Cybersecurity graduate prepares for career in digital forensics

For Tiana Turner, choosing a career in cybersecurity didn’t start in a classroom; it started with a summer camp.

During her junior year at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School in Augusta, she attended a cybersecurity camp through the Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School. At the time, she was exploring careers, including art, law and astronomy. But the camp introduced her to cybersecurity, and she quickly realized it was something she wanted to pursue.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is actually really cool,’” Turner said. “There are so many different avenues you can go through within cybersecurity.”

That experience led her to Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity. In May, she will graduate again, this time with a Master of Science in information security management.

While completing her undergraduate degree, Turner realized she wanted to sharpen her technical skills, leading her to continue her education in the graduate program.

“In undergrad, you learn a broad overview of cybersecurity,” she said. “I wanted to go further and develop stronger technical skills. I really enjoy hands-on work like forensics and malware analysis.”

Her interest in digital forensics grew after taking courses that brought the field to life.

“My digital forensics professors were really passionate about what they do,” she said. “They would show us real-world examples of how digital evidence can be used in investigations. That’s when I realized this is something I really want to do.”

“What sets Tiana apart is her drive to learn; she never settled for surface-level understanding and always pushed herself to dig deeper,” said Gokila Dorai, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science. “She was always willing to go the extra mile to help her students succeed as a course assistant. I’m incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished.”

“She was the first student to tell me we inspired her to pursue digital forensics and that she was preparing for a career with federal agencies,” instructor Raymond Garay-Paravisini said. “That’s one of the most rewarding parts of teaching, knowing we helped inspire the next generation of digital forensics analysts and cybersecurity professionals.”

Outside the classroom, Turner found community through organizations like Women in Cybersecurity and Girls Who Code College Loop, which helped build her confidence in a male-dominated field.

“Having organizations like Girls Who Code gave me a community where we could support each other and grow together,” she said.

She served as secretary for Women in Cybersecurity for two years and helped organize events, including an Easter-themed capture-the-flag competition.

“It was fun but also technical at the same time,” she said. “Seeing it come together successfully was a really proud moment for me.”

Turner also gave back through community outreach, presenting cybersecurity safety tips and helping organize fundraising efforts for Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia Jagathon.

Her academic achievements earned her the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service, which supports students preparing for careers protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure.

“It was an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I was able to attend conferences, connect with professionals and learn more about careers in cybersecurity.”

After graduation, Turner will start a career in digital forensics.

“I’ve always wanted a career where I could help people,” she said. “Digital forensics plays a big role in fighting cybercrime.”

Her advice for students considering cybersecurity is simple: “Don’t be afraid to try it. If you’re interested in it, keep learning and keep asking questions.”