Key Takeaways
- A summer cybersecurity camp sparked Tiana Turner’s interest in the field during high school.
- She pursued a BS in cybersecurity at Augusta University before advancing to an MS in information security management for deeper technical training.
- Hands‑on digital forensics courses and passionate professors solidified her career focus.
- Leadership roles in Women in Cybersecurity and Girls Who Code College Loop built her confidence and community.
- Turner combined academic work with outreach, teaching cyber‑safety tips and fundraising for a children’s hospital.
- The CyberCorps Scholarship for Service recognized her achievements and connected her with federal career opportunities.
- Upon graduation, she will enter digital forensics, aiming to help people by fighting cybercrime, and advises newcomers to stay curious and persistent.
Early Spark: A Summer Camp Introduction
During her junior year at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School in Augusta, Tiana Turner attended a cybersecurity summer camp hosted by the Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School. Although she was simultaneously considering careers in art, law, and astronomy, the camp opened her eyes to the breadth of opportunities within cybersecurity. She recalled thinking, “Wow, this is actually really cool,” and realized the field offered many different avenues to explore. That moment marked the start of her deliberate path toward a cybersecurity profession.
From Arts to Astronomy: Exploring Multiple Paths
Before the camp, Turner’s interests were varied; she enjoyed fine arts, contemplated a future in law, and was fascinated by astronomy. The immersive, hands‑on activities at the camp—ranging from network defense exercises to introductory cryptography—showed her how technical problem‑solving could be both creative and impactful. This exposure shifted her focus, prompting her to seek formal education in cybersecurity. She subsequently enrolled in Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, where she began her Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, laying the groundwork for her later specialization.
Undergraduate Foundations at Augusta University
While completing her undergraduate degree, Turner gained a broad overview of core cybersecurity concepts, including network security, ethical hacking, and risk management. She appreciated the theoretical foundation but felt a growing desire to sharpen her practical abilities. Consequently, she decided to continue her studies in the university’s Master of Science in information security management program. The graduate curriculum allowed her to concentrate on technical depth, particularly in areas such as digital forensics and malware analysis, which aligned with her emerging career interests.
Seeking Depth: Graduate Studies in Information Security Management
Turner’s fascination with digital forensics intensified after taking specialized courses that brought the discipline to life. Her professors employed real‑world case studies, demonstrating how digital evidence is collected, preserved, and used in criminal and civil investigations. She recalled being captivated by the professors’ enthusiasm and the tangible relevance of the material. This experience solidified her ambition to work as a digital forensics analyst, a role where she could directly contribute to fighting cybercrime and supporting law‑efforts.
Passionate Mentors and Hands‑On Digital Forensics
Faculty members quickly noticed Turner’s exceptional drive. Dr. Gokila Dorai, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science, remarked that Turner never settled for surface‑level understanding; she consistently pushed herself to dig deeper and often assisted peers as a course assistant. Instructor Raymond Garay‑Paravisini added that she was the first student to tell him the program inspired her to pursue digital forensics and that she was already preparing for a career with federal agencies. Both educators expressed pride in her accomplishments and highlighted her as a model of perseverance and leadership.
Faculty Praise: Recognition of Drive and Leadership
Outside the classroom, Turner found support and camaraderie through student organizations. She served as secretary for Women in Cybersecurity for two years, helping to organize workshops, guest lectures, and networking events. Simultaneously, she participated in Girls Who Code College Loop, a community that encouraged women to explore coding and cybersecurity together. These groups gave her a safe space to share experiences, build confidence in a male‑dominated field, and develop leadership skills that complemented her academic pursuits.
Building Community: Women in Cybersecurity and Girls Who Code
Turner also gave back to the broader community by presenting cybersecurity safety tips at local schools and community centers. She helped organize fundraising efforts for Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia’s Jagathon, leveraging her event‑planning experience to raise money for pediatric care. One memorable initiative was an Easter‑themed capture‑the‑flag competition she coordinated for the Women in Cybersecurity club, which blended fun challenges with technical puzzles and showcased her ability to merge outreach with hands‑on learning.
Service Beyond the Classroom: Outreach and Fundraising
Her academic excellence and commitment to service earned Turner the prestigious CyberCorps Scholarship for Service. The scholarship supports students who intend to pursue careers protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure, providing funding for tuition, stipends, and opportunities to attend national conferences. Turner described the award as an amazing opportunity that allowed her to connect with professionals, learn about federal career pathways, and deepen her understanding of current threats and defenses.
Honored with the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service
Upon graduating with her Master of Science in information security management, Turner will begin a career in digital forensics. She explained that her motivation stems from a desire to help people; analyzing digital evidence enables investigators to uncover cybercriminal activity, protect victims, and strengthen overall security posture. Reflecting on her journey, she advises students who are curious about cybersecurity to “don’t be afraid to try it. If you’re interested in it, keep learning and keep asking questions,” emphasizing that persistence and curiosity are the keys to success.
Looking Ahead: Career in Digital Forensics and Advice for Aspiring Students