Michael joined the WHA team in 2021 after graduating from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a concentration/specialty in Cybersecurity and Infrastructure.

Until April 2021, Michael interned for the Maryland Innovation & Security Institute Academy, monitoring and analyzing data for threat prevention, and inserting countermeasures against cyber-attack for their Security Operations Center.

During his degree training, Michael also completed an internship with the FBI, where he applied problem-solving skills while researching criminal investigation cases.

Another internship was with the Office of the District Attorney for El Paso County, where Michael studied database management and organizational methods, conducted research, and facilitated conferences on criminal casework.

Michael also enjoys competing in Cyber Hackathons and Capture the Flag Tournaments, knowledge-based challenges to help create a safer digital world. Security professionals and college students over the globe go through rigorous training to get insight into how hackers can penetrate the security systems of companies and how to better defend against cyber-attack. In a Capture the Flag Hackathon, players solve challenges in various cybersecurity categories, testing their knowledge and skills against targeted attacks. Michael won first place in the Texas A&M University 2020 Cyber Hackathon.

On the personal side, Michael was raised in El Paso, so his position at WHA will bring him back to his home country. He is an avid athlete, works out “religiously,” and loves hiking.