Assistant Professor
Biography
Professor Joshua Tallman joined the Concordia University faculty in 2019 as part of the Computer Science Department. He holds a Master's degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University with a BA in Computer Engineering. Professor Tallman has 15+ years of experience working as a programmer and analyst in the field of computer security. He has held positions within the Department of Defense working in Maryland, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as working as an independent contractor for Dragos, Inc., a company specializing in security for Industrial Control Systems. Professor Tallman wants his students to understand their study and vocation as a means for advancing the Great Commission. He strives to make learning and work as enjoyable as possible.
Education & Technical Skills
Master of Science in Computer Science - John Hopkins University (2009)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering - University of Pacific (2004)
- Programming in Windows/Unix environments with C/C++/C#, Python
- Programming with SQL (experienced) and Ruby, and Hadoop MapReduce
- Microsoft Win32 system level programming and x86/64 assembly
- Code analysis with WinDbg, IDAPro, and other custom analysis tools
Experience
Contractor/Consultant, Dragos, Inc., 2016 - current
Independent contractor designing computer security products for Industrial Control Systems equipment
- Create key components of Dragos’ backend analytic engine including a time series forecaster using machine learning and a data aggregation warning system
- Implement analytics for detecting suspicious computer security events
Regional Director, CSB Ministries, 2017 - current
Building godly men of today and tomorrow through the local church
- Serve churches that partner with our ministry through training, leadership, and consultation
- Grow the ministry by partnering with new churches and like-minded organizations
- Oversee regional events such as summer camps and leadership conferences
- Oversee curriculum development for church leader guides and student workbooks
Adjunct Faculty (e.g., Lead Course Instructor), Department of Defense, 2006 - 2010
Organized, lectured, and developed 80-hour course on the Windows internal subsystems.
- Total classes numbered 100+ students including guests from partner agencies and allied nations.
- Created lecture and lab materials on the security subsystem, DLL injection, MS-RPC, etc.
Computer & Network Vulnerability Analyst, Department of Defense, 2004 - 2017
Protected computer networks by researching, demonstrating, and mitigating security vulnerabilities
- Discovered critical vulnerabilities in the design and implementation of common operating systems; created 16 proof-of-concept security tools to demonstrate specific threats
- Designed and guided the creation of large scale Computer Network Defense (CND) tradecraft
- Frequently engaged with customers up to and including the General Officer level; influenced decisions that improved the overall cyber defense capabilities of USA and allied nations
- Presented vulnerability research at 6 international DoD sponsored cyber security conferences
- Supervised small team in network security, malware forensics, and incident response
- Deployed to sensitive facilities in multiple theaters including hostile zones
Whitewater Rafting Guide, Whitewater Excitement, 1999-2004
Guided rafts and led daily operations for summer whitewater rafting expeditions on class III-IV rivers.
- Trained and certified junior guides at the annual Whitewater Excitement Guide School