About:  Hi! My name is Bethanie, and I am a PhD student at Tennessee Tech University studying cybersecurity. I am a full-time research assistant whose research work involves digital twins and cybersecurity in smart manufacturing. Since coming to TN Tech I have become actively involved with WiCyS and Cyber Eagles; I am the PhD advisor of WiCyS and the Vice President of Cyber Eagles. I am also a year-round intern for Sandia National Laboratories, where I am a part of the Center for Cyber Defenders Program (CCD) and the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII). At Sandia most of my work involves building simulation models, advancing the objectives of CyManII, and finding ways to secure cyber-physical systems.  I love learning new things and am very passionate about technology. I am continually learning new skills to solve real world problems, and want to use technology to help people and serve my community.

In 2022, I graduated from Tennessee Tech with my Master's in Computer Science with a concentration in cybersecurity. During the Master's Program I worked closely with Dr. Ambareen Siraj around the research area of security in smart manufacturing, and published a paper, " A Taxonomy of Cyber Attacks in Smart Manufacturing Systems," at the EAI International Conference on Management of Manufacturing Systems. During this timeframe, I became a student intern at Sandia National Laboratories. This internship has allowed me to find my passion for protecting cyber-physical systems, especially in the area of smart manufacturing.  As a result, for my Master's Project I decided to create a MTConnect-based simulation system that can replicate MTConnect data produced by real manufacturing machines. 

In 2020, I graduated from Berea College where I majored in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Spanish. At Berea, I was on the Women's Basketball team where in my final year we won the USA South Conference Championship and made Berea's first NCAA III National Tournament Appearance.  During my time at Berea I was also a Bonner Scholar in which I spent countless hours volunteering at the local foodbank, elementary schools, and with the Hispanic Outreach Program. 

My other hobbies and interests include being a basketball trainer and coach, where I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to cultivating skills and nurturing a passion for the game among players, aiming to develop them into better individuals both on and off the court. Currently, I am an assistant coach for the Cosby High School Girls Basketball Program and Founder of B-Extreme Basketball Skills Development and Training.  I also enjoy traveling to new places, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains, making crafts, and developing basketball camps for children. I find myself being actively involved in my community and serving others through community service projects.