Kyle Wheaton Takes the Reins on His Cybersecurity Ambitions

Embry-Riddle Prescott Leaves an Impression

Kyle Wheaton (’26, ’27) grew up eager to learn everything he could about computers and technology, even enrolling in a networking and cybersecurity trade program while in high school. There was no question that he would pursue a related field in college, but he sought a university that would tick all his boxes.

Attending an Arizona-based campus was a must, so he toured universities across the state, eventually landing on Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott Campus. The Cyber Intelligence and Security program’s accreditation stood out to Kyle, as did the expertise of the Department of Cyber Intelligence and Security’s faculty.

“I distinctly remember the dean, Dr. Thomas Drape, and the department chair, Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya, ... listing the possibilities and introducing me to the professors that specialize in certain areas,” he said. “[They talked] about the type of research I could get into, which was something I had been looking for in a program for a while.”

When it came time to commit to a university, Kyle was sold on Embry-Riddle.

Deciding to Master It

With an intent to maximize his time and education, Kyle concurrently pursued an M.S. in Cyber Intelligence and Security through Embry-Riddle's Combined Program Pathways. Taking graduate courses while earning his undergraduate degree enabled him to connect with his classmates and classwork on a deeper level.

“[Graduate courses] challenged me to think more objectively and holistically about new projects and complex problems,” he said. “They have also given me more experience working closely with professors and peers on advanced projects, which has strengthened both my technical understanding and problem-solving abilities.”

Joining the Mastering Enterprise Networks Project

Kyle knew that he needed to engage with Embry-Riddle's resources, clubs and organizations to optimize his time as a student. He was adamant about getting involved in projects where he could fine-tune his skill set and make meaningful contributions, which led him to the Mastering Enterprise Networks project.

The Mastering Enterprise Networks textbook is an open-source textbook that focuses on the fundamentals of computer networking. It can run on most classroom computers and has been incorporated into the curriculum across several courses at Embry-Riddle and academic institutions across the country.

Kyle joined the Mastering Enterprise Networks team in 2024 as a sophomore and has offered multiple perspectives as his computer networking competence has grown.

“Since much of the material was new to me at the time, I was able to provide valuable feedback from the perspective of a beginner,” he said. “Seeing the first edition published digitally and physically, with my name credited as a contributor, was both rewarding and motivating.”

Kyle was excited to see the book through to its next iteration and transitioned to the development team for the second edition. He began writing and editing labs for the textbook in August 2024, which pushed him to prioritize collaboration and clarity.

“I learned about the formal processes involved in research development, including presenting our work at board meetings for grant opportunities, showcasing projects at university events and conducting outreach with local high school students,” he said.

By the time the team was ready to start working on the third edition, Kyle assumed the editor-in-chief role.

“Our primary focus has been expanding and modernizing the textbook’s content to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology,” he said. “Beyond content development, I have also had the opportunity to mentor newer contributors ... which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the project.”

Kyle traveled to the National Conference on Underground Research (NCUR) in April 2026 to present his contributions to the previous edition. While this project began as an outlet for Kyle to explore his aptitude for computer technology, it blossomed into the long-term research opportunity he had aspired to when he first toured the campus.

Technical and Soft Skills Gained at Embry-Riddle

To supplement his cybersecurity experience, Kyle joined the aviation cybersecurity Capture the Flag development team as a project manager, which gave him entry into cybersecurity competitions and events such as:

• DEF CON
• 2025 and 2026 A-ISAC Aviation Cybersecurity Summits
• Aviation Cyber Initiative (ACI) Cyber Rodeo
• Aviation Information Sharing and Analysis Center (A-ISAC) AvTech workshop
• Embry-Riddle-NASA-NSF Aerospace Cybersecurity Workshop

“Through these experiences,” he said, “I have interacted with industry professionals, gaining insight into how to advance my career while staying connected to my technical passions.”

Kyle also wanted to hone his soft skills, sharpening his presentation and public speaking abilities in research contexts by learning from his professors.

“I thought I knew how to research and present it coming into college, but my professors taught me new techniques that I will take into my career,” he said. “Having one-on-one meetings allowed me to gain new perspectives from people who have years of industry experience, which pushed me to look at things differently.”

Advice for Undergraduate Embry-Riddle Students

Reflecting on the past four years, Kyle recognizes that he has always chosen to direct his energy toward projects where he knew he could apply his cybersecurity knowledge and connect with his community.

“Learn to take a chance on yourself,” he advised. “Jump at an opportunity, whether it’s for a certificate, a job or simply to make a new friend.”

Kyle prioritized roles and projects that would build on his Cyber Intelligence and Security coursework and help him become a greater cybersecurity professional. He wrapped up a graduate internship at the Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific over the summer of 2026 before transitioning into his final year at Embry-Riddle.

When he graduates next spring with his master’s degree, Kyle will be ready to take on whatever’s next.