Russell P. Houseknecht, II
State College,PA
Summary
Senior Researcher and Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert at the Applied Research Lab, Penn State University, holding active government security clearance. Extensive experience in both red and blue team operations, with strong expertise in risk assessment, threat modeling, incident response, and forensic analysis. Proven success in enhancing cybersecurity strategies and promoting robust cyber hygiene across government facilities. Skilled in managing complex, high-impact projects, and driving regulatory compliance, supply chain security, and team collaboration. Adept at aligning technical solutions with mission-critical objectives to mitigate vulnerabilities and safeguard national security interests.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Research Engineer Cyber Security SME
Applied Research Lab Penn State University
University Park, PA
01.2020 - Current
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Created technical documentation including system diagrams, process flow charts, and white papers.
- Managed customer inquiries with a focus on providing timely resolutions while maintaining excellent customer service levels.
- Provided subject matter expertise during meetings with senior leadership team members in order to discuss potential opportunities or challenges.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Oversaw quality control to identify inconsistencies and malfunctions.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
Lecturer, School of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA
08.2017 - 08.2019
- IST 454 Computer Forensics, IST 456 Cyber Security Management, SRA 221 Overview of Information Security
- Cyb 100 Computer System Literacy
- Co-Author IST 454 & 456 for world campus
- Created a positive learning environment by actively engaging with all students during class time.
- Evaluated student performance through tests, quizzes, presentations, projects, or other assessments.
- Involved in departmental activities such as curriculum development, faculty meetings, advising sessions.
- Provided guidance to students on course selection, career planning, and other educational matters.
- Developed syllabi, lesson plans and lecture materials for courses taught.
Lecturer, School of Business
The Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Campus
Harrisburg, PA
08.2015 - 08.2017
- IST 454 Computer Forensics, IST 456 Cyber Security Management, IST 210 Networks and communication
- SRA 221 Overview of Information Security, SRA 231 Decision Theory Analysis
- Created a positive learning environment by actively engaging with all students during class time.
- Participated in faculty committees related to department initiatives and college-wide policies.
Penetration Tester, Information Security Office
Geisinger Health System
Danville, PA
03.2015 - 08.2015
- Penetration Testing
- Vulnerability Scanning
- Risk Mitigation
- Forensic Analysis of Incidents and Incidents Handling
Computer Crime Analyst, Computer Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations
Pennsylvania State Police
Wilkes-barre, PA
07.2013 - 03.2015
- Forensic Investigations of Digital Evidence
- Expert Witness Testimony in Court Cases
Project Manager
Optimo Information Technology
Bloomsburg, PA
06.2012 - 05.2013
- Manager of Forensic Lab
- Conduct Forensic Investigation for Civil or Criminal Defense
- Provided guidance to team members regarding tasks assigned to them.
- Collaborated closely with senior management on long-term strategic planning initiatives related to projects in development or execution stages.
- Facilitated resolution of conflicts between team members when necessary.
Education
Master of Science - Cybersecurity
Utica College
Utica, NY05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems
DeVry University
Philadelphia, PA05.2011
Skills
- Network security analysis
- Cyber defense strategies
- Risk assessment
- Vulnerability scanning
- Incident handling
- Forensic analysis
- Regulatory compliance
- Strong analytical skills
- Disaster recovery planning
- Audit reporting
- Computer forensics
- Ethical hacking
- Vulnerability Scanning/Assessment
- Risk Management
- Exploitation
- Computer Crime
- Penetration testing
- Incident response
- Threat assessment
- Threat research
- Risk mitigation
- Cybersecurity strategy
- Cyber Threat Intelligence
Timeline
Senior Research Engineer Cyber Security SME
Applied Research Lab Penn State University
01.2020 - Current
Lecturer, School of Information Sciences and Technology
The Pennsylvania State University
08.2017 - 08.2019
Lecturer, School of Business
The Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Campus
08.2015 - 08.2017
Penetration Tester, Information Security Office
Geisinger Health System
03.2015 - 08.2015
Computer Crime Analyst, Computer Crime Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations
Pennsylvania State Police
07.2013 - 03.2015
Project Manager
Optimo Information Technology
06.2012 - 05.2013
Master of Science - Cybersecurity
Utica College
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems
DeVry University
Military
- Army Veteran 5 years active duty 2000-2005
Publications
Examination of the Limitations on Standard Forensic Methods Using Commercial Software and Recommendations for Use of Volume Shadow Copy Forensics, Houseknecht, R. P., dissertation, Utica College, 2012
Training
- Secure Techniques for Onsite Preview, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV
- Basic Data Recovery and Analysis, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV
- Intermediate Data Recovery and Analysis, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV
- Basic Cell Phone Investigations, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV
- Global Positional Satellite (GPS) Interrogation, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV
- Cell Phone Interrogation, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV, 2014
- Macintosh Triage and Imaging, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV
- Apple iDevice Forensics, National White Collar Crime Center, Fairmont, WV
- International Association of Computer Investigative Specialist, Orlando, FL
- Certified Ethical Hacker Training, EC-Council
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Certification Training Class, EC-Council
- Offensive Security - Penetration Testing with Kali Linux (PWK)
- Offensive Security - Offensive Security Wireless attacks (WiFu)
- Black Hat Training - Ghidra
Activities
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Member, 2017, Present
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Member, 2017, Present
- ISC2 Member
- Currently studying to take my CISSP Certification this summer.
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