NextGen Cyber: The future of cybersecurity
Welcome to NextGen Cyber, the monthly podcast from the U.S. Cyber Range at Virginia Tech. Join us as we explore essential skills, innovative training, and industry insights with leaders, educators, and students. We’ll cover everything from hands-on training and certification pathways to mentorship opportunities and the importance of diversity in tech. Whether you’re a student, a career changer, or an experienced professional looking to guide new talent, NextGen Cyber is your essential resource for navigating the dynamic field of cybersecurity.
Episodes
As election season approaches, how do cybersecurity experts help safeguard one of democracy’s most essential processes: voting? In this episode of NextGen Cyber, host Shannon Beck, Director of the U.S. Cyber Range and Virginia Cyber Range, talks with Jeremy Epstein, Principal Research Scientist and Co-Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity and Resilient Infrastructure Studies (ICARUS) at Georgia Tech Research Institute.
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What really makes a cybersecurity graduate stand out? Prescient CEO Jack McKenna says it’s less about checking every technical box and more about curiosity, communication, and being the kind of colleague others want to work with. In this episode, he shares why writing and people skills matter, how to build confidence through experiential learning, and why getting a foot in the door—anywhere—can be the smartest first move.
A cyber range is only as good as the curriculum behind it. Dr. Joe Adams explains why content, not just technology, determines success, how hands-on labs turn theory into practical skills, and why building your own range is harder than it looks. From tailoring lessons for freshmen to preparing seniors for complex projects, he offers practical advice to help educators create impactful, real-world cybersecurity learning experiences.
...Jeff Johnston, Program Director and Instructor at North Georgia Technical College, joins the podcast to share how he launched a brand-new cybersecurity program in the North Georgia mountains. Hear how the U.S. Cyber Range helped streamline hands-on learning, the impact it's had on student engagement and employability, and Jeff’s vision for scaling experiential cybersecurity education across departments and campuses. From buildi...
Virginia Tech’s Randy Marchany reflects on 50 years in tech, from Unix sysadmin days to shaping the U.S. Cyber Range. Hear how a hacker incident launched his cybersecurity journey, why hands-on learning matters more than ever, and how AI and operational tech are reshaping the future. A must-listen for educators, students, and anyone passionate about cyber defense and digital resilience.
Discover how hands-on cybersecurity education is shaping the next generation of cyber professionals. In this episode of NextGen Cyber, University of Virginia student Bogdan Antonenko shares how using the Cyber Range has transformed his computer science studies. From learning Linux basics to excelling in Capture the Flag competitions, Bogdan dives into real-world cybersecurity skills, teamwork, and what it takes to stand out in the ...
How do you scale cybersecurity education across an entire state? In this episode of Next Gen Cyber: The Future of Cybersecurity, host Becky Freemal sits down with Jack Seuss (VP of IT & CIO, UMBC) and Laura Mateczun (Director of Cybersecurity Initiatives, UMBC) to explore Maryland’s groundbreaking approach to cybersecurity training. Learn how the state partnered with Virginia Tech’s U.S. Cyber Range to provide hands-on learning...
Jim Tippey, Department Chair of IT and Cybersecurity for Excelsior University joins us to discuss how hands-on learning, flexible education, and ethical considerations are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Discover how non-traditional learners and working professionals are gaining the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges, and learn how industry and academia are collaborating to address the cybersecurity workforce gap.
Join us as we dive into the inspiring story behind the U.S. Cyber Range with David Raymond, Associate VP for Security and Identity at Virginia Tech. Learn how this groundbreaking platform is transforming cybersecurity education, empowering educators, and equipping students with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. From its Virginia roots to nationwide impact, discover how the U.S. Cyber Range is shaping the future of cyberse...
On this episode of NextGen Cyber, we welcome Angela Orebaugh, Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, to discuss the Virginia Cyber Navigator Internship Program and the impact of hands-on cybersecurity education. Learn how students are gaining real-world skills to safeguard election security and exploring unique career paths in public service. Perfect for students, educators, and anyone interested in the future of cybers...
In this episode of the "NextGen Cyber" podcast, we sit down with Pat McShea, Program Manager for Cyber Mission Operations at CACI.
Pat shares his insights on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and emphasizes the critical role of soft skills like communication and problem-solving in the field. He believes these skills often outweigh technical expertise, especially for new graduates. "It's not necessarily what you learn; it's tha...
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