FIU student: Marine Corps to cybersecurity, serving community with excellence

TLDR:

• Amanda Khoury transitioned from the Marine Corps to pursuing international relations with a focus on cybersecurity at FIU.
• Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, Khoury is involved in various community service and leadership activities both on and off campus.

Florida native Amanda Khoury made a significant transition from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to pursuing a degree in international relations with a focus on cybersecurity at Florida International University (FIU). During her time in the Marines, Khoury discovered a passion for community engagement and volunteerism, leading her to seek ways to make a meaningful impact beyond her military service. She believes that the evolving cyber threats in today’s world require specialized knowledge in cyber laws, which she aims to contribute to by shaping and developing legislation in this field.

As a first-generation college student, Khoury received support from the Warrior-Scholar Project, which helped her transition from military life to academic life. This experience transformed her into a more effective student and leader, allowing her to gain confidence and lead her teams more effectively. Now, Khoury is actively involved in various projects at FIU, serving as the secretary of the Student Veterans of America chapter, participating in a workforce development program focused on cybersecurity threats, and conducting research on Latin American and Caribbean security issues as a junior analyst at the Security Research Hub.

In addition to her on-campus activities, Khoury volunteers in the community and serves as a local platoon leader for The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that empowers veterans to engage in community service projects. She is set to graduate from FIU in December and looks forward to further opportunities to deepen her knowledge and impact in the field of cybersecurity. With her dedication to serving others and making a positive difference, Khoury exemplifies the spirit of leadership and service in her pursuits both academically and in the community.