NOVA ET Career Scholars Meet with Microsoft Professionals

During a session of speed mentoring, scholars gain insight into real-world workforce expectations.

This month we had the honor of having Microsoft visit our Engineering Technology Career Scholars at the NOVA Fab Lab for engaging sessions of speed-mentoring! Microsoft brought 13 team members to help guide our scholars through what it takes to be a professional both at Microsoft and the tech world in general.

2 scholars at a time went to each station to learn from a different mentor, and it was an excellent opportunity for them to ask questions and gain valuable interpersonal experience with accomplished tech professionals.

Here’s what mentors and scholars had to say in response to the session:

“Being able to contribute to the NOVA ET Career Scholars Program as a mentor was as rewarding as it was inspiring, and I look forward to seeing these students in our talent pipeline!”
~ Olivia Brown – Data Center Program Manager, Microsoft

“The speed networking event was amazing! Getting to chat with Microsoft professionals and hear firsthand about their experiences was super inspiring. I walked away with great insights and some awesome new connections that I’m excited to build on!”
~ Ali Pekdemir, ET Career Scholar

“I left the NOVA ETCS Program feeling extremely energized and excited about our future talent in the Northern VA market!”
~ Mauve Davidson, Sr – Global Talent Acquisition, Microsoft

“Our ETCS program provides fantastic opportunities like this, fostering a supportive atmosphere where we can connect and grow. Meeting the Microsoft professionals was definitely the highlight. I’m grateful they took the time out of their busy schedules to meet with us and share valuable insights about their roles and career journeys. Their advice on interview preparation was especially helpful, and after our brief chats, I felt more confident about my future prospects. The connections I made during the event are incredibly valuable, I’m excited about the possibility of becoming a Microsoft intern. Knowing I can reach out to these industry leaders for advice and support is reassuring.”
~ Ulises Chavarria, ET Career Scholar

“I loved the opportunity to connect directly with our local community and help build the next generation of datacenter operators!”
~ Givon Forbes – Data Center Operations Manager, Microsoft

“It was great to see that although the volunteers had different jobs and came from different backgrounds, they all stated that culture and core-values were highly prioritized in Microsoft. I think that it was an amazing opportunity overall.”
~ Jordan Ky, ET Career Scholar

We’ll be assembling another cohort of ET Career Scholars next year. For more info click here.

ETCareerScholarsNOVA EngineeringTechnology DataCenterOperations SoftSkills

Promoting NOVA Grant Funded Programs at the ATE PI Conference in DC

3 grant award programs showcased at the annual DC event

The 2024 NSF ATE PI (Principal Investigator’s) Conference successfully wrapped up this month in Washington, D.C., gathering over 850 ATE (Advanced Technical Education) grantees and partners from across the U.S.

The event provides a valuable opportunity for sharing innovations and fostering collaboration among educators in advanced technological education. Teams from NOVA SySTEMic and NOVA IET attended, as well as students from NOVA’s Product Design Incubator (PDI) program, to actively raise awareness about National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-funded initiatives through presentations, spotlight sessions, and networking events.

NOVA highlighted 3 different NSF grant award programs in spotlight sessions and through ATE Connects, a hub for networking and collaboration where ATE projects are showcased with posters, materials, and discussion.

The 3 highlighted NSF grant awards were:

  1. Data Center Operations Program Development (DCO PD), which seeks to support colleges across the country in developing programs, courses and content to increase capacity for data center education through 3 components; A DCO Professional Learning (PL) Fellowship for educators, An awareness and recruitment campaign through ACTE’s national conferences, and a Data Center Education Digital Resource Hub. More info about DCO PD can be found here. 
  2. The Product Design Incubator (PDI), which prepares community college students for success in digital fabrication through a product design challenge, guiding them from ideation to final presentation. PDI’s goals are to increase industry engagement, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and produce IET workers with strong communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills – all highly valued by regional employers. To date, PDI has completed 2 cohorts at NOVA. In 2025, we plan to accept our last cohort of 24 students and increase collaboration with our industry and academic partners. More about PDI here.
  3. BUILD: Futures in Welding and Fabrication. The NSF BUILD grant is a new and developing program that will enhance welding instruction at NOVA by redesigning and restructuring courses to align with industry demands, addressing the regional need for a new generation of skilled welders in an aging workforce. BUILD will offer additional support resources to welding students, boosting their competitiveness in the job market. BUILD has 4 goals: to rebuild and modernize the welding credential, to develop a welding fabrication capstone course, to improve access to welding co-curricular support, and to increase outreach to High School students. More about NOVA’s welding program can be found here.

CLRI Wraps Up Fall Cohort with Executive Mentoring and Networking Event

 

The Fall 2024 IET Career and Leadership Institute (CLRI), led by M. Andy Chaves and Sedrick Settle, concluded on October 24, 2024, with an Executive Mentoring and Networking event at the Woodbridge campus.

This season, 14 students completed the CLRI program, finishing a five-week journey that began in September. Participants completed six workshops covering critical topics such as leadership, effective communication, building your personal brand, how to write a technical resume, and trends in IT careers.

The Fall 2024 CLRI cohort also participated in site tours and a mock interviewing event coordinated with AWS. Through these robust and enriching experiences, students gained interpersonal skills, practiced networking—many through LinkedIn connections—and built confidence.

The program concluded with an executive networking event featuring 11 leaders from top companies, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), CoreSite, Digital Realty, Google, Iron Mountain, Meerkat Cyber, Red Hat, Suffolk Construction, and U.S. Transactions Corp.

To cap off the event, mentors and students received recognition, and participants stayed an extra hour to connect with industry professionals.

Student Feedback on CLRI

CLRI students shared their excitement for the program:

  • “The CLRI is an amazing experience. It opened my eyes to many new ideas and opportunities.”
    Ilham Data Center Operations
  • “CLRI is a great foundation for students—it gives clear direction, teaches new skills, introduces people from diverse backgrounds, and offers unique experiences. I highly recommend it.” —Anchinalush, Cybersecurity and Health Science
  • “The program is very exciting. I’m glad I joined after Andy and Sedrick introduced it to our class. It was my first time experiencing data centers.”
    —Jack, Data Center Operations
  • “CLRI was fantastic. I’ll graduate in December, ready to apply everything I’ve learned. Andy and Sedrick bring together amazing people to support us.”
    —Mary, Cybersecurity
  • “This experience has been invaluable for my first semester at NOVA, providing me with valuable connections.”
    —James, Data Center Operations 

Insights from Industry Professionals

CLRI also granted students valuable perspectives from experienced leaders:

  • Steve Jolly, Data Center Cluster Manager, Amazon Web Services:
    “A great attitude is everything. Technical skills can be taught, but attitude and behavior are much harder to change. Curiosity, self-improvement, and a bias for action truly make a difference.”
  • Chris Haigh, CEO & Certified CMMC Assessor, Meerkat Cyber, LLC:
    “Find something that fascinates you, pursue certifications, and engage with it daily. Always keep learning.”
  • John Limbacher, Market Technical Manager, Digital Realty:
    “Building gigawatt campuses and working with high-tech solutions for companies like Nvidia—there’s a lot of excitement in the data center industry.”
  • Miguel Ramos, Sr. Data Center Manager, CoreSite:
    “At CoreSite, we train interns in security, telecom, and facilities—critical components of our operations.”
  • Todd Byington, Critical Facilities Manager, Iron Mountain:
    “Data centers offer roles in everything from facilities operations and project management to sales and security, providing a wide range of opportunities.”
  • Wade Tetsuka, President of U.S. Transactions Corp:
    “Our software company collaborates with Microsoft partners. For those considering entrepreneurship in IT or software, it’s a rewarding path.”

Congratulations to the students and thank you to the executives who contributed to the success of the program.  We hope to see more students in the Spring ’25 CLRI program.

NOVA DCO Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Amir Mehmood

“We started the DCO program with single rooms at the Loudoun and Manassas campuses. Now, we’ve built full facilities at both locations, as well as at Woodbridge and discussing facilities at Alexandria and Annandale. I want to thank and applaud the entire NOVA team for making this happen.”

Balancing Roles in Academia and Industry

Calling Dr. Amir Mehmood “busy” hardly captures the full picture. Since joining NVCC in 2019, he has led the DCO program while also teaching in the Engineering Technology and DCO departments. On top of his full-time role at NOVA, Amir took on a second significant position in 2022 as a Senior Customer Success Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Balancing both worlds, he skillfully connects academic insight with industry expertise.

“My passion for engineering began with my love for math, fostered by my teachers and my natural inclination toward technology,” he shares.“For those who enjoy solving technical problems, engineering is a perfect fit. I chose electrical engineering and electronics because, in the mid-90s when I entered the field, technology was evolving at a rapid pace. Now, computers are a fundamental part of our daily lives.”

In collaboration with Dr. John Sound, Amir launched NOVA’s DCO initiative in 2019. As head of the program, he handles everything from organizing the schedule for 20 to 22 classes per semester to managing faculty and resources. Beyond his administrative responsibilities, he also teaches five to six courses each term, including Building Automation and Energy Management Systems, Electrical Machines, Electric Motor Control, Fiber Optic Technology, Power Distribution Systems, and Programmable Logic Controllers.

His dedication to teaching is evident in his interactions with students. He values their input and takes pride in their achievements. “It’s fulfilling to see students excel in such a hands-on field,” he says.

The DCO curriculum emphasizes practical learning. In the fiber optics course, for instance, students practice terminating, splicing, and testing—critical skills in the industry. In motor control classes, students use electrical trainers to perform tasks related to power distribution, and since building a full lab for power distribution is difficult, students also visit local data centers.

Since its inception, the DCO program has grown significantly. “We began with just baseline UPS systems, a few racks, and some basic equipment,” he recalls. “Each year, we’ve made strides to upgrade with newer technology.” Recently, NOVA invested in a state-of-the-art $6 million lab at the Woodbridge Campus, featuring the latest racks, UPS units, and power distribution systems.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Amir continues his work at AWS, where he helps clients in Northern Virginia and emerging markets. His role involves addressing training needs, troubleshooting virtual systems, and advising data center communities. His industry experience brings valuable insight back to his students.

For those interested in DCO, he offers encouraging advice: “If you love technology—even if math isn’t your strongest subject—this is a fantastic field to explore. Data centers are here to stay, offering a stable and growing career path.”

The demand for DCO graduates is high. “Since 2018, the number of data centers in Northern Virginia has nearly tripled,” he notes. “While space here is limited, the industry is expanding to places like Florida, California, Oregon, Texas, and even internationally, in Europe and Asia.”

DCO Student to Workforce Spotlight: Mike Dexter

“I highly recommend NOVA’s Data Center Operations (DCO) program to anyone entering the field. NOVA laid the groundwork I needed, which I built on through hands-on experience at Iron Mountain Data Centers.”

Mike’s career began in law enforcement as a corrections officer, but after the birth of his son, he transitioned to security. Six months into his role as a safety and security officer at Iron Mountain, he became fascinated with the critical facilities side of the business. His natural curiosity and hands-on learning style made this shift feel seamless.

In 2021, Mike joined Iron Mountain as a facilities technician, on the condition that he would enroll in a data center operations program. That year, he began NOVA’s one-year certificate program. Reflecting on his time here, Mike appreciates the professors’ expertise and support. “The professors are knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely care about helping you succeed,” he says. “They have direct industry experience, which adds depth to the lessons.”

He credits two professors in particular for shaping his journey. “My first class with TJ Ciccone was pivotal. Without him, I might not have completed the program or entered the field,” he shares. “Amir Mehmood is another favorite. I faced family issues during school, and his support was crucial in helping me stay on track. He allowed me to do make-up work online, which made a huge difference.”

In addition to NOVA’s curriculum, Mike encourages students to explore other resources like The Engineering Mindset YouTube channel and free webinars from Schneider Electric, which bridge classroom learning and real-world application. He also promotes the AFCOM internship  program affiliated with Iron Mountain, which recently hired three of its interns.

Like many in the industry, Mike began on the night shift. Though offered a day shift, he remained on nights for a while, taking advantage of the higher pay to save for a house and using the quieter hours to further his learning. Having worked night shifts as a corrections officer, the schedule suited him. Recently, he transitioned to the day shift, working from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., five days a week.

“A typical night shift involves monitoring alarms, conducting rounds, and ensuring everything is operating smoothly,” he explains. “Day shifts are busier. We handle repairs, complete projects, and respond to customer needs.”

Switching to days after 10 years on nights was challenging. Mike had to adjust his body clock and expand his skillset to handle the more customer-facing aspects of the job, such as managing contractors, understanding contracts, and liaising with vendors. “It took some getting used to,” he says. “For the first few months, leaving work and seeing daylight was a strange feeling.”

Today, Mike serves as a Critical Facilities Engineer II in VA-2, one of the three operational buildings on Iron Mountain’s campus. He speaks highly of his team, emphasizing their talent and collaboration. “I make sure projects are completed and handle much of the paperwork in our building,” he says. “I also know most of the paperwork across the campus.”

Mike underscores the importance of communication, particularly when working with customers and vendors, as well as the need for organization, teamwork, and strong customer service skills. “If a customer needs something, and it’s within the contract, you make it happen,” he says.

Looking to the future, Mike aims to lead a team in one of the buildings, further develop his skills, and eventually take on a management role.

NOVA Hosts Adult Learners Meeting to Showcase Pathways to Continued Education

On October 18, NOVA hosted an adult learners meeting to discuss opportunities for continuing education. Emphasizing its teaching-first approach, NOVA provides a unique environment distinct from many four-year universities, where research typically takes priority. At NOVA, students benefit from direct engagement with faculty, free from reliance on teaching assistants, ensuring that each learner receives personalized guidance tailored to their educational journey.

To meet the diverse needs of its student body, the college provides several class formats: in-person, live online via Zoom, self-paced online, and hybrid models. This flexibility allows individuals to shape their education around their schedules and personal preferences.

NOVA supports both academic advancement and immediate workforce entry through a variety of routes.Strong partnerships with Virginia’s four-year institutions, especially George Mason University, create smooth transitions for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Through guaranteed admission agreements and the “Advance” program, students can be dually enrolled as Mason students.

The college’s applied degrees and certificates prepare individuals with industry-relevant skills in fields like HVAC, engineering technology, and welding. Curricula are designed with input from industry advisory boards, ensuring graduates are ready for employment demands in Northern Virginia and beyond.

NOVA has broadened its technical offerings, including programs in HVAC, engineering technology, and automotive technology. Collaborations with companies such as Micron and General Motors enhance practical learning, with Micron recently contributing $4 million to develop an engineering simulation lab. NOVA also highlights inclusivity in the trades, with growing female participation in traditionally male-dominated areas like welding and automotive repair.

Recognizing the value of prior knowledge, NOVA allows students to apply previous experience toward their degrees, facilitating a quicker path to completion. Stackable credentials, like the OSHA 10 safety certification, provide clear steps for professional growth, while flexible course options such as evening and online classes make it easier for working students to continue their education.

With Northern Virginia’s expanding data center industry and the rise of AI, NOVA has introduced specialized programs in data center operations, computer science, cybersecurity, and AI and data analytics, preparing individuals for high-demand sectors. These programs equip students with skills needed for immediate employment in rapidly growing fields.

NOVA’s health sciences offerings, including dental hygiene, nursing, and radiography, support both those entering the workforce and those planning to transfer. The college’s short-term workforce development courses also facilitate career transitions, with certifications that make students job-ready within weeks or months in areas like healthcare and IT.

Programs like Fast Forward and FANTIC enhance the accessibility of NOVA’s technical credentials, offering partial or full tuition coverage for eligible residents.Additionally, the college provides financial aid through FAFSA for credit programs, reducing the financial burden on students.

The college’s commitment to student success extends beyond academics, with offerings such as free tutoring, counseling services, and a variety of extracurriculars. Clubs, like a unique knitting and crocheting group, foster community, while the Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) helps students develop crucial skills in resume writing, interviewing, and leadership.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Richmond Hill, NOVA’s Provost, welcomed attendees to consider joining the “Nighthawk family.” He highlighted the extensive support available, including tutoring, library services, and faculty engagement hours. The meeting concluded with tours of NOVA’s Woodbridge campus, giving attendees a chance to explore student services and advising facilities.

With an array of programs and resources, NOVA emphasizes flexibility, lifelong learning, and strong community support, preparing students not only for immediate career opportunities but also for ongoing academic growth and personal enrichment.

Nvolve Tackles Gender Divide in STEM Fields

On Friday, September 13, Faye O’Brien and Judy Marouf presented “From Disparity to Opportunity: Addressing the Gender Divide in STEM Fields” via Zoom. They discussed their work with Nvolve, a nonprofit organization founded in 2020 dedicated to increasing the participation of women in technology, engineering, life sciences, and health careers by overcoming gender, racial, and socioeconomic barriers. Nvolve operates virtually and is entirely volunteer-run, supported by a team of 100 volunteers.

Recently, Nvolve partnered with NOVA on a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded project aimed at recruiting women and minorities into the biotech industry. The project is led by Professor Fernandez.

Faye O’Brien, the founder and director of the Nvolve Scholars Program, has been a mentor and role model for many female NOVA STEM students since 2016. Originally from Iran, Faye’s career spans over 30 years, including roles as a statistician, clinical study leader, research publisher, and executive in multinational companies before retiring.

Judy Marouf, a spring 2024 NOVA graduate with associate degrees in computer science and business, is the outgoing president of NOVA’s Women in STEM Club, which has over 270 members. She is also an Nvolve Scholar and is currently attending George Washington University, majoring in computer science with minors in business and management.

The 2023 NSF study on diversity in STEM, which included data through 2021, revealed a significant gender disparity. The study examined the U.S. labor force population ages 18 to 74. While the total labor force is split evenly between men and women, the STEM workforce is 65% male and 35% female. The gap is wider in science and engineering, where 72% of employees are men. Even with equal education, men in science and engineering earn a median salary of $100,000, compared to $75,000 for women.

“We are committed to empowering women to pursue careers in STEM,” Faye explained. “We work with our academic and industry partners to address gender, racial, and socioeconomic barriers by offering structured mentoring, professional skill-building, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for life after graduation.”

Nvolve is currently seeking recommendations and nominations from college faculty and staff for its program. The organization admits college sophomores and juniors, who typically stay in the program for three to six semesters until they graduate. Nvolve is a multi-year program, and once admitted, students remain for two to three years until they complete their bachelor’s degree.

To date, Nvolve has admitted 105 students and awarded over 220 stipends and scholarships. Seventeen percent of participants are from NOVA.

Students are required to attend mentoring sessions twice a month and complete a semester-long tech or science project. The program also includes weekly leadership development “huddles,” which feature instructional sessions, group discussions, honors seminars, workshops, or guest speakers. These mentoring sessions focus on setting STEM goals, developing leadership skills, and solving STEM-related problems.

Reflecting on her experience, Judy said, “The weekly cohort huddles are the heartbeat of the Nvolve program. Two topics that especially resonated with me were perfectionism and time management because I’ve struggled with both. After completing the curriculum, I noticed a big improvement in those areas.”

Judy also appreciated the variety of topics covered, such as artificial intelligence, project management fundamentals, salary negotiation, and assertive communication. She credited her mentor with helping her craft a resume, expand her network, and guide her through her undergraduate journey.

“I love that Nvolve pairs us with someone who stays with us throughout our entire undergraduate experience,” she said. “It truly feels easier when you have someone to rely on.”

In addition to the mentorship, Judy completed several projects, including a podcast series on computational chemistry, creating an AI chatbot, and developing websites.

Applications for the spring 2025 cohort are now open, offering more students the opportunity to join this impactful initiative. For more information, visit www.nvolveme.org.

 

 

CLRI Kickoff Prepares Students For Career Success

“You’re all about to take off, even if you don’t fully realize it yet. Maybe you feel it, maybe you hope for it—that’s why you’re here. But remember, you’re the drivers of your own cars, the drivers of your own lives. The decisions you make and the preparation you put in will open doors for you.”  ~ Sedrick Settle, Co-Coordinator, CLRI


The Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) launched its Fall 2024 session on September 19th at NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus, welcoming over 20 participants. Students toured the almost completed $5 million data center training facility, engaged in interactive activities, and learned about the program’s unique offerings.

Funded by grants, CLRI is a free initiative designed to help NOVA students become competitive candidates in the job market. Led by NOVA IET’s M. Andy Chaves and Sedrick Settle, CLRI is recognized for preparing students with career readiness skills and developing competitive applicants for internships and jobs in the IET industry.

The event provided students with a friendly and engaging introduction to the program, which has become a cornerstone of career development at NOVA. Throughout the session, students shared why they joined:

  • “I’m in the Data Center Operations certificate program. A friend who works at a data center recommended it as a great career path. I’m here because the CLRI program seems like an opportunity I should take advantage of.”
  • “I’m studying cybersecurity, but I feel a bit lost. I attend my IT classes, but I don’t have a community or know anyone studying the same thing. That’s why I’m here.”
  • “I’m in the Data Center Operations program. I’m here to meet new people and build my network.”
  • “I’m an IT student at NOVA, and I also work there as an IT technician. I’m here for professional development.”
  • “I’m studying cybersecurity and heard about the program from Mr. Chaves. I’m excited to be here and meet new people.”
  • “I’m studying to become a network engineering specialist, and I’m here to develop my communication skills.”
  • “I’m here for the opportunity to network and connect with others for my career development.”
  • “I’m studying computer science and general studies, and I’m graduating this semester. I’m here to develop job-related skills and expand my network.”

After a fun icebreaker, participants downloaded the NOVA Engage App to connect within the Fall CLRI group and with the broader NOVA community.

Mr. Chaves and Mr. Settle then outlined key program highlights, including an alumni panel where graduates offer feedback, site visits to local data centers, mock interviews with Amazon Web Services (AWS), and an executive networking event featuring vice presidents, directors, and CEOs from local industry partners. Participants will also learn how to create standout technical resumes, develop interpersonal skills, build personal brands, and more.

The evening wrapped up with a fun, hands-on activity where teams used mystery bags to create and market a product, followed by a pizza social.

For NOVA IET students, the CLRI program is a critical component in developing interpersonal (soft) skills to complement their technical knowledge. Many graduates have secured internships and job offers as a result of participating and learning key leadership skills during the program.

The next CLRI session will begin in February 2025. Interested students can fill out the Interest Form to be notified when registration opens. More information is available at www.nvcc.edu/career-services/clri.html.

Cybersecurity Month Student Spotlight

Afraz Sakib, Cybersecurity Student


“One of the most fascinating aspects of digital security is the constant emergence of new attacks, vulnerabilities, and insights. We are always learning innovative methods for both breaching and defending systems against the varied strategies hackers use daily.”

In 2020, Afraz Sakib moved from Bangladesh to the United States, eager to build a career in cybersecurity. The following year, he began studying network administration and cybersecurity. For Afraz, choosing NOVA was a clear decision, thanks to several cousins who had graduated from the college and highly recommended its programs. By December 2022, Afraz had earned an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and a Career Studies Certificate in Network Administration.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Afraz shares his appreciation for the program’s hands-on approach. “I loved all of my digital security courses,” he says. “Most of my professors work in the industry, so they incorporated real-life examples and scenarios into their teaching. I would absolutely recommend NOVA’s program because it’s hands-on and builds a strong foundation.”

Beyond the classroom, Afraz took advantage of NOVA’s many extracurricular opportunities. He particularly enjoyed participating in cybersecurity competitions such as the National Cyber League, Virginia Commonwealth Cyber Fusion, a Microsoft Tournament, and Def Con—events that not only honed his skills but also expanded his network within the field.

While Afraz did not pursue a formal internship, he gained valuable real-world experience through a class project that involved conducting security assessments for two nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, the names of the organizations remain confidential.

Afraz and his classmates collaborated with these groups to evaluate their security infrastructure. They found that the nonprofits, despite serving low-income individuals and managing millions of dollars in donations, had significant vulnerabilities in their systems. The project came about after a hacking incident at the parent company of one of these organizations, prompting them to reach out to NOVA for help. This experience further solidified Afraz’s practical understanding of cybersecurity risks and solutions.

It was through his experience at NOVA and the mentorship of Professor Kwabena Konadu that Afraz secured a role as a lab support specialist in the IT departments at both the Manassas and Woodbridge campuses. His day-to-day work involves assisting students in the labs and supporting professors with various projects and courses.

“NOVA played a huge role in preparing me for this position,” Afraz says. “I acquired most of my technical skills here. No matter where I graduate from in the future, the foundation was built at NOVA, and I respect that.”

As a seasoned student now offering advice to others, Afraz emphasizes the importance of perseverance. “Do your best and keep working until you solve the problem. Each challenge is the first step in overcoming a barrier—apply what you learn to the next.”

In addition to his part-time role at NOVA, Afraz balances two more jobs: serving as a lead instructor for CyberGuardian.courses and working full-time as a Data Center Operations Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS). His dedication to the field is reflected in his commitment to continuous learning.

Currently enrolled in an online program at Western Governors University, Afraz plans to graduate this year with two bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity and information assurance. He’s already setting his sights on the future, considering master’s programs at George Mason University or Georgia Tech to further advance his expertise.

Looking ahead, Afraz is excited about what’s to come. He will become a U.S. citizen next year, a milestone that will allow him to pursue a security clearance and fulfill his ambition to work as a cyber analyst for the government. In the long term, he hopes to complete his master’s degree and eventually return to NOVA, this time as a professor, where he can share his knowledge with the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity Month Faculty Spotlight

Kwabena Konadu, Cybersecurity Faculty

“I feel like I’m called to help lead the next generation of workers, especially in IT and cybersecurity. I love seeing young people eager for knowledge. I’m always here for my students—they can ask me anything.”


Kwabena Konadu serves as the Chair of NOVA’s Cybersecurity A.A.S. program, alongside his roles as an associate professor at NOVA and an adjunct professor at The George Washington University. With a background in electrical engineering, he spent 13 years in the space industry working on space applications as a consultant. After the company he worked for closed, he knew it was time to explore a new path.

“The interesting thing is, I’ve always loved computers,” he says.“This is a story I’ve shared many times. The first time I saw a computer was when I was 13. Around 33 years ago, my family moved from Ghana to the United States. My dad nudged me toward engineering, but he also taught me how to build a computer during our first year here. I always knew I’d return to my passion for computers.”

In 2008, while working as a cybersecurity consultant, Kwabena began teaching part-time IT workforce classes at NOVA. He also founded a club that provides students with access to computers and training in various digital applications. By 2020, inspired by his participants and growing interest in digital security, he assumed the leadership role of the cybersecurity track at NOVA.

His responsibilities include course development, guiding competition teams, and instructing in hands-on, practical skills. He leads students in the Year Up United program, which helps them transition into IT fields, particularly cyber defense. After completing the semester, participants move on to six-month internships with companies and earn certifications. Kwabena has been committed to Year Up United for seven years. In addition, he leads courses on computer hardware, software, and information security.

In NOVA’s cybersecurity curriculum, students use cloud-based, open-source tools—resources commonly used by cyber attackers. “It’s vital for learners to understand the methods and tactics that attackers employ,” he says. The program also partners with major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, and students receive hands-on training with forensic tools to image hard drives.

The program’s designation as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) is a testament to its rigor. “Being CAE-designated grants us access to additional resources and ensures our learners are prepared for roles in digital security,” he explains.

The success of this initiative is clear. About a year and a half ago, Walmart’s cybersecurity department invited 10 NOVA students to interview, along with candidates from across the country. One of them, Sandra, advanced to a second interview and eventually secured a job offer.

Recently, a former student named Reza, who completed his master’s in cybersecurity and is now preparing for a Ph.D., returned to thank Kwabena for his mentorship and offered to volunteer his time. “I told him, ‘Please send me your resume. You’re exactly the kind of person we want teaching in our program.’ That was a moving moment.”

Kwabena offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in cybersecurity: “Get involved. Collaborate with other organizations. You can’t learn everything in the classroom, but by joining clubs and networking, you’ll develop your skills and form connections. Most of what I know about cybersecurity came from engaging with others and participating in activities.”

Looking forward, he emphasizes the growing impact of artificial intelligence. “AI is about to revolutionize the world—and our academic programs. People should start learning about AI at an early age, including the ethical implications. AI’s role in cybersecurity is about to take off, and we have no choice but to prepare.”

With October marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month, he offers practical tips for staying safe online: “Make sure you have strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Don’t share your passwords, and always back up your data. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, and avoid using public hotspots unless you’re using a VPN. It’s critical to protect your digital footprint and avoid compromising your identity.”

Kwabena’s commitment to his students and the cybersecurity field is evident—he’s preparing the next generation not just for jobs, but for success in a rapidly evolving digital world.