Over two decades at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Sean advanced from systems administration to leading information security initiatives and mentoring the next generation of defenders. As Senior Information Security Analyst, he supports enterprise security, awareness, and response across the institution while coaching students who monitor live systems in the university's SOC. Earlier in his career, he served as Network Specialist and Technology Specialist at Stetson University, gaining firsthand experience in IT support and academic technology. Whether walking students through how phishing campaigns evolve or explaining how simple password policies protect entire organizations, Sean makes cybersecurity feel practical and real.
Since joining SANS in 2015, Sean has served as a Teaching Assistant, Mentor, and Quality Control Tester for OnDemand courses,helping refine course delivery and ensure a seamless student experience.
Sean holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in E-Business Technology from Stetson University and a broad range of professional credentials, including GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender (GCED), GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), GIAC Certified Detection Analyst (GCDA), GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC), GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN), GIAC Cyber Defense Automation (GDAT), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), GIAC Security Operations Certified (GSOC), GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF), GIAC Open Source Intelligence (GOSI), GIAC Strategic Planning, Policy, and Leadership (GSTRT), and the SANS Security Awareness Professional (SSAP) credential. A GIAC Advisory Board Member and Chuck Yeager Leadership Award recipient, he brings both technical depth and leadership experience to his students.
In every class, Sean focuses on small wins, the “aha” moments when a complex concept suddenly clicks. Those moments, he says, are what turn students into confident practitioners. Learners describe his teaching style as welcoming, well-paced, and filled with practical lessons that connect cybersecurity concepts to everyday work. Away from the keyboard, Sean enjoys woodworking and classical music, pursuits that mirror his teaching philosophy: mastery comes from patience, curiosity, and steady progress. It’s the same message he shares with every student: anyone can build a cybersecurity mindset, one skill at a time.
Qualifications Summary
- SANS Certified Instructor, teaching SEC301: Introduction to Cyber Security
- Senior Information Security Analyst, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- 20+ years in higher education IT operations, security, and systems administration
- GIAC Certifications: GCED, GCFA, GCIH, GCDA, GCWN, GDAT, GSOC, GSLC, GISF, GOSI, GSTRT, SSAP
- Bachelor of Business Administration in E-Business Technology, Stetson University
- Recipient of the Chuck Yeager Leadership Award, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- GIAC Advisory Board Member
