Idaho Interns Shatter Records, Bolstering National Cybersecurity Workforce
Idaho’s universities are proving to be a critical pipeline for the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, as demonstrated by the exceptional performance of two interns at the Idaho National Laboratory’s (INL) Cybercore Integration Center this summer. James Dawson and Andrew Bonilla, students from Idaho State University and the University of Idaho respectively, quickly distinguished themselves during a rigorous industrial control systems cybersecurity training program.
A Dream Team Emerges
Though they hadn’t met prior to the summer of 2025, Dawson and Bonilla formed a remarkably effective team at INL’s Cybercore Integration Center. Dawson brought expertise in industrial control systems and operational technology, while Bonilla possessed a strong foundation in information technology and cybersecurity, seeking to expand his knowledge of system design and understanding.
Early in their internship, both participated in INL’s hands-on Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training. Assigned to the “blue team,” their mission was to enhance the efficiency of a simulated chemical facility – Acme Chemical Co. – and defend its control systems against attacks from a “red team.” Their performance exceeded all expectations.
“They had only onboarded two weeks earlier and are fresh out of school, and yet they held their own with industry participants and more seasoned practitioners,” said Jeff Hahn, Cybercore Program Manager. “People come from all over the world to take this course, and their performance was a real testament to their skills and capabilities.” The duo achieved an all-time course record for the number of chemical batch processes completed during the simulated exercise.
Investing in Idaho’s Cybersecurity Talent
The success of Dawson and Bonilla reflects a broader trend: a growing number of cybersecurity professionals are originating from Idaho’s institutions of higher learning. In the summer of 2025, over 25% of interns within INL’s National and Homeland Security directorate hailed from Idaho universities, and more than 30% of the directorate’s staff hold degrees from Idaho colleges or universities.
This investment in local talent is yielding tangible benefits. According to Eleanor Taylor, a Cybercore mentor and workforce development specialist, the pairing of Dawson and Bonilla has provided valuable insights into how students from different Idaho universities can collaborate effectively. “I’ve been so impressed with how well they work together and what they have been able to accomplish,” Taylor stated. “They’re helping develop future hands-on training where students can test methodologies on real equipment.”
Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice
Dawson’s academic background at Idaho State University included associate degrees in energy systems industrial cybersecurity and nuclear operations technology, alongside a bachelor’s in applied science in cyber physical systems engineering technology. He emphasized that the INL internship provided crucial experience in programming and cyber-informed engineering, allowing him to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. “I’ve gotten to work a lot more on the design side,” he explained. “A lot of times, these industrial control systems are so old they don’t always play nice with new technology.”
Bonilla, who earned his bachelor’s in cybersecurity from the University of Idaho in May, highlighted the value of gaining experience with operational technology systems. His internship complemented his existing expertise in cybersecurity policy, infrastructure support, vulnerability and threat analysis, and software and hardware enumeration. “Since I’ve been here, it hasn’t really felt like a job,” he said. “Every day we’re learning new things.”
Bonilla’s participation was facilitated by the CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program, funded by the National Science Foundation and available at all Idaho state universities. This program requires recipients to work in cybersecurity roles for the U.S. government for a period equivalent to their scholarship duration, ensuring a continued influx of skilled professionals.
A National Center of Excellence
Idaho’s commitment to cybersecurity education is further underscored by the long-standing recognition of its institutions as Centers of Academic Excellence by the National Security Agency. Idaho State University and the University of Idaho were among the first seven schools nationwide to receive this designation in 1998. Today, the program includes 484 institutions, including Boise State University, the College of Eastern Idaho, and the College of Western Idaho.
“The cybersecurity programs offered across the state complement each other well and provide different areas of emphasis,” Taylor noted. “That’s a critical element for workforce development and creating future professionals that will protect and defend our critical infrastructure.”
The Cybercore Integration Center itself features a University Lab equipped with industry-standard operational technology equipment, providing students and researchers with hands-on experience. The center’s development was significantly supported by a $90 million bond approved by the Idaho Legislature in 2017, demonstrating the state’s commitment to strengthening cybersecurity capabilities.
“Cybersecurity is a team sport, and everyone has a role to play,” said Sean McAraw, INL’s Cybercore Director. “The learning opportunities we have been able to create would not be possible without the support of the state and our education partners.”
The Idaho National Laboratory, managed by Battelle Energy Alliance for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, serves as the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and conducts research across a broad spectrum of areas including energy, national security, science, and the environment. More information can be found at www.inl.gov.
