Cybersecurity Education Leader Inspiring Others by Fulfilling Educational Goals
In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, where resilience is key, the newly minted Dr. Sandra Leiterman not only safeguards digital landscapes but also blazes a trail of inspiration.
While balancing a full-time career as managing director of the Cyber Arena at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, a myriad of research and teaching responsibilities, and an unwavering commitment to education, Leiterman recently achieved a remarkable milestone鈥攅arning her doctoral degree.
In 2020, Leiterman was already working on a doctorate in STEM when she made a bold decision to switch Ph.D. programs to the Urban Education program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she specialized in math education. In the same year, she also switched roles to work in cybersecurity education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.
鈥淟ife is full of twists and turns,鈥� Leiterman said. 鈥淪ometimes, it鈥檚 the detours that take you to the most fascinating places you never knew existed. Through it all, I embraced the spirit of the panther 鈥� moving with strength, confidence, and adaptability through unpredictable terrain. And I鈥檓 thankful for the support of family, friends, and colleagues along the way. I am thrilled to begin the new year as Dr. Sandra Leiterman!鈥�
Throughout the past three years, Leiterman has been balancing a full-time career, which includes working on several high-level cybersecurity grants and projects at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, with doctoral classes and research, family, and STEM education volunteering.
鈥淵ou have to have a certain level of insanity, which I possess, to do this, but it just comes down to time management,鈥� Leiterman said. 鈥淭here are times I would spend all day in meetings and then still have classes and homework. The biggest key to my success is having a schedule to follow and time management. It was more work than I anticipated, but it鈥檚 a huge relief to be done.鈥�
In her dissertation, 鈥淪uccess in College Algebra: Examining Student Experiences in Corequisite College Algebra Courses,鈥� Leiterman researched undergraduate student experiences and perceptions in college algebra courses, particularly focusing on math anxiety and mindset at the beginning and end of the semester.
鈥淭he official question is how students鈥� interests, attitudes, and beliefs affect their enrollment in prerequisite college algebra,鈥� Leiterman said. 鈥淪tudent backgrounds play a role. Their K-12 experiences play a role in how they deal with college math.鈥�
Her findings suggest student-centered instruction and integrated support in the corequisite college algebra model can help foster more positive student experiences. However, effectiveness depends greatly on implementation, indicating a need for faculty development and standardized corequisite design focused on promoting engaging and collaborative learning environments to support student mastery.
Leiterman also holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in middle school math and science education and a graduate certificate in gifted and talented education from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, as well as a master鈥檚 degree in digital and teaching learning from Kansas State.
The cybersecurity education leader hasn鈥檛 even finished her educational goals. She also joined 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy two years ago. At the end of the summer, she will earn her graduate certificate in cybersecurity education.
鈥淚 think that will be the end of my formal education, at least for now, but we are never fully done learning,鈥� she said.
Her journey is more than an academic triumph; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit that defines true leaders in the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.
鈥淚t鈥檚 never too late to pick and choose your priorities,鈥� Leiterman said. 鈥淭hat is my message. I鈥檓 48 and just earned my doctorate. I didn鈥檛 get my bachelor鈥檚 degree until I was 35. I did things backwards, but it鈥檚 been a very rewarding career, and you can always teach an old dog new tricks.鈥�