IDS 300W
Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts
The two writing projects I completed in IDS 300W: Interdisciplinary Theory and Concepts fulfill the Research Requirement for the Leaders Program due to the course's strong emphasis on academic research, interdisciplinary analysis, and evidence-based writing.
IDS 300W is a research-intensive course that required me to identify complex problems, develop focused research questions, and explore solutions through scholarly investigation. Both projects involved in-depth literature reviews using peer-reviewed academic sources, and I was expected to synthesize ideas from multiple disciplines to support my arguments. This process aligns directly with the research standards set by the LeADERS Program and has given me the understanding that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to successfully complete projects in cybersecurity.
Each project emphasized writing proficiency, requiring careful drafting, citation, and revision. I applied theoretical frameworks from fields such as sociology, ethics, and political science to real-world topics, demonstrating my ability to think critically and work across disciplines.
As part of the IDS 300W course, my key research focused on enhancing collaboration between the private and public sectors in cybersecurity threat detection, with the goal of better protecting critical infrastructure in the United States. This work was instrumental in shaping my professional development by deepening my understanding of both the technical and policy aspects of cybersecurity.
Through this research, I gained insight into the challenges and opportunities of cross-sector communication, information sharing, and strategic alignment, which are crucial in defending national assets against evolving cyber threats. It also sharpened my skills in analytical writing, research methodology, and policy evaluation—skills that are directly applicable to real-world roles in cybersecurity, public policy, and risk management.