Building a Resilient Future

At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus, cybersecurity is more than a major, it’s an opportunity for leadership and excellence. For two students, Morgan Finch (’26) and Rebekah Sokoloski (’26), that opportunity has taken shape in the form of CyberAero, a student-led Capture the Flag (CTF) experience designed to prepare and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

In just two years, Morgan and Rebekah have demonstrated the powerful impact of women leading in a field where they are critically underrepresented by together transforming CyberAero into a unique statewide educational outreach program, one that blends technical expertise, mentorship and Embry-Riddle’s signature hands-on approach to learning.

Two Paths Converging in Cybersecurity Leadership

Morgan Finch: Leading by Example

Finch arrived at Embry-Riddle with only a basic understanding of cybersecurity but with the confidence that Embry-Riddle would “provide a top-notch education… and endless opportunities” to learn and build leadership. Over time, she found her stride through clubs, competitions and conferences. She has served as Vice President of Women in Cybersecurity, team lead for CyberAero and a cybersecurity intern at Palo Verde Generating Station, where she worked hands-on with insider-threat defense and industrial cybersecurity.

Her proudest accomplishment? Bringing CyberAero back to life.

“Going from competing to creating a Capture-the-Flag competition was something I never thought would be possible… Being able to provide such a unique opportunity to high school students is the most rewarding part.”

Morgan’s leadership style is anchored in support, communication and modeling excellence, a philosophy shaped by Embry-Riddle alumna Amalie Hansen, whose mentorship encouraged her to get involved early in her academic journey.

Rebekah Sokoloski: Shaping a Future in Cybersecurity Leadership

For Sokoloski, the turning point came not in a classroom, but at her first CTF competition. That experience “completely changed” her trajectory, revealing how classroom knowledge transforms into real-world skill. Capture-the-Flag challenges became her foundation for mastery, ultimately leading her to serve as President of the Cyber Defense Club, compete nationally and complete a high-impact internship with American Express on AI risk assessment.

What she is most proud of, however, is the personal transformation she experienced along the way.

“I have grown so much in my confidence, my leadership skills [and] my communication skills. I stepped into roles I never thought I would be in, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Her leadership style mirrors her journey: supportive, motivational and rooted in helping others grow.

Reviving CyberAero: A Student-Led Vision Takes Flight

CyberAero had existed in years past, but had become inactive, until Dr. Krishna Sampigethaya, Department Chair of Cyber Intelligence and Security, approached Morgan, Rebekah and fellow lead Nichole Thomas with the challenge to bring it back.

“It was impactful to have the department chair reach out with such an amazing opportunity,” Rebekah recalls. “I knew this would open doors for high schoolers who might be interested in cybersecurity.”

The students reimagined CyberAero from the ground up, redesigning it into a space-themed, scenario-driven competition inspired by Sandia National Laboratories’ Tracer FIRE challenges. They added introductory workshops, hands-on labs and narrative-based challenges under their fictional aerospace startup, Nova Venture.

A Culture of Collaboration, Mentorship and Professionalism

CyberAero is unique at Embry-Riddle because it flips the script: students don’t just compete in cybersecurity challenges, they build and host them. That shift demands creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.

Both leaders emphasized the same philosophy: support one another, communicate constantly and value every contribution.

Morgan notes that communication was the key to staying aligned across dozens of moving parts, while Rebekah highlights how their shared passion kept the team focused and energized.

The impact has been significant:

• Embry-Riddle students gain hands-on experience in challenge development and real-world cyber-defense concepts.
• High school participants step into cybersecurity for the first time in an environment that is welcoming, fun and career-shaping.
• Team members regularly speak about CyberAero in internship interviews, demonstrating leadership, technical depth and project management experience.

One milestone stands out for both leaders: the moment CyberAero gained true momentum on campus.

For Rebekah, it was seeing more than 20 Embry-Riddle students apply for the 2026 CyberAero team — far more than they anticipated.

For Morgan, it was presenting CyberAero to the Prescott Advisory Board and realizing the scope of their impact.

A Model for Sustainable Student Leadership

One of the most important innovations the two leaders introduced was a succession plan, ensuring that each set of team leads trains the next. This structure guarantees that CyberAero will grow long after they graduate.

“I hope CyberAero can be hosted for high schools all over Arizona — not just Prescott,” Morgan says.

Their vision is bold, but fitting for a program built at Embry-Riddle: scaling CyberAero into a statewide cybersecurity outreach pipeline.

Lessons That Will Shape Their Futures

Both students describe CyberAero as a defining leadership experience — one that built resilience, sharpened communication and strengthened their ability to guide a team through complex, high-stakes challenges.

Morgan summarizes it simply: “I learned to face challenges head on, and that giving back is the most rewarding experience.”

Rebekah echoes that sentiment: “CyberAero showed me how important communication is. It taught me how to lead with enthusiasm and purpose.”

As they look ahead — Morgan to her continued work in the nuclear sector and Rebekah to futures in cyber risk, AI security and industry leadership — both intend to keep mentoring, teaching and inspiring young cybersecurity professionals. Because to them, cybersecurity is more than a career. It is service.

The Future of CyberAero Is in Secure Hands

CyberAero is just one illustration of the excellence and innovation that Embry-Riddle cyber students bring to their work: a student-led initiative soaring in creativity, collaboration and purpose-driven leadership. Through the work of Morgan and Rebekah, CyberAero has become a catalyst, empowering high school students, preparing college students for real-world careers and raising cybersecurity awareness nationally.