Gabriel Nketah
Pullman,WA
Summary
As a Systems Engineer at Bell Techlogix, Inc., and a Cyber Defense Operations Specialist at the United States Air Force, I apply my knowledge and skills in systems engineering, systems administration, and cybersecurity to design, implement, and maintain secure and reliable IT solutions for various clients and stakeholders. I hold a master’s degree in computer science, CompTIA Security+ Certification, some Microsoft Certifications, and a Top Secret Security Clearance, demonstrating my proficiency and versatility in IT business practices and standards.
I am also passionate about cybersecurity education and research, and I have worked as a Project Coordinator at Washington State University where I was involved in several initiatives and projects that aim to promote and advance the field of cybersecurity, such as the Boeing programming camp for middle school students, and the Northwest Virtual Institute for Cybersecurity Education and Research. I have co-authored multiple publications in reputable journals and conferences, showcasing my contributions and insights to the scientific community.
My mission is to leverage my expertise and experience in systems engineering and cybersecurity to create a positive impact and value for society and the industry.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CYBER DEFENSE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
United States Air Force, ANG
Fairchild Air Force Base, WA
07.2022 - Current
- Managing and performing Defense Cyber Operations (DCO) and cyber support functions (DoDIN Operations) by surveying, securing, protecting, defending, preserving, designing, building, operating, and extending data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designed systems.
- Collaborating with IT teams to integrate security measures into the development and deployment of new applications.
- Conducting security audits to identify vulnerabilities.
- Analyzing security incidents post-resolution, identifying areas for improvement in both technical controls and incident response processes.
- Performing risk analyses to identify appropriate security countermeasures.
- Ensuring compliance with industry regulations by performing comprehensive audits on existing security policies and procedures.
ASSOCIATE SYSTEMS ENGINEER
Bell Techlogix, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
10.2021 - Current
- Analyzing complex business problems and issues as they relate to enterprise network infrastructure and providing timely solutions to business problems.
- Optimizing network performance through routine maintenance and troubleshooting tasks.
- Enhancing system efficiency by implementing critical software updates and patches.
- Implementing IT infrastructure upgrades, ensuring minimal downtime during the transition process.
- Improving system performance by identifying and resolving technical issues promptly.
- Developing comprehensive documentation for IT processes and procedures, facilitating knowledge transfer amongst team members.
CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION/RESEARCH PROJECT COORDINATOR
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Northwest Virtual Institute for Cybersecurity Education and Research - Project Coordinator
- Boosted team collaboration through consistent communication and effective project management tools.
- Ensured timely completion of research milestones by effectively delegating tasks to team members.
- Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring all deadlines were met without compromising quality.
- Increased stakeholder engagement through regular progress updates and transparent communication channels.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering a collaborative research environment.
ASSOCIATE SYSTEMS ANALYST
Bell Techlogix, Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
05.2018 - 10.2021
- Assisted clients in leveraging technology to solve business problems, document solutions, and troubleshoot steps concisely in the ticketing system
- Ensured compliance with customers' technical and quality standards by assisting the QA team in maintaining policy, procedures, work instructions, and projects for continuous improvement agendas.
- Identified areas for improvement in current processes, implementing changes that increased productivity and reduced errors.
- Enhanced user satisfaction with timely support and clear communication during system upgrades and migrations.
- Collaborated with the IT team to develop and implement new processes, improving the overall service quality.
- Ensured smooth daily operations by installing software updates, and patches, and performing routine maintenance tasks on company devices.
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
07.2019 - 09.2021
- Worked with investigators on developing assessments and evaluations for STEM research projects and leveraged SPSS qualitative analysis software to identify data set correlations
- Used principles of UDL to work on developing a learning management system for collaborative work in STEM and developed a website for the research project's sustainability
- One of the instructors who facilitated the Boeing programming camp for middle school students.
- Gathered, arranged, and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations.
- Authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, establishing expertise in the field.
- Assisted in the development of new research proposals, resulting in increased funding opportunities and project growth potential.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Kelly Educational Staffing
Indianapolis, IN
01.2018 - 07.2019
- Educated students in various subjects to provide a seamless transition during the absence of the headteacher.
- Followed classroom plans left by the class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
DGTee Conceptz - NK Fitness
Lagos, Nigeria
01.2012 - 08.2014
- Directed day-to-day operations by spearheading the implementation of short-term and long-term strategies to achieve business plan and profitability goals.
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Led hiring, onboarding, and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
SYSTEMS ENGINEER INTERN
Nigerian Communications Commission
Abuja, Nigeria
08.2010 - 09.2012
- Configured all hardware devices and software settings to optimize network performance.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of infrastructure upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
- Enhanced system performance by identifying and resolving technical issues during software development.
- Contributed to the successful completion of major projects by consistently meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality work standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative solutions for complex engineering problems.
- Maintained high-quality code standards by conducting thorough peer reviews and implementing best practices for software development.
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR INTERN
NNPC
Delta, Nigeria
10.2008 - 06.2010
- Managed, troubleshot, backed up, and restored data, operating systems, files, documents, and drivers to provide comprehensive systems management and support.
- Resolved escalated help desk tickets promptly, providing high-quality support to end users experiencing technical issues.
- Assisted in the onboarding process of new employees by setting up workstations, provisioning accounts, and providing initial IT training as necessary.
- Delivered Tier 2 and Tier 3 support for problem identification, diagnosis, and issue resolution.
- Conducted regular audits of user accounts and access permissions, maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.
- Spearheaded inventory control measures to replenish and maintain IT equipment.
Education
Master of Science - Computer Science
University of Stavanger
Stavanger, Norway03.2017
Skills
- IT Infrastructure
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Scripting Languages
- Cloud Computing
- Information Security
- Microsoft Exchange
- Root Cause Analysis
- Troubleshooting
- Incident Response
- Digital Forensics
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Security Operations Center
Certification
· Active Top Security Clearance
· CompTIA Security+ Certified
· Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
· Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
· Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals
· Verified International Academic Qualifications
· Logic Monitor Certified Associate
· KCS v6 Fundamentals Certification
Publications
· De Lira, C., Wong, R. M., Oje, O., Nketah, G. U, Adesope, O. O., & Ghods, A. Summer Programming Camps – Exploring Project-Based Informal CS Education in a Rural Community. IEEE Transactions on Education.
· Jacobson, N. G.., Adesope, O. O., Patall, E. A., Sinatra, G. M., Nketah, G. U. et al. (2021). The Refutation Text Effect on Science Learning. Paper presented at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA).
· Nketah, G. U. (2016). Comparison of Cloud Machine Learning Services. University of Stavanger, Norway.
· Danielson, R. W., Jacobson, N. G., Patall, E. A., Sinatra, G. M., Adesope, O. o., Kenedy, A., Hamilton, B., Ramazan, O., Adaramola, B., Nketah, G., Jin, G., & Johnson, O. J., (Educational Psychology). Meta-Analysis of Refutation Text Effectiveness in Confronting Scientific Misconceptions.
Timeline
CYBER DEFENSE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
United States Air Force, ANG
07.2022 - Current
ASSOCIATE SYSTEMS ENGINEER
Bell Techlogix, Inc.
10.2021 - Current
CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION/RESEARCH PROJECT COORDINATOR
Washington State University
09.2021 - 05.2023
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Washington State University
07.2019 - 09.2021
ASSOCIATE SYSTEMS ANALYST
Bell Techlogix, Inc.
05.2018 - 10.2021
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Kelly Educational Staffing
01.2018 - 07.2019
OPERATIONS MANAGER
DGTee Conceptz - NK Fitness
01.2012 - 08.2014
SYSTEMS ENGINEER INTERN
Nigerian Communications Commission
08.2010 - 09.2012
SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR INTERN
NNPC
10.2008 - 06.2010
Master of Science - Computer Science
University of Stavanger