Biography
John McFee, a recently graduated Cyber Forensic Researcher and Instructor, is now a valued member of the faculty at Marshall University in Huntington, WV.
In 2018, John relocated from Charleston, SC, to Huntington, WV, to pursue higher education at Marshall University. As he delved into the field of Cyber Forensics and Security, he quickly established the foundation for his career. Initially serving as a Graduate Assistant, John actively collaborated on three federal grants, contributing to research on law enforcement digital evidence training and cloud security. Additionally, he played a vital role in the establishment of the Institute for Cyber Security (ICS), showcasing his technical prowess with tools like FTK Imager, Magnet AXIOM Examine and Process, and Cellebrite. His efforts were instrumental in the accreditation of the B.S. in Cyber Forensics and Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (CAE-C).
Building on this experience, John transitioned to the role of Cyber Forensic Researcher and Instructor at Marshall University. Here, he demonstrated his commitment to both education and the advancement of cybersecurity practices. Organizing student participation in the prestigious Locked Shields ’24 competition and initiating instruction for a grant-funded training program, John showcased his dedication to fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Beyond academia, John’s practical experience includes a summer as an Information Technology Intern at Service Wire Company in Culloden, WV. His adaptability was evident in the creation of a comprehensive New User Guide for the IT department and active contributions to the company’s cybersecurity initiatives, including AD maintenance and phishing monitoring. Notably, he served as a Student Trainee at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) in Fort Meade, MD. As a panelist at DISA Tech Net ’23 in Baltimore, MD, John shared insights into DISA’s role in the NATO CCDCOE’s live-fire cyber exercise, Locked Shields 2023. As a member of the Marshall University Collegiate Cyber Defense Club (MUCCDC), he not only competed but achieved remarkable success, securing 1st place in OSINT in Fall 2022.
John’s dedication to continuous learning is reflected in his academic achievements, holding a Master of Science in Cyber Forensics and Security from Marshall University with a perfect GPA of 4.00 in December 2023. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics and Security from the same institution, graduating with a GPA of 3.93 and a minor in Criminal Justice in December 2021.
John’s contributions have received due recognition. In January 2023, he was honored with a Certificate of Recognition in Cybersecurity from the Office of the Chief Executive of the State of West Virginia.