Cybersecurity Symposium Spring 2026
April 1, 2026 | 9AM - 9PM | Lake Worth campus
Join us in person or virtually!
Welcome to PBSC's Cybersecurity Symposium hosted by our Business and Computer Science Department & our student-run Ethical Hackers Club. The Symposium includes Cybersecurity & AI seminars, workshops and trainings, cyber-challenge competitions, and panel discussions. We are working in partnership with our cybersecurity industry partners, campus clubs, and other colleges, and universities to bring together computer science, IT, AI, networking, cyber-security students, ethical hackers, faculty, industry speakers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners to engage in this one-day immersive learning experience that will benefit all participants.
Event Details
Partnering for Progress: The Intersectionality of Industry, Academia & the AI ImpactKey Concepts
- Digital Footprinting
- Penetration Testing
- Online Privacy & Identity Protection
- Malware
- Social Engineering
- Linux Fundamentals
- Quantum Computing
- Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets
- Cybersecurity Laws & Policies
Activities
- CyberRange Demonstration
- Cybersecurity Presentations
- CyberChallenge Competitions
- Capture The Flag Competitions
- Cybersecurity & AI Demonstrations
- Cybersecurity Industry Speakers
- CyberBrainBowl Competitions
- Cybersecurity Anonymity
- Social Engineering Activities
- National CyberLeague (NCL) Activities
- Government Relationships & Partnerships
Register to Attend
Please RSVP below to let us know you will be joining us!I'll Be Attending In Person
We're excited to be hosting you on the Lake Worth Campus! Please register below and let us know what day(s) you'll be attending.
I'll Be Attending Online
Registration is only needed once. Once registered in Teams, you will receive a confirmation email with link information. This same link will be used for each day.
Schedule of Events & Presenter Information
Below is the schedule of events and times (subject to change).
All events are available both in person on the Lake Worth campus (CBP103) and virtually. Find Building
Day Session Schedule: 9AM - 4PM
9AM: Host Welcome & Dean Introductions
9:30AM: Linux Fundamentals Workshop - Iwin Ross & Marwan Abdulmalek
- Setting Up a Virtual CyberLab Environment for Optimal Exploration
- Command Line Exploration and Navigating Fedora/Kali Linux
11AM: NCL National CyberLeague Demonstration - EHC Cyberforce Team
11:30AM: The Power of Cyber Certifications - Orie McIntosh
Noon: AI & Malware - Dr. Fatou Sankare
12:30PM: Business Innovation & Successful Business Digital Footprint - Chris Houghtaling
1PM: The Great (Cybersecurity) Debate Series - EHC Cyberforce Team & Michelle McRae
- You be the Judge: YouTube Landmark Legal Case – Is YouTube a social media platform? Is there a duty to children?
- You be the Judge: Discord Data Breach – Challenges & Solutions for Communication APPS
- Panel Discussion: Online Privacy & Identity Protection – Protecting Your Digital Footprint for Career Success
2PM: Beyond The Screen – The Non-Technical Guide To Technical Success - Abhi Saini
2:30PM: Password Cracking & Password Management - EHC Cyberforce Team
3PM: Capture the Flag (CTF) with CyberMinds
4PM: Break
Evening Session Schedule: 5PM - 9PM
5PM: Host Welcome & Dean Introductions
5:30PM: Panel Discussion – Best Practices for Remaining a High Performing Student & the Proper Use of AI (Panel: Anne Bosworth, Janet Naughton, Bianca Diosdado)
6PM: NCL National Cyberleague Demo - EHC Cyberforce Team
6:30PM: Trace Labs Demo - CyberMinds & EHC Cyberforce Team
7PM: The Power/Benefits of Using NCL Activities to Increase Workforce Preparedness and Achieve Career Success in the Cybersecurity Field - Jennifer Langdon
7:30PM: Cybersecurity Teams & The Power of Using AI: What Students Can Do To Prepare - Scott Altiparmak
8PM: CIO & CISO Panel Discussion – A Day In The Life of Real World Cybersecurity Professional (Panel: Andy Jadoo, James Twigger, Michelle McRae)
Presenter Biographies
Learn from the best! CyberWeek features top industry experts and successful PBSC alumni presenting the latest in cybersecurity careers, trends and tools.
Abhi Saini
Owner and President, Bearium Networks | https://bearium.net
Abhi Saini is an IT Leader with over 20 years of experience managing and optimizing complex technology stacks across diverse industries. He has a proven ability to spearhead digital transformations, streamline operations, and enhance customer experiences through strategic technology implementations.
Abhi is currently the Owner and President of Bearium Networks, a Managed IT and Cybersecurity provider in Orlando, FL. Bearium Networks is a boutique IT service provider that takes a holistic view of technology. As technology consultants, they assess needs, recommend solutions, and provide ongoing support to ensure your success. They are built for today’s distributed workforce, using advanced remote management tools to provide fast and efficient support no matter where the team is located. They don’t just want to fix computers; they want to help businesses use technology as efficiently as possible.
Abhi's career has been marked by a steady progression of increasingly responsible roles. He began his career in hands-on technical roles, providing support to end-users and managing IT infrastructure. As he gained experience, he moved into leadership positions, where he was responsible for developing and implementing IT strategies, managing budgets, and leading teams. Throughout his career, Abhi has demonstrated a strong ability to identify and solve business problems using technology. He is also a passionate advocate for the use of technology to improve customer experiences and the importance of continuous learning and development.
Outside of work, Abhi is the Florida State Coordinator for the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center and a board member of his HOA. He is also an avid runner and cyclist who is currently raising money to support the NMDP and running in the 2025 run Disney Springtime Surprise Weekend this April.
Andy Jadoo
CIO & Director of IT, Town of Palm Beach
City website: www.townofpalmbeach.com
Andy Jadoo is a seasoned information technology executive with 26 years of strategic leadership experience. Known for effectively managing teams and complex projects, Andy possesses a dynamic leadership style that adapts seamlessly to the ever-changing technology landscape.
With an outstanding track record of driving innovation and fostering synergy within organizations, Andy collaborates closely with stakeholders to anticipate future needs and align business requirements with comprehensive solutions.
Andy is a visionary problem-solver, proficient in identifying technology opportunities and delivering impactful solutions across organizations. His exceptional communication skills allow him to convey complex concepts in various formats, capitalizing on a blend of technical acumen and business acuity.
Anne Bosworth
Associate Professor of English, Palm Beach State College
Anne Bosworth is an Associate Professor of English at PBSC's Boca Raton Campus. She serves on multiple committees, including Academic Innovation, Academic Integrity, AI Across the Curriculum, Panther Care Team, and the Institutional Review Board. Professor Bosworth specializes in Writing Across the Curriculum and teaching writing to students with diverse literacy backgrounds. Currently pursuing TEFL certification and AI certifications, she aims to help students work productively with AI for academic and professional success. A proud Italian American, Professor Bosworth is actively involved in various Italian American cultural and academic organizations.
Bianca Diosdado
CEO of Octagon Talent Solutions & ITRADE STEM | https://octagontalent.com
A versatile leader and technical recruiter with expertise across various industries. I focus on bridging digital gaps and enhancing infrastructure between Latin America and South Florida while contributing to the International Business Times, Forbes Technology Council, and The Founder Institute. Additionally, I actively volunteer and champion humanitarian causes and economic sustainability for disadvantaged communities worldwide.
Chris Houghtaling
Startup & innovation ecosystem expert | Mentor | Coach | Adjunct Professor
Chris is an agile leader with a history of outperformance. He turns strategy into successful tactical execution that drives revenue growth and exceeds goals. Skilled in building and leading high-performance teams, cultivating trusting relationships, and managing stakeholders. Thrives in dynamic fast-paced innovative environments, solving complex problems, and continuous learning.
Fatou Sankare
Founder of Datacation LLC
Dr. Fatou Sankare graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University. Fatou went on to received her Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Fordham University. Fatou Sankare received her Doctorate of Science in Cybersecurity at Marymount University. Currently, Fatou is working as a Cyber Engineer and an adjunct professor.
Fatou is also the founder of Datacation LLC — with a mission to increase cyber education particularly in underestimated communities. Fatou is a Certified Ethical Hacker and currently holds the AWS Machine Learning Specialty Certification.
James Twigger
Chief Information Officer, City of Tamarac
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamestwigger/ | https://JamesTwigger.com
- Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO)
- Florida Dept of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Level 4 CJIS Security Training Certification
James Twigger has more than twenty-seven (27) years of local government and professional experience building focused IT Departments, providing exceptional customer services, managing successful large scale initiatives and leveraging innovative technologies to building Smart and Connected organizations.
Janet Naughton
Librarian & Professor, Palm Beach State College
Janet Naughton is a faculty librarian and history professor at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, where she supports student learning through instruction, research guidance, and community engagement. She holds master’s degrees in Library and Information Studies and American History, along with a graduate certificate in Community College Leadership and Teaching. Professor Naughton teaches United States History, Honors College courses, and Information Literacy and Research classes in in-person, live online, and fully online formats. Her work emphasizes student-centered instruction, critical thinking, and practical research skills, and she collaborates with faculty and staff to support information literacy, academic integrity, and instructional services. Beyond the classroom, Professor Naughton contributes to historical scholarship and public education through research projects that include publications, public programs, films, and theatrical productions. She lectures statewide on Florida and Palm Beach County history and volunteers as a tour guide at a historic Florida cemetery. Her professional interests include academic integrity, innovative teaching strategies, and the social and economic history of Florida.
Jennifer Langdon
Cyber Engineer at Cyber Skyline | National CyberLeague (NCL)
Jennifer Langdon has worked for over 6 years in Maryland's public and private middle schools. She was driven to teaching by her passion to get kids excited about STEM in their everyday lives. Her technical knowledge and skills with computer technology led her to pursue an Associates in Cyber Security/Information Assurance to jump to a new career. In the daytime, she is using her passion for STEM and her communication skills to create cybersecurity content. At night, she's diving deeper into the cyber community to learn about new skills, connect with new people, and achieve her dream to join the tech industry.
Michelle McRae
Professor of Information Systems and Artificial Intelligence, Palm Beach State College
| AI Department Chair
Michelle McRae is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Palm Beach State College (PBSC), where she also serves as Department Chair and Cluster Chair. With more than 15 years of experience in education, Prof. McRae has advanced from adjunct faculty to leadership roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to innovation, student success, and workforce alignment.
At PBSC, Prof. McRae spearheaded the creation of a new Associate of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence, aligning curriculum with industry needs and enhancing student employability. Her leadership extends to curriculum development, faculty mentoring, grant initiatives, and the integration of data-driven strategies to improve student retention and outcomes.
A certified instructor through the Association if College and University Educators (ACUE) Effective Teaching program and a graduate of the PBSC Leadership Excellence program, Michelle actively contributes to college-wide committees, workforce partnerships, and community collaborations. She is also a frequent presenter and club advisor, supporting initiatives in robotics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Prof. McRae holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Florida A&M University and a Master of Arts in Management Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. She also completed executive education in Agile Project Management at Florida Atlantic University.
Natalie Foster Johnson
CyberMinds Institute
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliefosterjohnson
Dr. Johnson is a highly accomplished certified information security manager, certified change manager, certified data privacy engineer, and certified project manager with 15+ years of experience and excellent business, analytical, project management, change management, strategic management, and documentation acumen looking for the next challenge in a growing career.
Orie McIntosh
Computer Science Department, Palm Beach State College
Orie McIntosh is a technologist, entrepreneur, and consultant who helps businesses adopt cloud technologies securely and effectively. Driven by a passion for demystifying complex systems, Orie empowers teams and individuals to understand the technology they use and make smarter, more secure decisions.
Roxanne Valies
SmartVirtual Ventures LLC
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannevalies/
For the past 20+ years, Dr. Roxanne Valies has made a living in highly responsible positions as a Technology Manager or Systems Engineer with two large and well-respected South Florida companies. She spent most of the first decade in the utility industry at Florida Power & Light (now NextEra Energy) and the remaining years in the healthcare industry at Baptist Health of South Florida. Her experience is predominantly with managing, supporting, and architecting virtual desktops and application solutions, a client server technology that spans all parts of a well-structured Information Technology operation.
Scott Altiparmak
Senior Information Security Engineer at H.I.G Capital | CISSP | ISSA
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottaltiparmak/
Scott Altiparmak is a Senior Information Security Engineer at H.I.G. Capital, where he designs and implements scalable security engineering solutions and automation frameworks that support global enterprise operations. With more than a decade of experience spanning systems, networks, and security engineering, he specializes in bridging technical execution with business outcomes—ensuring that security enables organizations rather than slows them down.
Beyond his professional role, Scott is deeply engaged in the cybersecurity community. He serves on the Board of Directors for ISSA South Florida, where he helped organize one of the region’s largest cybersecurity conferences. At Nova Southeastern University, he served as President of NSU_eHACKERs, a nationally ranked cybersecurity club, where he mentored students and worked to align academic curricula with industry realities.
Scott has presented to both aspiring students and seasoned professionals, addressing the real-world challenges students face when breaking into cybersecurity and offering practical strategies for building successful careers. Not only a committed professional but also a diligent academic, he achieved a 4.0 GPA while balancing his career and community commitments. He holds the CISSP, Security+, Microsoft Certified: Security Operations Analyst (SC-200), and ITIL Foundations certifications, and is passionate about advancing security education, mentorship, and practical engineering practices that prepare the next generation of defenders.
Interested in becoming a presenter?
Fill out our online interest form and someone from the team will be in touch.
