Lauren Estrada’s Path Led Her From Curiosity to Intelligence Analysis

“I want to know how the world works — not just on a broad geopolitical scale, but the systems, networks and structures that shape what we see and don’t see,” says Lauren Estrada (’25), a Global Security and Intelligence Studies major at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University. That curiosity, paired with a sharp analytical mindset, led her to Embry‑Riddle, though it wasn’t her original plan.

“I was supposed to go to Mercer University for neuroscience,” she says. “I already had a scholarship lined up, but then an Embry‑Riddle recruiter visited my high school. I learned about the Global Security and Intelligence program, and right then, I switched paths.” It was a risk, but Lauren knew she wanted a future in intelligence. Neuroscience offered a way to understand behavior, but global security allowed her to analyze motives, threats, and patterns on a larger scale.

Sharpening Her Skills in Intelligence Writing

Once on campus, Lauren wasted no time immersing herself in the world of intelligence. She joined Eagle Eye Intelligence, Embry‑Riddle’s student-run publication with deep ties to the intelligence community.

“We have about 400 subscribers, some of whom are in the intelligence community,” she explains. “Whether they’re alumni who have entered the field and remain subscribed or connections we’ve made through professors over the years, Eagle Eye has been running for over 20 years.”

She started as a contributor and rose quickly, becoming assistant editor by her second semester, then associate editor, before taking an executive role. “I’ve had a hand in everything — from selecting which briefs to publish to training new writers,” she says. Now, as editor-in-chief, she leads a team of analysts. “It’s not just about editing,” she explains. “It’s about ensuring accuracy, eliminating bias and making sure the information we present is clear, factual and actionable.”

That commitment to precision is essential. “We make sure to verify multiple sources,” Lauren says. “Bias creeps in everywhere, from media sources to personal opinions. So we rely on structured analytic techniques to filter that out. We cross-check sources, separate fact from speculation and focus on quantitative data rather than qualitative.”

Internships That Put Theory Into Practice

Beyond the classroom, Lauren has gained hands-on experience through competitive internships. At Cybercore International, a cybersecurity and intelligence firm, she helped shape the company’s threat analysis division.

“It was a small business, and much of my work involved helping build the team itself,” she says. “Collaboration was key, especially with analysts specializing in cybersecurity. While they handled technical aspects, my partner and I focused on open-source intelligence, analyzing data from both the Dark Web and the clear web to piece together intelligence.”

She also worked directly with clients, presenting findings and offering insights on cyber threats.

Her next role at the cybersecurity company DarkTower, which specializes in threat intelligence and managed intelligence services, introduced her to the complexities of open-source intelligence. “I worked with Dark Web monitoring, using tools like Autopsy software, which gave me valuable experience utilizing industry-preferred tools,” she says. “The challenge wasn’t just finding the information — it was knowing what was relevant and how to communicate it effectively.” She also gained experience briefing clients, a skill she knows will be crucial in her future career.

Both internships reinforced her passion for intelligence work. “The world is increasingly interconnected,” Lauren says. “Cybersecurity is no longer just about technology; it’s a frontline issue in national security. A single vulnerability can have global consequences.”

Intelligence Focus: China and Foreign Policy

Among her key research interests, Lauren has dedicated significant time to studying China’s foreign policy and cyber strategy. At Eagle Eye Intelligence, she spearheaded multiple intelligence briefs examining China’s influence operations, digital espionage tactics and economic statecraft.

Alongside many researchers, she has been monitoring China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a massive infrastructure project designed to expand China’s economic and political influence through investments in roads, ports, railways, and digital networks.

Beyond traditional analysis, she is also researching China’s advancements in quantum technology, including its applications in communication, computing, and sensing — critical for military and industrial developments.

Overall, her research examines how this strategy strengthens China’s geopolitical reach and affects U.S. interests. She has worked on predictive assessments, looking at how China leverages cyber capabilities and economic influence to expand its global presence. “China operates on long-term strategic goals,” she explains. “Understanding their methods allows us to anticipate their next moves, especially in the digital domain.”

Expanding Research Horizons

In addition to her editorial and intelligence work, Lauren is also engaged in undergraduate research. Her research team was recently accepted to the National Conference for Undergraduate Research, where they will present their study, "Exploring Incentives and Barriers to Undergraduate Research," in Philadelphia this April.

"We focus on ways to teach cybersecurity learning across all disciplines," she explains. "Cyber threats impact every field, and we want to make sure cybersecurity education is accessible, no matter the major."

Joining the Intelligence Community

With graduation approaching in May, Lauren is preparing for her next move to Washington, D.C.

“My goal is to work in the intelligence community, ideally as an analyst focusing on cybersecurity or China’s foreign policy,” she says. Her studies, internships, and editorial experience have all positioned her for that next step.

As she looks ahead, Lauren is ready to take on the challenge. “I started this journey because I wanted to understand the world,” she says. “Now, I want to be part of shaping it.”