In a world where digital security threats are growing, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Business, Security and Intelligence (CBSI) is leading the way in preparing students for the challenges of the modern workforce. With a rigorous curriculum designed by experienced professionals — including former intelligence analysts, federal law enforcement agents and corporate security experts — students gain hands-on learning experiences that enhance their career prospects before they graduate.

One of the many ways Embry‑Riddle Prescott’s CBSI fosters career readiness is through its network of internships, which provide students with invaluable hands-on industry experience. Among these opportunities is a partnership with Verensics, an innovative AI-driven security and intelligence software company that automates investigative interviews for employers. Interning with Verensics is a prime example of how students can apply their academic knowledge in a dynamic, high-impact setting.

CBSI professor Alan Saquella (aka Embry‑Riddle's “human lie detector”) cherishes the relationship he has formed with Verensics. “As a polygraph examiner, I was immediately intrigued when I first researched Verensics — it gave me chills. Verensics revolutionizes applicant selection and investigative processes, setting a new industry standard. It represents the future, and the partnership I’ve built with Verensics’ founders continues to create incredible opportunities for our students.”

After a series of successful internships with Verensics over the recent years, we followed up our eye-opening 2023 introduction to Verensics with a deeper investigation of this mutually rewarding partnership.

An Internship Experience That Fosters Growth

Verensics is a fast-growing software-as-a-service (SaaS) company founded in 2017. Working with government agencies and private-sector clients across multiple industries, Verensics applies innovative technology to enhance security, compliance and investigative efforts for employers.

Russ Law, co-founder of Verensics along with Yariv Lis, explained that due to the nature of Verensics’ client data, working with interns in Embry‑Riddle's Security and Intelligence Studies program has been ideal. However, their internship opportunities vary according to Verensics’ current projects. “We also look for students who are in leadership positions on or off campus and who are strong writers. Recently, we have more frequently asked students about their interest in technology and AI.”

Unlike traditional internships where tasks may be narrowly defined, Verensics interns work on a variety of assignments that require critical thinking, technical skills and close collaboration.

Because Verensics operates as a small startup company, Law highlighted that interns take on responsibilities crucial to the company’s operations, often working with the executive team, including Law himself. “Since we are a startup, every team member, including interns, plays an essential role. We ensure that interns contribute meaningfully to projects, from research and data analysis to client training sessions.”

Law praises the consistency of CBSI interns for their energy, professionalism and intelligence. These qualities, combined with their academic training, make them valuable contributors to Verensics' work. “We are lucky to have developed this partnership,” he said.

Speaking with Current Intern Armaan Needles

Armaan Needles (’26), a Global Security and Intelligence Studies major, found his internship at Verensics to be a transformative experience. His primary project involved transforming raw data into user-friendly reports for clients. Instead of presenting thousands of rows of data in spreadsheets, he developed automated processes to generate visual representations — charts, tables and structured reports — to make complex data sets more accessible.

To overcome this challenge, Needles applied skills learned from his coursework, particularly in BA 222: Business Analytics Tools, which provided a strong foundation in Excel and data analysis. He also credited mentorship from Professor Saquella and library resources, including books about advanced Excel functions, for helping him automate complex data processes. Seeing a functional prototype take shape was one of the most rewarding aspects of the internship, reinforcing the value of persistence and problem-solving in data analytics.

Beyond technical skills, Needles gained deeper insights into how data-driven solutions intersect with security applications. His exposure to AI-powered investigative tools broadened his understanding of emerging technologies and their role in intelligence gathering in private and public sectors.

“This internship,” he said, “has expanded my understanding of the field and provided me with valuable skills that will enhance my career prospects.”

Speaking with Former Intern Julianna Crozier

Julianna Crozier (’24), who graduated with a master’s degree in Security and Intelligence Studies, interned with Verensics in 2024 and has since secured a job in a related field. Reflecting on her experience, Crozier highlighted the depth of the investigative work she participated in.

“I worked on reports analyzing data from prison guard interviews, comparing their initial hiring responses to later assessments of their performance and continued employment,” she said. “Understanding how to categorize and present this data was a challenge, but it was crucial for delivering actionable intelligence to stakeholders.”

One of the most valuable lessons Crozier learned was how to present raw data in a meaningful way. With Verensics’ software collecting vast amounts of information, she had to determine how to extract the most relevant insights and organize them effectively. Excel played a crucial role in this process, and she credited guidance from Law, along with her own background in marketing, for helping her develop best practices in data visualization.

Embry‑Riddle Prescott’s CBSI curricula played a significant role in preparing her for this work, particularly classes in corporate investigations and interview techniques. “Professor Saquella’s classes gave me a strong foundation in understanding how investigative interviews work and why the Verensics approach is different from a standard test or assessment.”

For Crozier, the internship not only provided her with technical expertise but also reinforced the importance of adaptability in the security field. “Verensics was a great opportunity that I am glad to have experienced,” she said. “I still use my knowledge gained in the internship to try to better the processes I see in the security world today.”

Embry‑Riddle's Commitment to Applied Learning and Industry Partnerships

Embry‑Riddle’s emphasis on real-world applications, strong industry relationships and specialized curriculum gives students a competitive edge that can aid career development. As Professor Saquella highlighted, “The connections made through networking, internships and friendships here will support graduates for a lifetime.”

By connecting students with innovative companies like Verensics, the Global Security and Intelligence Studies program boasts a 95% job placement rate within a year of graduation for students like Needles. Additionally, graduates like Crozier from the Master of Science in Security & Intelligence Studies program can earn a competitive salary averaging $80,000.

For students who want to enter the workplace prepared to excel, Embry‑Riddle offers the mentorship, tools and hands-on experiences to turn aspirations into career achievements. Learn more about Embry‑Riddle’s programs and internship opportunities by visiting our Prescott Campus website, our College of Business, Security and Intelligence website or contacting Admissions today.