Hi Hounds! This week on Highlighting Hounds, we are featuring Nathan Avery ’26. Nathan’s experience includes a steadfast commitment to service, leadership, and continuous growth. Inspired by his time in the U.S. Army, he has pursued opportunities where he can combine his technical expertise with a strong drive to lead. Whether volunteering for local political campaigns, helping small businesses improve their cybersecurity, or actively participating in clubs, Nate consistently seeks ways to make a meaningful impact. His involvement in clubs, especially those focused on cybersecurity education and mentoring, has played a key role in shaping his leadership skills. Through mentoring at GenCyber, he honed his ability to communicate complex concepts while empowering others. Nate’s leadership approach is grounded in strategic thinking, adaptability, and a strong respect for data integrity, shaped by both his military experiences and his active club participation. Read more to learn how his story emphasizes the value of consistency, purpose, and discipline, whether in his military service, academic pursuits, or extracurricular engagements.
Give a brief overview of your campus involvement and impact on the Assumption community.
I’m currently a junior at Assumption University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Computer Science with a minor in Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting, and Data Analytics. The program is NSA-accredited, and I’ve made the Dean’s List for consecutive semesters.
My experiences include:
- Cybersecurity Projects: I developed an Incident Response Plan for a local small business, integrating NIST frameworks and recovery strategies, which led to significant reductions in downtime and enhanced system resilience.
- Mentorship: I served as a mentor for Assumption’s NSA-sponsored GenCyber Camp, guiding high school students in cybersecurity fundamentals.
- Military Background: I served as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army, where I led secure communication logistics, and operated the TOC system at the brigade level.
- Campaign Work: I’ve been a Field Director and volunteer on state-level political campaigns, where I led canvassing teams, managed logistics, and worked closely with candidates on community engagement strategies.
- Clubs and Involvement: I’m an active member of Assumption’s Cybersecurity Club, where we collaborate on hands-on labs, CTFs, and student-led discussions about current cyber threats.
What inspired you to become so involved, and how did you obtain these positions?
My drive stems from a deep desire to serve and lead, values I developed during my time in the U.S. Army. I’m motivated by the idea of giving back—whether to my country, my community, or my peers. I sought out roles where I could merge my technical skills with leadership opportunities, like volunteering for local campaigns or helping small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Many of the positions I’ve held came from directly networking, expressing interest, and taking initiative—whether it was staying after class to ask a professor about opportunities or knocking on doors during campaign season.
What lessons from your political campaign experience have you found to be valuable in managing teams or handling sensitive information in a cybersecurity context?
Campaign work taught me the importance of strategy, adaptability, and communication—all of which are critical in cybersecurity. Just like managing canvassing teams and tailoring messaging for different voter demographics, managing a cybersecurity team requires understanding your audience and objectives. I also developed a deep respect for data privacy and integrity during these campaigns, which parallels the ethical responsibilities we hold in the cyber field when handling sensitive information.
What skills or experiences from your military service do you believe directly translate into the cybersecurity field?
My time as an Infantryman involved handling secure communications, performing reconnaissance, and analyzing threats—experiences that directly translate into cybersecurity work. I was responsible for setting up and maintaining secure communication networks in high-risk environments, which required attention to detail, rapid problem-solving, and strict adherence to security protocols. These are the same skills I now apply to all my coursework here at Assumption.
How did your experience in the military influence your approach to security and resilience in digital systems?
The military taught me that no system is invincible, and resilience is key. I approach cybersecurity through the lens of layered defense and redundancy. Just like we trained for worst-case scenarios in combat, I design systems and response plans assuming that attacks will happen, and it’s our job to limit impact, recover quickly, and continue the mission. This mindset has influenced everything from my Incident Response Plan projects to how I evaluate the security of third-party platforms.
What are your key takeaways from your experience?
A core takeaway from my journey so far is the importance of structure, discipline, and purpose. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from motivation alone—it comes from building strict, non-negotiable systems that keep you focused and productive even when it’s difficult. Every experience—from military service to college projects—has reinforced the value of consistency and intentional living. I don’t wait for the “right moment” to act; I move with purpose every day. I also believe that wisdom is earned, not just learned—so I approach each challenge as an opportunity to grow in character and faith. My experiences have taught me that all suffering has meaning and brings us closer to Jesus Christ, and this mindset gives me the strength and clarity to lead with humility, learn with curiosity, and serve with conviction.
Will you continue your education? If so, what are the key factors that will influence your decision on where to continue your education?
Yes, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity or digital forensics. My decision will be influenced by the program’s accreditation, hands-on curriculum, and opportunities for collaboration with government agencies. I’m also looking at programs with strong connections to industry leaders and those offering certifications alongside the degree.
Reflecting on your time at college so far, what’s one experience that’s had the most profound impact on your personal or professional growth?
Mentoring at GenCyber stands out as the most impactful. It pushed me out of my comfort zone as a leader and communicator. Teaching cybersecurity to high school students required patience, creativity, and the ability to translate complex concepts into relatable terms. It reinforced my belief in the value of cybersecurity education and helped me see how I could be a role model and resource for others entering the field.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in your leadership roles, or any lessons you wish you had learned sooner?
If I could go back, I would focus more on delegating tasks and empowering team members early on. In some leadership roles, I took on too much myself, thinking it was the best way to ensure results. I’ve since learned that trust and communication are vital—and that great leaders build strong teams, not just strong outcomes. I wish I had embraced that lesson sooner.
If you are interested in being featured on Highlighting Hounds or know of any students who would be a strong candidate, please email us at careerdevelopment@assumption.edu!
