Ryan Burrow

Have you always wanted to work in the field of cybersecurity?

My original interest in college was embedded systems and robotics, but then I was directed towards cybersecurity by a mentor toward the end of my sophomore year. Since then, I have been trying to find a way to merge my interests, and my group at the Laboratory has provided me an amazing opportunity to do that by focusing on security of embedded systems. I really enjoy getting to work with systems that focus heavily on both software and hardware, and on how to secure all components.

Could you describe a fulfilling accomplishment from your time here so far? 

I was recently the co-author on the first-place entry for SIGNAL Magazine’s AFCEA Cyber Edge writing contest. After only being at the Lab for a few months, getting such a significant accomplishment was a really exciting experience. I was also recently appointed as a co-chair of the New Employee Network and look forward to helping other new employees explore all that the Laboratory has to offer.

How would you describe the working environment of your group?

My group encourages a lot of cross-project discussion and collaboration where appropriate. I think this really helps build the community of the group, allows for cross-pollination of ideas, and supports new innovations in all the projects we are working on. It also provides a great opportunity to learn about topics you have very little experience in and explore some key takeaways from those projects in your own work.

Where have you traveled before and where would you like to visit?

Just before starting at the Laboratory, I did a round-the-world trip with my sister for three months. I would really like to go back to Machu Picchu and hike the Inca Trail.