by Cara Ramer, Student Public Relations Writer
The front lines of national defense are no longer defined only by aircraft, weapons systems or troops on the ground. Increasingly, they also run through servers, networks and lines of code.
At Cedarville University, three students and one faculty member are helping meet that challenge through service in the cyberspace wing of the Ohio Air National Guard, a specialized unit that uses cyber capabilities to support modern air power and respond to the evolving landscape of digital warfare.
Cybersecurity students and faculty protect critical infrastructure and digital systems
The students — David Lamoreaux, a junior computer science and cyber operations major, Bruce Wilson Jr., a sophomore computer science and cyber operations major and Teja Kumbha, a junior IT management major —along with Stephanie Long, assistant professor of cybersecurity, are focused on protecting critical infrastructure, communication systems and sensitive information in an increasingly digital world.
“Cybersecurity touches nearly every part of life, from national defense to business operations, nonprofit organizations and personal data protection,” said Long. “Because of this, there is a growing demand for professionals who understand complex systems and can defend them effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.”
Why cybersecurity is a growing priority in national defense and global technology
As digital transformation accelerates worldwide, the demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to grow. While early internet development prioritized functionality and accessibility, today’s global networks require a heightened focus on security, resilience and risk mitigation.
“As society becomes more dependent on technology, everything ultimately comes down to protecting information,” said Lamoreaux, who has served in the Ohio Air National Guard since 2020. “Anyone with enough time and resources — usually a nation-state — can eventually get to that data. Our role is to make unauthorized access as difficult, time-consuming and costly as possible.”
Cedarville cyber student says the next generation of cybersecurity tools starts now
This need for cybersecurity innovation is not a distant challenge — it is an immediate global priority.
“The next generation of cybersecurity tools and technologies will be developed by students like us,” said Lamoreaux. “By adopting a security-first mindset during development, we can strengthen entire systems and reduce vulnerabilities across industries worldwide.”
Cedarville University prepares students to meet this demand through rigorous academics and hands-on learning opportunities. Programs like the National Cyber League Competition, Collegiate Penetration Testing Competition and Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition provide real-world training in both offensive and defensive cyber strategies.
NSA-recognized cybersecurity education prepares students for high-impact roles
As one of a select number of programs designated by the National Security Agency for excellence in cybersecurity education, Cedarville equips students to think like attackers to better defend critical systems. Those experiences help students move from the classroom to high-impact professional roles, including service in organizations like the Ohio Air National Guard.
Air National Guard service requires training, discipline and long-term commitment
But serving in the Air National Guard extends beyond professional development; it requires significant personal commitment. After completing basic training and technical school, students fulfill one weekend of service each month, two weeks of annual training and possible active-duty deployments lasting four to six months.
“These students are choosing to prioritize service to their country ahead of personal convenience,” said Long. “That level of dedication reflects strong character, discipline and a commitment to something greater than themselves.”
As several of these students prepare for basic training, they are doing more than beginning military service. They are stepping into critical roles that help defend national security in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
Air National Guard images by Master Sgt. Joseph Harwood.
