B.S. Information Technology graduate from Kent State University with a 3.89 GPA and a concentration in Cybersecurity & Forensics. I bring hands-on lab experience in incident response, vulnerability analysis, and defensive security — backed by strong operational leadership and an eye for detail honed across years of managing complex, high-accountability environments.
Disk imaging, file carving, timeline reconstruction, and chain-of-custody evidence handling for criminal and civil investigations.
Log aggregation, anomaly detection, and alert triage using SIEM platforms. Experienced with MITRE ATT&CK framework mapping.
Static and dynamic analysis of suspicious binaries in sandboxed environments. Behavioral fingerprinting and IOC extraction.
Packet capture analysis, protocol dissection, and traffic-based incident reconstruction from PCAP data.
RAM acquisition and analysis — process injection detection, credential extraction artifacts, and rootkit identification.
Building tooling for log parsing, IOC enrichment pipelines, and automated evidence collection using Python and Bash.
Built a Python command-line tool from scratch using Scapy to parse raw packet captures and automatically extract indicators of compromise: top talkers, DNS queries, HTTP requests, suspicious port activity, port scanning behavior, and C2 beaconing patterns. Ran it against a real traffic capture and identified an active NetSupport Manager RAT infection — 273 disguised C2 beacon requests from an infected host to an external server — fully automated, without manual packet-by-packet review.
Competed in the official DoD-hosted Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge, placing 327th out of 2,155 participants nationwide. Applied hands-on skills across security domains including forensics, network analysis, and vulnerability exploitation in a timed competitive environment.
Researched and analyzed CVEs to assess severity and organizational risk. Used PowerShell and Linux CLI tools to identify security issues, configured network controls including rogue DHCP detection, and followed incident response workflows with a focus on documentation and ethical decision-making.
Deployed a web honeypot using Pentbox to simulate a vulnerable service environment. Observed and analyzed attacker interaction patterns and reconnaissance behavior to deepen understanding of defensive security concepts and attacker methodologies.
Completed 300+ verified data classifications supporting large-scale academic datasets on Zooniverse.org. Applied critical thinking, pattern recognition, and data validation to ensure accuracy — directly building skills in digital forensics documentation and data integrity.
Designed and implemented a Python application to read, update, and persist structured data in CSV files. Applied pseudocode and flowchart planning to reduce runtime errors. Conducted repeated testing with varied inputs to ensure reliable, error-free execution.
Cumulative GPA: 3.89/4.00. Dean's List every semester; President's List two semesters. Coursework spanning Network Security, Computer Forensics, Incident Response, Ethical Hacking, Cryptography, and Digital Evidence Analysis.
Led warehouse operations and a multi-person team, ensuring customer satisfaction and procedural compliance. Implemented a digital inventory management system and deployed a real-time stock tracking platform that modernized daily operations. Developed and launched the company website to establish strategic web presence, increasing in-store foot traffic and digital outreach. Oversaw product categorization and quality inspection for all incoming and outgoing shipments.
Advanced rapidly from entry-level technician to Test Service Technician. Diagnosed and repaired complex mechanical systems, reinforcing systematic troubleshooting and root-cause analysis — a discipline that translates directly to incident investigation. Maintained technical documentation and balanced quality control, safety, and efficiency in a high-accountability environment.
Looking for internships, entry-level analyst roles, or forensics opportunities. Always open to collaborating on CTFs and research.
jpthompson264@gmail.com