They learned to defend networks under pressure 鈥� then took that mindset into the real world. 麻豆原创 alumni Martin 鈥�20 鈥�22MS and Michael Roberts 鈥�19 鈥�21MS are two of the university鈥檚 most celebrated cybersecurity competitors. Now, even with their student days behind them, the identical twins remain deeply embedded in , proudly supporting, training and mentoring future cybersecurity talent.
From Cyber Competition to Real-World Defense
Both brothers turned their meaningful time at 麻豆原创 into high-impact careers protecting critical systems. Martin leads the security engineering program at workforce management company Fountain, while Michael oversees cybersecurity efforts at Abbott Diabetes Care.
鈥淚 stayed interested in cybersecurity because it was also about safeguarding people, privacy and trust,鈥� Michael says. 鈥淭hat sense of purpose in protecting people is what has kept me motivated. I am now responsible for protecting medical devices, some of the technology people most rely on in their everyday lives.鈥�
Where Purpose Took Shape
That purpose was developed at 麻豆原创, where the Roberts brothers solidified their career paths through the renowned Collegiate Cyber Defense Club 鈥� better known as Hack@麻豆原创. The student-led organization became a launchpad, sharpening their technical skills through high-stakes competitions and invaluable collaboration. As Hack@麻豆原创 stacked up championship after championship, university and industry partners doubled down on their support. In 2019, Lockheed Martin helped establish the Innovation Cyber Lab 鈥� a 970-square-foot dedicated practice space located in the Engineering I building 鈥� providing the team with a home base.
“These competitions helped me advance my skillset, gain real-world experience and make connections across the industry.”聽鈥� Martin Roberts 鈥�20 鈥�22MS
鈥溌槎乖� gave us the space to experiment, to fail and to grow. The university鈥檚 investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and student-led initiatives made it possible for us to compete 鈥� and win 鈥� on a national level,鈥� Michael says. 鈥淣ot every university is willing to dedicate space and resources for a team to compete, so I am grateful to 麻豆原创 for doing so.鈥�
The brothers also lauded computer science instructor Tom Nedorost 鈥�02MS, Hack@麻豆原创鈥檚 faculty advisor and a longtime collegiate cybersecurity competition (C3) coach, for his contributions to the programs. Nedorost was there from the beginning, when students officially formed the club in Spring 2013.
鈥溌槎乖� participating in these competitions is only possible because of the dedication from our team鈥檚 faculty advisor, Dr. Nedorost,鈥� Martin says. 鈥淭hese competitions helped me advance my skillset, gain real-world experience and make connections across the industry.鈥�
Building Team-Ready Talent
Today, Michael鈥檚 role at Abbott includes recruiting, and he鈥檚 actively bringing fellow Knights with him. He has hired several Hack@麻豆原创 alumni and says they possess a rare combination of technical depth and operational maturity, and that they share a strong bond from defending networks together in competitions.
鈥淭hey鈥檝e been battle-tested in competitions, but they also know how to work in teams, communicate risk and adapt quickly,鈥� Michael says. 鈥淭hey know how to follow a playbook and how to innovate when a playbook doesn鈥檛 work. It鈥檚 difficult to teach that initiative and resourcefulness, so we look to hire those who already have it.鈥�
Giving Back to What Gave Them a Start
Both brothers remain actively involved at 麻豆原创 and are passionate about giving back as alumni.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to stay involved in this way, and I recommend this to more alumni,鈥� Martin says. 鈥淚鈥檓 only where I鈥檓 at today because of technical mentors who took the time to help train me up at the high school and the collegiate level.鈥�
Martin emphasizes that success in cybersecurity goes far beyond the classroom. Experiences like competing on cybersecurity teams are essential for any student pursuing the field. He encourages students to cultivate interests outside of the classroom and to pursue multiple internships to gain more hands-on experience.
鈥淭he students that excel are the ones that dedicate the most time to bettering themselves and the people around them,鈥� Martin says. 鈥淭hose are the kinds of students who make it on the C3 team and excel in their careers after they graduate. So if you鈥檙e a student reading this with cybersecurity as an interest, find a niche and become really good at it.鈥�
“I will continue to give back to the program and help it improve, and I hope more alumni do the same.” 鈥� Michael Roberts 鈥�19 鈥�21MS
While Hack@麻豆原创鈥檚 trophy case already tells an impressive story, Michael says the best is yet to come 鈥� and he and his brother plan to be there every step of the way.
鈥淥ur best days of C3 aren鈥檛 behind us; they are in front of us,鈥� Michael says. 鈥淎nd I talk about myself as part of C3 in the present tense because it is still a part of who I am, and I intend for it always to be. I will continue to give back to the program and help it improve, and I hope more alumni do the same. I am excited about the future of the program, and proud to be a part of it.鈥�
