Adam Pope

About Adam Pope

Project Manager | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | Energy Resilience and Infrastructure…

Experience

1. Cybersecurity Specialist (Apprenticeship)

   Rapidascent

   Jul 2025 — Present

   Currently serving as a Cybersecurity Apprentice with Rapid Ascent, completing an intensive 800-hour, full-time program that blends technical training with enterprise-focused project execution. Engaged in hands-on work within live cyber ranges and simulated enterprise networks, gaining cross-functional experience in SOC operations, governance, risk & compliance (GRC), threat intelligence, and cloud security. Supporting real-world cybersecurity initiatives across aerospace, finance, energy, and defense sectors, while applying project management principles to coordinate team-based objectives, track milestones, and deliver mission-aligned outcomes.Key Contributions:Created and enforced 15+ security policies, risk assessments, and incident response plans based on NIST 800-53, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, FedRAMP, and FISMA standards.Supported multiple cybersecurity projects focused on hardening systems, implementing security controls, and automating workflows to improve detection and response.Monitored and responded to over simulated alerts in a SOC environment, fine-tuned SIEM rules, and cut threat dwell time from 24 hours to under 3.Conducted red and blue team exercises including phishing, lateral movement, and ransomware simulations to strengthen organizational defense strategies.Built and deployed custom Python and Bash scripts to automate alert triage, log parsing, and endpoint hardening, reducing manual effort by over 60%.Performed 20+ penetration tests and vulnerability scans using tools like Nessus and Nmap, uncovering critical issues with a 90% fix rate in less than a month.

Education

• Penn State Smeal College of Business

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate's degree, Health/Health Care Administration/Management

  2005 — 2011

• Community College of the Air Force

  Instructor of Technology and Military Science, Education and Teaching

  2018 — 2020

• American Military University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, DoD Project Managment

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate's degree, Aviation/Airway Management and Operations

  2011 — 2013