About
My name is Don Cowan.
This blog serves as a personal space where I cement my knowledge by sharing it with others. Here, I document my experiences, projects, and insights in the field of cybersecurity.
Academic Background
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and am currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Tulsa.
During my undergraduate years, I was heavily involved with competitive learning teams and CTF competitions, serving as President of Root 66 Tulsa Cyber Club, a student organization focused on cybersecurity education and competitive learning events.
Competitive Learning Teams:
- Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition (CPTC) - Team Captain
- 2024 - 2025: Regional 3rd Place
- 2022 - 2023: Global Competitors
- Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) - Team Member
- 2023 - 2024: Regional Competitors
- 2022 - 2023: Regional 2nd Place
- NCAE Cyber Games - Team Captain
- 2022 - 2023: 1st Place Regional
- TUCTF - Infrastructure Lead
- 2022 - 2024: TUCTF
- CPTC - Communication with clients 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
- TUCTF - Technical skills such as: Container orchestration, CI/CD, Secure Development, and Cloud Infrastructure
Professional Background
- Hacker @ IBM X-Force Red August 2025-Present
- Student Systems Administrator @ TU School of Cyber Studies August 2024-May 2025
- Hacker Intern @ IBM X-Force Red May 2024-August 2024
- Cybersecurity Intern @ Oneok October 2023-May 2024
- Cybersecurity Intern @ Magellan Midstream Partners May 2023-October 2023
- Security Analyst @ The University of Tulsa Mar 2022-May 2024
- Combat Engineer @ United States Marine Corps August 2014-December 2021