Ryan Gilbert

Place of Study: Wrexham University - North Wales School of Management (2023 - 2025)

Subject Modules: Critical Research, Data Structures and Algorithms, Machine Learning, Secure Software Development, Systems Engineering, Virtual and Cloud Computing, Security and Risk Management in a Digital Environment, Digital Forensics, Ethical Hacking

Hard Skills:

• Data Structures and Algorithms: Mastered advanced data structures and algorithms to optimize computational efficiency and solve complex problems.
• Machine Learning: Acquired knowledge in designing and implementing machine learning models to analyze data and make predictions.
• Secure Software Development: Gained expertise in developing secure software applications, focusing on vulnerability assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Systems Engineering: Learned to design, integrate, and manage complex systems throughout their life cycles, ensuring reliability and performance.
• Virtual and Cloud Computing: Developed proficiency in deploying and managing virtualized environments and cloud-based solutions to enhance scalability and flexibility.
• Security and Risk Management: Studied methods to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks in digital environments, ensuring robust protection of information assets.
• Digital Forensics: Trained in the techniques of digital forensics to investigate cyber incidents and recover digital evidence.
• Ethical Hacking: Gained skills in ethical hacking practices to identify and address security vulnerabilities proactively.

Soft Skills:

• Critical Thinking: Enhanced ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate potential solutions, and make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
• Research: Developed strong research skills through coursework in critical research, enabling the ability to conduct thorough investigations and present findings effectively.
• Collaboration: Worked collaboratively on group projects, enhancing teamwork and communication skills essential for successful project completion.
• Problem-Solving: Improved problem-solving abilities through practical exercises and real-world applications, learning to address and resolve technical challenges effectively.
• Adaptability: Cultivated adaptability by staying current with emerging technologies and practices in the rapidly evolving field of cyber security.

This advanced education is equipping me with the technical expertise and critical soft skills necessary to excel in the field of computer science and cyber security, preparing me to tackle modern security challenges and protect digital assets effectively.

Place of Study: Leeds Beckett University (2009 - 2013)

Coursework: Completed coursework in educational theory, child development, and pedagogical methods.

Hard Skills:

• Curriculum Design: Gained expertise in creating comprehensive and engaging lesson plans tailored to various age groups and learning needs.
• Assessment Techniques: Learned to develop and implement effective assessment strategies to evaluate student progress and understanding.
• Educational Technology: Became proficient in using educational software and digital tools to enhance learning experiences and manage classroom activities.
• Classroom Management: Acquired skills in organizing and maintaining a productive classroom environment, utilizing various strategies to manage student behavior and foster a positive learning atmosphere.

Soft Skills:

• Communication: Enhanced verbal and written communication skills, essential for effectively conveying information to students, parents, and colleagues.
• Adaptability: Developed the ability to adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and individual student needs.
• Collaboration: Worked collaboratively with peers and mentors on group projects and teaching practicums, honing teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-Solving: Strengthened problem-solving abilities through real-world teaching experiences, learning to address and resolve classroom challenges effectively.
• Empathy: Cultivated a deep sense of empathy and understanding, essential for supporting students' emotional and social development.

This comprehensive education equipped me with the skills necessary to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment, fostering both academic and personal growth in my students.

Project Description: The Cloud Resume Challenge is a hands-on project designed to showcase and enhance cloud computing skills using Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Project Features:

• Participants are tasked with building and deploying a resume website using various AWS services, emphasizing infrastructure as code, continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD), and serverless architecture.
• The challenge involves setting up a static website hosted on Amazon S3, configuring a custom domain with Route 53, managing the backend with AWS Lambda and API Gateway, and utilizing DynamoDB for data storage.
• Participants also implement infrastructure as code using AWS CloudFormation or Terraform and automate deployment pipelines with AWS CodePipeline and GitHub Actions.

Skills:

• Cloud Computing: Gained practical experience with core AWS services such as S3, Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, and Route 53.
• Infrastructure as Code: Developed proficiency in using AWS CloudFormation or Terraform to define and provision infrastructure.
• Serverless Architecture: Built and deployed a serverless application, leveraging AWS Lambda for backend processing.
• CI/CD Pipelines: Implemented continuous integration and continuous deployment workflows using AWS CodePipeline and GitHub Actions.
• Web Development: Enhanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for creating a professional resume website.
• Domain Management: Configured and managed a custom domain using AWS Route 53.
• Security Best Practices: Applied AWS security best practices, including IAM roles and policies, to secure the application.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated problem-solving abilities by troubleshooting issues and optimizing the deployment process.

Project Description: The ryangilbert.me website is an advanced online resume and portfolio that highlights my expertise in penetration testing and engagement with cloud technologies like Amazon Web Services (AWS). This project demonstrates my proficiency in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities while leveraging cloud services to stay at the forefront of current IT trends. The website features a professional resume, in-depth project showcases, and a detailed portfolio of work, emphasizing my skills in cybersecurity, web development, and modern deployment practices.

Project Features:

• Online Resume: A detailed, interactive resume highlighting professional experience, education, skills, and certifications.
• Project Showcase: A section dedicated to showcasing multiple projects, including detailed descriptions and technological stack used.
• AWS Integration: Utilizes various AWS services to ensure scalability, reliability, and security of the website.
• Serverless Architecture: Leveraged AWS Lambda and API Gateway for backend processing, ensuring efficient and scalable operations.

Skills:

• Penetration Testing: Hands-on experience with tools like Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Nmap for vulnerability assessment and ethical hacking.
• Threat Analysis: Skilled in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating security threats across cloud-based and on-premises systems.
• Cloud Computing: Practical experience with core AWS services such as S3, Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, and Route 53.
• Infrastructure as Code: Proficiency in using AWS CloudFormation or Terraform to define and provision infrastructure.
• Serverless Architecture: Expertise in building and deploying serverless applications using AWS Lambda.
• CI/CD Pipelines: Implemented continuous integration and continuous deployment workflows using AWS CodePipeline and GitHub Actions.
• Web Development: Advanced skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for creating a professional and responsive website.
• Domain Management: Configured and managed a custom domain using AWS Route 53.
• Security Best Practices: Applied AWS security best practices, including IAM roles and policies, to secure the application.
• Project Management: Experienced in leading projects using Agile methodologies, with skills in sprint planning, resource allocation, and team coordination.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated problem-solving abilities by troubleshooting issues and optimizing the deployment process.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for explaining technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Advanced Certifications: Pursuing advanced certifications like OSCP, AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty, and CISSP to enhance my technical skills and leadership capabilities in cybersecurity and AI-driven solutions.


1. Cybersecurity: Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) | Certified Ethical Hacker Master (CEH-M) | Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
2. Google: Google Cybersecurity Professional | Google IT Support | Google Data Analytics Professional
3. AI & ML: Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate | TensorFlow Developer Certificate | AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty
4. CompTIA: Project+ | Cloud+ | Security+ | Network+ | Server+
5. Project Management: Certified Project Manager (CPM) | Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Practical Experience: Gaining hands-on experience through real-world projects via HackTheBox, TryHackMe, and Bug Bounty Programs that challenge and refine my penetration testing techniques, ensuring practical application of theoretical knowledge.

• Project Management: Enhancing project management skills through hands-on experience with Agile methodologies on Jira, Scrum Master roles in open-source projects, and Kanban implementation on Asana, ensuring effective and adaptable project execution.

• Networking and Collaboration: Strengthening networking and communication skills by attending industry events, engaging on LinkedIn, and participating in mentorship programs, ensuring continuous growth and collaboration within my professional community.

• Specialisation in Research and Development (R&D): Focusing on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, with projects like AI-driven threat detection and NLP for security, ensuring the development of intelligent, adaptive solutions within the field of cybersecurity.