What brought you to UNI?

I was medically retired as an Army officer in 1996 and began my master’s program at the University of Northern Iowa. I completed all the coursework, but while working on my thesis, I was offered a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was an opportunity I could not pass up, so I placed my thesis on hold.

Thirty years later, after retiring from government service as an Army counterintelligence special agent, I decided to see if it was still possible to complete my degree. I contacted UNI and learned about the “Return to UNI” program, which was exactly what I needed.

The staff and graduate faculty were incredibly supportive and helped set me up for success in completing my research and finally earning my degree. I cannot say enough about the encouragement and professionalism I received from everyone at UNI throughout the process.

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

What I enjoyed most about attending UNI was the support from the faculty and staff. They truly cared about student success, and returning years later to finish my degree showed me that commitment had never changed.

How did you become interested in your program?

I decided to combine my 30+ year career in counterintelligence with my graduate research project. My study, Mapping the Geography of Economic Espionage in the United States (2000–2025), allowed me to connect professional experience with academic research in a meaningful way.

My graduate committee was very supportive of this direction, and I found the work both interesting and rewarding.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I am a partner in a company that provides advanced counterintelligence training to government clients. It has been a privilege to help train the next generation of counterintelligence professionals and share the lessons I have learned throughout my career. We also host a podcast focused on current counterintelligence topics and participate on panels supporting graduate programs in intelligence and national security studies.

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI?

Dr. Lisa Tabor has been tremendously supportive since my very first meeting with the Geography Department. She was not only incredibly helpful, but also a strong advocate for the direction I chose for my research.

I truly could not have completed this work without her guidance and support.

Post-graduation plans?

I will continue serving as Partner and Chief of Training at IXN Solutions, providing advanced counterintelligence training and helping develop the next generation of CI professionals.

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

UNI strengthened my research, writing, and analytical skills and helped me turn years of operational experience into practical, decision-focused analysis.

What advice would you give to students currently looking into grad school?

Choose a program that aligns with your long-term goals and a research topic you truly care about. Find strong faculty support, stay disciplined, and remember that the degree should help you grow both professionally and personally.