In this edition of Staff Spotlights, we're introducing Bekah L., an Ohio Cyber Range Analyst who
has been part of the Ohio Cyber Range Institute (OCRI) team since its early days! 

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Bekah's curiosity about technology started when she was just a kid. She was always experimenting
with computers and finding new things she could do with technology, whether that meant changing
the backgrounds on her family's phones or figuring out how to customize things just because she
could. That curiosity followed her into high school, where she began learning Python, exploring
different programming languages, and even creating her own games. 

 

What started as a natural interest in seeing what technology could do eventually grew into a career
in cybersecurity. Bekah went on to study cybersecurity, political science, and information technology
at the University of Cincinnati, along with earning a certificate in legal studies. 

 

Finding Your Place in Cybersecurity 

 

As a woman pursuing a career in a traditionally male-dominated field, Bekah understands firsthand
how meaningful representation can be. Throughout college, she was often one of only a few women
in her classes, and it wasn't until her junior year that she had her first female professor. That
experience made a lasting impression. Seeing a woman teaching and succeeding in technology
gave Bekah someone to relate to and helped reinforce the importance of seeing yourself
represented in the field. 

 

Now, she hopes to be that example for others. Bekah is interested in pursuing teaching
opportunities and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
She believes showing up, building connections, and making yourself known can open doors you
might not have thought possible. Just as having a female professor made a difference in her own journey, she hopes to make that same kind of impact for someone else. 

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Today, Bekah brings that same curiosity and passion for technology to her work at OCRI, helping maintain the cyber range and support the activities that make hands-on cybersecurity learning
possible.

 

Behind the Cyber Range 

 

As a Cyber Range Analyst, Bekah helps maintain the technology and infrastructure that make
OCRI's cyber range possible. Her work spans system administration, cloud computing, identity
and access management, and coordinating the technical needs of range activities. 

She also helps support a variety of activities hosted through the range, including classes,
exercises, bootcamps, and Capture the Flag events. 

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One thing Bekah enjoys about the role is that no two days are quite the same. The work is
fast-paced, responsive, and customer-focused, with opportunities to collaborate with a variety
of people, including instructors, professors, students, and other range users. 

The team also works in cycles throughout the academic year, adapting and maintaining resources based on upcoming activities and feedback from users.

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A Little More About Bekah 

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Outside of work, Bekah enjoys going to the movies, especially exploring different genres (though
horror isn't her thing!). She's also an animal lover and enjoys spending time with her pets. She
has two dogs and four cats, whom she refers to as her little farm!

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We're glad to have Bekah as part of the OCRI team and appreciate the technical expertise,
curiosity, and perspective she brings to her work!