Learn How to Hack for Good
Ethical Hacking Fellowship
Think Like a Hacker and Build Safer Systems
The Tiffin University Ethical Hacking Fellowship gives students the chance to build practical cybersecurity skills while earning their degree. Through hands-on training, national competitions, guided security assessments and community outreach, the program helps students move from classroom theory to real cybersecurity practice.
The fellowship is designed for motivated students in cybersecurity, computer science and closely related fields who want to develop the technical skills, ethical judgment and professional habits needed to help protect modern digital systems.
All fellowship work is completed in authorized environments and under faculty guidance. Students learn how to assess risk, document findings, communicate with technical and non-technical audiences and approach cybersecurity work with integrity and professionalism. The program also supports preparation for industry-recognized certifications and gives students opportunities to build a portfolio of applied work.
During the fellowship, students may:
- Participate in the National Cyber League Fall and Spring Games as individuals and as part of a team
- Conduct guided vulnerability assessments in approved internal or external environments
- Use tools such as Tenable Nessus Professional to identify, classify and report system vulnerabilities
- Complete secure configuration audits aligned with recognized standards such as the CIS Benchmarks
- Practice ethical open-source intelligence methods, network traffic analysis, log analysis and digital forensic fundamentals
- Use structured training platforms such as HackTheBox Academy to strengthen technical skills
- Contribute to cybersecurity awareness campaigns, workshops, beginner-level Capture-the-Flag events and on-campus high school summer camps
- Develop professional documentation, executive-level reports and technical findings for appropriate audiences
- Explore certification opportunities through EC-Council academic programs and, for select high-performing fellows, advanced CompTIA certifications such as Security+ and CySA+
- Build leadership skills through team projects, peer mentoring and outreach activities
Ethical Hacking Fellowship Experience
First Year
- Build a foundation in cybersecurity terminology, ethical hacking concepts and professional standards
- Participate in guided technical training and beginner-level cybersecurity exercises
- Compete in National Cyber League Fall and Spring Games with faculty support
- Develop skills in network traffic analysis, log analysis, vulnerability identification and risk classification
- Begin using approved cybersecurity tools in supervised lab and competition environments
- Learn the importance of authorization, legal boundaries, confidentiality and ethical conduct in cybersecurity work
Second Year
- Take on increased responsibility in competitions, projects and guided assessments
- Participate in at least one vulnerability assessment or secure configuration audit with faculty oversight
- Strengthen skills in enumeration, exploitation methodology, defensive mitigation and technical documentation
- Apply classroom knowledge from networking, cyber defense, cyber law, digital forensics and risk management courses
- Help support outreach efforts such as cybersecurity awareness campaigns, workshops or capture-the-flag events
- Begin exploring certification opportunities and professional pathways in cybersecurity
Third Year
- Serve as a technical contributor or project team lead on assigned fellowship activities
- Assist with National Cyber League preparation and help newer fellows build competition skills
- Conduct more advanced analysis in approved environments, including OSINT exposure analysis, secure configuration review or vulnerability reporting
- Prepare professional reports that translate technical findings into clear recommendations
- Mentor junior fellows in security tools, ethical practices and applied cybersecurity workflows
- Explore internships, advanced certifications and career paths in cyber defense, security operations, penetration testing, risk management or digital forensics
Fourth Year and Senior Fellows
- Lead project teams and mentor first and second-year fellows
- Coordinate weekly training activities or assist with competition preparation strategy
- Represent the fellowship during open houses, outreach events, campus visits or external events
- Support institutional projects such as SOC setup documentation, hardened SOHO security blueprints or lab development initiatives
- Pursue advanced certifications, internships and professional cybersecurity experiences
- Demonstrate leadership and technical maturity through sustained fellowship participation
Lead Fellow
One Lead Fellow may be appointed each year to serve as the primary student representative of the Ethical Hacking Fellowship. The Lead Fellow may assist faculty leadership with communication, help coordinate engagement expectations, support recruitment initiatives and represent the fellowship at university or external events.
How To Apply:
Participate in an honors experience that builds career-ready leaders. Application deadline is February 1.
Applications are open to online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate students with the understanding that in-person, weekly participation is required.
Fellowship Director
Zachary Wuensch
School of Science, Technology and Health
