I’m Don Cowan (Ladas), a cybersecurity professional with a passion for learning, building, and breaking things.

Academic Background

I working towards a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Tulsa, expecting to graduate May 2025.

During my time at TU,I have been heavily involved with our cyber competitive learning teams and CTF. I am the current President of Root 66 Tulsa Cyber Clubs, a student organization that focuses on cybersecurity education and competition.

Competitive Learning Teams:

• Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC) - Team Captain
  • 2022 - 2023 Global Competitors
• Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) - Team Member
  • 2022 - 2023 Regional 2nd Place
• NCAE Cyber Games - Team Captain
  • 2022 - 2023 1st Place Regional
• CTF - Infrastucture Lead
  • 2022 - 2023 TUCTF

Key Competition Takeaways:

• CPTC - Communication with a client and presentation of technical information in a professional manner.
• CCDC - Teamwork and communication in a time sensitive environment. Linux systems administration and networking.
• NCAE - Linux administration, networking, and scripting
• CTF - Technical skills such as: Container orchestration, CI/CD, and Cloud Infrastructure.

Professional Background

• Cyber Security Consultant Intern @ IBM X-Force Red May 2024-Present
• Cyber Security Intern @ Oneok October 2023-May 2024
• Cyber Security Intern @ Magellan Midstream Partners May 2023-October 2023
• Security Analyst @ The University of Tulsa Mar 2022-Present