Select Page

Meet Our TEAM

Dr. Blair Taylor

Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder

blair.taylor@secured.team

Dr. Blair Taylor is the Director of the Center for Interdisciplinary and Innovation Cybersecurity (Cyber4All) and a Professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at Towson University. She is a national expert in cybersecurity education and curriculum development. She worked with NSA’s College of Cyber as a Subject Matter Expert on long-term strategies to increase the pipeline of qualified students and build the nations’ cyber workforce.

Dr. Sidd Kaza

Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder

sidd.kaza@secured.team

Dr. Sidd Kaza is the Associate Provost for Research at Towson University. He is passionate about cybersecurity education, learning sciences, data mining, and application development. He was one of the primary authors of the ACM/IEEE Cybersecurity Curriculum Guidelines (CSEC 2017). Dr. Kaza received his Ph.D. degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona.

Development and Operations Partners

Paige Flores

Director of Operations

paige.zaleppa@secured.team

Paige has led the development of the CLARK project since late 2019 and has been an adjunct faculty member at Towson University since 2021. She is currently knee-deep in a Ph.D. in Information Technology at Towson where she is researching the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Education. She is passionate about connecting educators and students with resources that can be utilized to create the next generation of cyber heroes. 

Emily Vogel

Michael Franz

Systems Engineer

michael.franz@secured.team

Michael works alongside the development and platform teams, playing a pivotal role in the design, development, and ongoing support of software and web infrastructure for various initiatives at SecurEd Inc. Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and a Master’s in Computer Science from Towson University, Michael brings a blend of academic prowess and practical expertise to his role. When he’s not busy at SecurEd, you can find him giving back to his roots and sharing his love for all things tech as an Adjunct Professor teaching Computer Science at Towson University.

Christopher Wagner

Platform Engineer

Chris is a computer science graduate student at Towson University on the Cyber Operations track. He enjoys working alongside other ambitious developers to create practical cloud-based solutions. When he isn’t developing, he spends his time volunteering at his local church, playing music, and hiking.

Shannon Ioffe

Shannon Ioffe

Software Developer

Shannon is an undergraduate student pursuing a Computer Science degree at Towson University. Alongside her developer responsibilities, she oversees CLARK’s Security Injections collection, which entails consulting with authors, performing content updates when necessary, and keeping the collection page user-friendly. Shannon is enthusiastic about working within a team of developers and she brings a passion for programming to her role. Her sights are set on pursuing a career in the realm of software development.

Content Partners

Stefanos Savvides

Junior Software Developer
Towson University

Stefanos is an undergraduate at Towson University, passionately pursuing a major in Computer Science. With a keen interest in mastering key programming languages, he is dedicated to excelling in both his academic and technical endeavors. When he’s not delving into code, Stefanos loves to explore new travel destinations, read his books, and enjoy a good movie. His curiosity and love for learning keep him constantly seeking new adventures and knowledge.

REGINALD STRAUGHN JR.

Junior Platform Engineer
Towson University

Reginald, an undergrad at Towson University, is pursuing a Bachelors in Information Technology, specializing in Network Security. He’s deeply enthusiastic about tech, networking, and its security. He’s been accepted into the Cisco Networking Academy and interned as a computer technician in high school. Reginald plans to leverage his keen problem-solving and detail-oriented nature to advance in computer science. Outside academics, he relishes hiking, nature photography, writing, and gaming.

SHILAH BREMOND

Quality Advocate
Towson University

Shilah is an undergraduate student at Towson University majoring in Geography & Environmental Planning with a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She has a strong interest in Computer Science and plans to add an additional minor in the subject. She hopes to combine her interest in Geospatial Technologies with Computer Science in her future career endeavors. Outside of school and work, Shilah enjoys playing basketball, spending time with loved ones, and playing video games.

Avigail Wagner

Marketing Specialist
Towson University

Avigail graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. She adds value to our team through her expertise in digital marketing, email campaigns, and social media outreach. Avigail is creating innovative marketing strategies as well as raising awareness of our products. Outside of work, Avigail is an avid adventurer who loves hiking, volunteering with youth, and immersing herself in different cultures.

Khaleah Martin

Khaleah Martin

Junior Software Developer
Towson University

Khaleah graduated from Towson University with a BS in Computer Information Systems, focusing on a Business track. She began her professional journey at SecurEd as a Quality Advocate, where she later expanded her duties to include Frontend development. She has helped improve the user experience on both CLARK and Competency Ecosystem as well as Cybersecurity AI workshops hosted by SecurEd. She is now excited to apply her web development expertise in her next professional pursuit.

Kevin Tchatat

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Towson University

Kevin is an undergraduate student at Towson university, majoring in Information Technology with a focus in Network Security. He has been around technology ever since he was a child and found a passion for IT. He has been in the Cisco Networking Academy and earned a certificate during his time there. Kevin is a motivated worker and wants to be the best at what he does. In his free time he likes to workout, spend time with friends and family, and rollerskate.

John Gonsalves Bio Pic

John Gonsalves

Junior Software Developer
Towson University

John is an undergraduate student at Towson University, majoring in Computer Science. He has a passion for programming and is eager to learn more about web development. He enjoys working with the SecurEd team to develop software. John plays club Lacrosse and Ice Hockey for Towson University and is also the president of the hockey team.

Shannon Ioffe

Andreas Papacharalampous

Junior Software Developer

Andreas is an undergraduate student at Towson University majoring Computer Science and specializing in software engineering. Andreas has been building software on and off since he was in middle school and has a passion for building things that help people in many ways. In his free time, Andreas enjoys music, sketching, and playing video games, as well as connecting with people about similar passions.

Luis Image

Luis Dale Gascon

Junior Software Developer
Towson University

Luis is an undergraduate student at Towson University, majoring in Computer Science. He’s passionate about automating menial computer tasks and learning about the best practices for creating software. He enjoys customizing keyboards to his liking and browsing for random or interesting open source projects. Luis is a member of the Glider Alliance club, a university club for anything on wheels, to share his enthusiasm for skateboarding.

Alumni

Shannon Ioffe

Julia Depuy

Project Manager
Towson University

Julia is an undergraduate exercise science student who will attend physical therapy school after she graduates. She is president of the exercise science club at Towson University and participates in research on campus. In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking, reading, and going to the beach.

Shannon Ioffe

Maliya Baxter

Junior Software Developer Intern
Towson University

Maliya Baxter is a undergraduate student studying computer science at Towson University. Maliya is also founder and president of the club Sister Scripters at Towson University that aims to support and encourage African American women studying in the tech fields to reach their professional, personal and academic goals. In her freetime Maliya enjoys reading, shopping and going to museums.

Paulo Manalo

Software Developer

Paulo is a senior undergraduate student at Towson University majoring in Computer Science with a track in Software Engineering and a minor in Mathematics. He is President for the Filipino Cultural Association at Towson (FCAT) and enjoys volleyball in his free time.

Blair Thomas

Quality Advocate
Towson University

Blair graduated in May 2023 with her Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a track in interface design. She is passionate about technology and is especially interested in UI/UX design, data analytics, and project management. She aims to help make technology seamless, understandable, and usable. In her free time, Blair enjoys reading, playing video games, listening to music, and baking.

A picture of Falan

FALAN LEGUERRE

Marketing Analyst
Towson University

Falan is responsible for all digital marketing initiatives and analysis at SecurEd.  He is currently obtaining his Bachelors of Science in Economics at Towson University. Falan has founded a digital marketing agency focused on consulting businesses and corporate leaders on maximizing their impact with social media. When Falan is not working at SecurEd, he enjoys bodybuilding, cooking, and playing basketball.

JOSHUA OUYPORN

Quality Advocate
Towson University

Joshua received his Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a track in Interface Design in 2021 and is graduating with his Master of Science in Computer Science in December of 2023, both at Towson University. His work includes researching and designing for UI/UX in software with applied user accessibility, data analytics, project management in content, and teaching/mentoring in requirements engineering and cybersecurity. In his free time, Joshua likes to spend time hiking, doing graphic design, and cooking.

Ajuante Elemihe

Undergraduate Research Assistant
Towson University

Ajuante is an undergraduate students at Towson University majoring in Computer Science. He has a passion for technology and is motivated to learn more!

Sam Smith in a suit and bow tie

Samuel Smith

Research Assistant
Towson University

Samuel received his B.S. in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies in May 2024. Samuel began at SecurEd as a Developmental Assistant in 2021, later expanding his role to become a Research Assistant. He also conducted multidisciplinary research for 4 years in TU’s College of Liberal Arts. Samuel’s research skills allowed him to build & maintain CARD, review CLARK material, and keep up-to-date with emerging cybersecurity trends. In his free time, Samuel enjoys exploring the outdoors, creating new recipes, and sewing/quilting.

Emily Vogel

Mary Grace Lucas

K12 Quality Advocate
Towson University

Mary Grace is an undergraduate student at Towson University pursuing a degree in Computer and Mathematical Sciences Secondary Education with Towson’s UTeach program. She hopes to become a computer science teacher and wants to introduce children of all ages to computer science, programming, and cyber security. Mary Grace enjoys playing video games, crocheting, and baking.

Katelyn Winner

Software Developer
Towson University

Katelyn graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in May of 2024. From November 2021 to May 2024, she contributed her expertise at SecurEd, specializing in User Experience (UX) and Frontend Development. During her tenure, Katelyn played a pivotal role as both a Designer and Software Developer on the CLARK system. She also made significant contributions to the design, development, and enhancement of the Competency Ecosystem. Additionally, her innovative approach to curriculum mapping has brought fresh perspectives and improvements to the process. Starting in June 2024, Katelyn will begin a new position as a Junior Software Developer at Epic Scientific, where she will continue her journey in software development.

Bereket Sega

Junior Software Developer Intern
Towson University

Bereket graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in Fall 2023. He’s passionate about algorithms, machine learning, and using software to solve real-world problems. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer and staying active with regular workouts. With a strong academic background and a dedication to innovation, Bereket is poised to make meaningful contributions in the field of computer science.

Grace Inman

Engagement Manager
Towson University

Grace is a graduate student at Towson University getting her master's in Marketing Intelligence. She graduated in May 2023 from Temple Univesity with a degree in Statistical Science and Data Analytics with a minor in Marketing. Grace has previous market research experience and career aspirations to be a market research analyst. In her free time, Grace enjoys hanging out with her two dogs, going on walks, and spending time with friends.

Josue Molina Morales

Software Architect

Josue is graduate student at Towson University majoring in Computer Science. He received his bachelors degree at Towson for Computer Science with a track in Software Engineering. Josue’s past experience include helping students at Anne Arundel Community College as a Supplemental Instructor in Computer Science courses and interning at T. Rowe Price summer 2023 as a software engineer. In his free time, Josue enjoys playing basketball, going on hikes, and playing video games.

Cara Tang

GenCyber PI
Portland Community College

.

Kim Defusco

502 Project Coordinator
University of South Florida

Rowena McKernan

NCyTE Contributor
Whatcomm Community College