISACA and actively serves on the board of the Boise Chapter, contributing her knowledge and leadership to the cybersecurity community. Her passion for giving back extends beyond her professional achievements as she remains committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of security professionals.

Fulcanelli “Fuli” Chavez is currently an Information Security Engineer for Albertsons Companies in Boise, ID. He has over 20 years of experience in Information Technology (IT) and Information Security (IS). Previously, he was the senior security operations analyst at the largest privately held west-coast U.S. financial services company.

Chavez has been a consultant, manager and postsecondary educator. As an educator, he has been an instructor and program chair for accredited associate and bachelor level degrees in IT and IS. He helped define the direction of these degrees through both high-level input and curriculum development.

He earned a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington and holds several IT/IS certifications including CISSP, CISA and MCSE.

Charlene Deaver-Vazquez has 35 years of experience in networking and cybersecurity. As a cybersecurity subject matter expert, Deaver-Vazquez provides risk qualification for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Deaver-Vazquez received her Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification from ISC2.org and her Certified Information System Auditor certification from CISA.gov.

Brian Frey is a director in the security consulting practice of a large accounting firm where he assists clients with governance, risk and compliance problems. He has over 13 years of experience helping clients across the energy, retail, healthcare, financial services and public sectors. He leads teams conducting security engagements, including penetration testing, compliance audits and risk assessments. Frey also serves in the Air Force Reserve as a defensive cyberspace operations analyst at the Air Force Security Operations Center.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Security and a Master of Arts in Technology and National Security from Georgetown University. He also holds the following certifications: CISSP, GCFA and PCI QSA.

Robert Hale is a Lockheed Martin Fellow with over 30 years of experience in information operations and cyber security. Over his career, Hale has been responsible for conducting and leading information assurance and cyber security activities for federal, state and commercial organizations in the defense, law enforcement, intelligence, financial services, utility and healthcare industries.

He has a broad range of experience in compliance and certification activities, security architecture and implementation, security test and evaluation, and operational analysis. He has led compliance and audit teams for KPMG and Ernst & Young in the commercial sector and has taken many systems and programs through compliance and accreditation at both the federal and state levels.

Hale is currently leading advanced research and development in cyber security at Lockheed Martin and is also the lead of the 5G.MIL security integrated program team, where he is developing next-generation embedded security services. He holds multiple industry certifications, including the CISSP-ISSAP, and is the author of seven patents. Hale has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Capitol Technology University in Laurel, MD.

Ryan Hays is the Global Head of Red Team for one of the top banks in the United States, where he leads cyber security teams through adept technical expertise within the offensive and defensive cyber security space. With 20 years of experience in the IT and cyber security field, he has worked with a multitude of the top Fortune 1 to 1000 companies, along with various U.S. Government Intelligence agencies. Hays takes pride in giving back to the infosec community by presenting at multiple conferences as well as providing training and mentorship to people across the globe.

Hays holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Information Systems from Strayer University.

Kevin Hunter is a 24-year Air Force veteran, where he learned and practiced cybersecurity as part of the Air Force Security Operations Center. He has over 20 years of experience leading and developing people and has developed a passion for helping others get to the next level in their lives and careers. Currently, he is an Air Force Reserve Senior Enlisted Leader, leading the development of the Air Force Reserve’s first Cyber Training Range unit. Hunter is currently a faculty lecturer for the Cyber Operations and Resilience (CORe) program at Boise State University and assists with the day-to-day operations of the program.

Hunter holds an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security, an Associate of Arts in Human Resources, a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. He also holds the following certifications: CISSP, GCIH, CEH and Sec+.

David Johnson is currently a cybersecurity analyst for Idaho Power. He has over 10 years of experience in the IT and cybersecurity field. His area of focus includes threat detection, incident response, cloud security and systems hardening.

Johnson has a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Bellevue University. In addition, he holds several certifications including Sec+, Net+, Splunk CDA, GCIH and GPYC.

Wayne Josleyn brings nearly two decades of experience in digital forensics and data recovery to his teaching. He’s passionate about advancing the field of digital forensics and inspiring the next generation of experts.

As the owner and lead investigator of G2 Research, Josleyn conducted hundreds of digital forensic investigations and provided expert witness testimony for civil, criminal and federal cases throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Josleyn holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in digital forensic science.

Dr. Andre Karamanian’s career spans positions as researcher, data scientist and practical security professional. Currently, he works as data scientist and product security engineer at Cylance, recently acquired by Blackberry.

He is highly credentialed with many industry certifications, has been a speaker at several conferences and has multiple patents. In his current position he works with a team which develops a product for continuous authentication based on behavior analytics, app usage, network and process invocation patterns.

Elizabeth Khan, assistant to the director, is a full-time auditor for Saint Luke’s Health System in Boise and is focused on the HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules and their respective protection of protected health information. Khan graduated from Boise State University in 2022 with a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience, earning her Certified in Cybersecurity from ISACA and Sec+ and Cloud Essentials from CompTIA shortly after graduation. Additionally, as an independent consultant, Khan provides security consulting services in security program development and security training services, and she also participates in community speaking engagements and panels on a range of cybersecurity topics.

Khan brings extensive business and consulting experience to her role supporting the graduate cyber operations and resilience program by meeting with prospective students, overseeing the capstone courses and helping existing students discover and chart their unique career or program credential pathway.

Matthew Kunzman is the Lead Security Engineer at Kount, Inc. where he designs and develops internal security products to enhance the security posture of the business. He researches, tests and reviews network traffic and network devices. Kunzman leads the security team’s incident response efforts to security events. Additionally, he reviews systems and codebases in order to identify potential security weaknesses and recommends improvements to mitigate vulnerabilities.

Vernon Littlewolf is a cybersecurity consultant for Idaho Power. While in this role, he provides support services in the way of incident response and digital forensics and SIEM administration. His primary focus in his current career has been mainly defensive security, digital forensics and mentoring of cyber security analysts with the leadership roles he has performed.

Vernon holds an associate degree in information technology and a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State University.

Eric Puype specializes in cybersecurity, physical security and personnel security studies. Additionally, he is a licensed attorney who uses his 24 years of security experience to provide expertise and advise on legal issues concerning privacy and information security.

Puype is a security advisor for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this capacity, he is his agency’s representative to federal, state, local and private sector stakeholders on cyber and physical security issues. As a security advisor, Puype collaborates with stakeholders to identify various threats, assess vulnerabilities and provide federal resources to deliver effective defenses.

Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Puype served ten years in the U.S. Air Force as an Intelligence Officer. In this role, he served with distinction in several joint service operations with the Defense Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency. During his service, Puype was awarded the Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Puype earned a Juris Doctor-Law from the University of Idaho’s College of Law and is a licensed attorney in the State of Idaho. Additionally, he earned a Master of Arts from St. Mary’s University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Puype is a licensed attorney in the State of Idaho, a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and a Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) from ASIS International.

Dr. Char Sample has over 25 years experience in cybersecurity. Her experience began as a developer and integrator before she moved into research. Dr. Sample has researched a variety of cybersecurity topics including deception, fake news, industrial control systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning and human machine behaviors.

Dr. Sample currently works as a Principal Cybersecurity Investigator for MTSI where she advises and assists DoD leadership.

Quentin Samuels is a cybersecurity professional with a diverse background that blends military service, academic achievement and a genuine love for learning.

After dedicating seven years to the Georgia Air National Guard and earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Samuels began as a network engineer but found his passion in cybersecurity. Samuels has worked in academia, network optimization, cybersecurity sales, risk management and currently as a cyber system security engineering specialist designing anti-tamper protections for U.S. weapons systems to ensure resiliency against potential threats.

Samuels earned a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Georgia Tech and as a faculty member brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to sharing knowledge in a field that demands technical expertise, a dedication to lifelong learning, continuous growth and adaptability to reflect the evolving nature of cybersecurity.

Ashley Sequeira graduated with a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State University. She started a position with Google in July 2022.

Previously, Sequeira worked for Palo Alto Networks and ran the security operations training program, consulted for SOAR platforms, worked as a professional services consultant and ran an employee resource group focused on veterans.

While serving in the U.S. Army Reserve for 13 years, she worked in a security operations center, competed on the National Taekwondo Team in 2011 and 2015, played in the United States Army Band and learned IT fundamentals.

Sequeira holds a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience from Boise State, a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Southern New Hampshire University and associate degrees in information systems security, English literature and communication, English and general studies. She also holds technical certifications from SANS (GCIH), CompTIA (A+, Mobility+, Security+ and CySA+), and Palo Alto Networks (PCSAE, PCDRA).

Cody Shepherd is the IT operations senior manager for Idaho Power and oversees a team of employees who provide a broad variety of IT services.  Shepherd’s expertise includes all things server hardware, OS, containers, and virtualization, enterprise storage, network, telecom, messaging and collaboration, mobility (internal mobile applications), enterprise application support, DevOps and RPA, cloud, operational security, ITSM, IT compliance and licensing, service desk, desktop support, IT asset management, disaster recovery/business continuity and data centers.

Shepherd has a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience in addition to several certifications, including CISSP-ISSMP, CISM, CySA+, CSM, Azure, MCSE and MCITP:EA.

When not working for Idaho Power or Boise State University, Shepherd is a Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor and an avid traveler, golfer, camper and snowboarder.

Vince Skinner is the CISO and VP of Integration & Deployment for Milton Security. Mr. Skinner brings over 20 years of technical IT and Cybersecurity experience. Most recently, Skinner held the position of Vice-President of Cybersecurity for D.A. Davidson, where he led the organization’s cybersecurity and physical security teams.

Skinner is highly recognized for his deep understanding and commitment to cybersecurity program development, operations and improvement. He is a frequent speaker at various IT Security conferences. He is an adjunct instructor at Boise State University and has 14 years of University instruction; teaching classes in IT Audit and Information Systems Security. He is the former President of Boise ISSA, former president and board member for Boise ISACA and a technical advisor for the Boise Collegiate Cyber–Defense Competition. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a master’s degree in Information Systems. He also holds the following certifications: CISSP, CISM, CISA, CISA, MCSE, CCNA.

Mark Stacey has experience working within the federal government and private industry helping secure the most sensitive networks and critical infrastructure across the world. He is currently the Director of Professional Services at Dragos, Inc. Stacey graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Math, and a Masters of Science in Digital Forensics and Intelligence from Utica.

After a 35-year career in the high-tech industry, Antonio Tijerino recently retired from HP, Inc. where he spent almost 26 years.

Tijerino moved to Boise in 2002 from the Sacramento area, where he also worked at HP in the Roseville Networks Division lab. Tijerino’s most recent experience in the cyber-security field was as a member of a small core team working on developing a security analytics service to help large organizations get information about security events and information on their printer fleets. He has also worked as a print security advisor performing security risk assessments for large organizations and as a program manager in the same organization.

Tijerino has additional experience as a software/firmware security test engineer with full system development life-cycle experience, including designing, developing and implementing test plans, automated test cases and test processes. Prior to working for HP, Tijerino worked as a network/system admin for Intel, Legato Systems (today part of EMC/Dell) and other companies.

Keith Tresh is the Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Idaho, Information Technology Services. Tresh is a retired military and previously a State of California cybersecurity professional. He has over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and over 27 years of experience in information technology.

Tresh holds a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies from the United States Army War College.

Kody Walker is retired from the military with 20 years of service in the protection realm and three years in the Information Technology sector. He previously worked for a defense contractor as a Cyber Information Analyst. Walker is currently an instructor for the Cyber Operations and Resilience (CORe) program at Boise State University and assists with the day-to-day operations of the program.

Walker has an Associate of Applied Science in Cyber Security, an Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) in Cyber Security from the College of Western Idaho, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience and a Certificate in Cyber Operations from Boise State University. He is currently enrolled in Boise State’s Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience program and is looking forward to graduating in May 2024.

Patricia Watson has extensive experience developing, implementing and directing information security strategies, that are both data-driven and human-centric, across multi-site and multi-cultural cloud, SaaS, manufacturing, energy, corporate and government environments.

In this ever-evolving, globally interconnected society, where cyber-intrusions have a direct and immediate impact to business assets, Watson’s professional goal is to ensure the universal security, holistic integrity, uncompromising confidentiality and conditional accessibility of digital information for her stakeholders. Watson’s leadership experience along with her business acumen fuels her collaborative approach toward supporting people, processes, operations and technology to protect and drive business interests forward.

Watson’s passion for developing talent, optimizing resource allocation, and transferring knowledge through training, awareness and meaningful communications are all hallmarks of her values as a cybersecurity professional.