Published 11/02/2026
Cybersecurity is often associated with technology companies, software development, and IT departments, but protecting information, managing digital risks, and securing everyday business operations are challenges that extend across nearly every industry.
In the third installment of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Central Virginia Node (CVN) 2026 Intern Impact Series, meet three students who explored different sides of cybersecurity through internships with Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Information Security Office and Weinstein Properties. Riya Nippani and Joshua Lee contributed to enterprise cybersecurity initiatives at VCU, while Joshua John explored the intersection of cybersecurity risk management, artificial intelligence, and business operations at Weinstein Properties. Their experiences demonstrate how cybersecurity skills can be applied in different organizational environments while preparing students for careers in an evolving field.
Riya Nippani | VCU Information Security Office
For Riya Nippani, a University of Virginia student studying computer science and data science, her first internship offered an opportunity to take what she had learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world cybersecurity challenges.
Working with VCU’s Information Security Office within VCU Technology Services, Riya contributed to a data loss prevention (DLP) initiative focused on protecting sensitive information. Her work involved helping establish rules designed to prevent personally identifiable information (PII) from leaving VCU’s internal network without authorization.
She also supported broader efforts to improve how the organization manages and protects sensitive data. According to her supervisor, Dan Han, Riya contributed to an enterprise-level website certificate automation project, analyzing organizational data to support improvements to the renewal and issuance process. She also worked alongside the organization’s security architect to review potential false positives in the data loss prevention system and help identify ways to protect information without disrupting employees’ everyday work.
Han praised Riya’s ability to take ownership of assignments and work independently.
“We just give her the task and she will just take the bull by the horns and just go and tackle it,” Han said.
Beyond developing her technical skills, Riya gained a better understanding of the professional cybersecurity environment and the importance of building relationships with others in the industry.
Reflecting on the experience, she explained that workplace exposure provided an opportunity to learn beyond what a classroom could offer.
“That workplace experience gave me industry knowledge that I couldn’t have gotten otherwise,” she said.
For students considering their first internship, Riya encourages them not to underestimate their abilities, even when entering an unfamiliar environment.
Joshua Lee | VCU Information Security Office
Joshua Lee, a computer science student at the University of Virginia, spent his summer working as a vulnerability management intern with VCU’s Information Security Office.
His primary project focused on security metrics development, supporting the organization’s efforts to better track vulnerabilities and measure progress toward improving its overall security posture.
As part of this work, Joshua researched ways to maintain historical metrics that the existing vulnerability management system was not adequately capturing. Having reliable historical information allows security teams to monitor trends, improve reporting, and demonstrate progress to organizational leadership.
Joshua also strengthened his technical skills, particularly in Python scripting and working with REST APIs to query data. These tools helped him work with information more effectively while gaining practical experience applying programming skills in a professional cybersecurity environment.
Han noted that Joshua’s contributions extended beyond the initial assignment. Working closely with the vulnerability management team, Joshua explored opportunities to automate existing processes, improve reporting, and support vulnerability remediation efforts.
“He is actually looking for several paths to help automate some of the processes that we have, which has been very helpful,” Han said.
Joshua’s experience also reinforced the importance of balancing independence with collaboration. He encourages future interns to ask questions when they need assistance while also demonstrating initiative and working through challenges.
“As an intern, it’s important to always ask for help. Don’t be afraid to do that if you need it,” he said.
For Joshua, the internship provided an opportunity to see how cybersecurity professionals approach the ongoing work of identifying vulnerabilities, addressing risks, and protecting the systems organizations depend on.
Joshua John | Weinstein Properties
At Weinstein Properties, a property management company, Joshua John explored how cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and risk management intersect with everyday business operations.
A junior at Virginia Commonwealth University studying computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity and a minor in artificial intelligence, Joshua served as a cybersecurity risk management and AI governance intern at the company’s headquarters.
One of his projects involved developing AI agents to automate routine business tasks. In particular, he created a computer use agent to streamline an invoice processing workflow that previously required employees to review spreadsheets, identify invoice numbers, and transfer information into formatted Word documents.
By automating the process, Joshua reduced the time required to complete the task from approximately 20 minutes to five minutes per property.
“I basically automated that task,” Joshua explained.
His project illustrates how artificial intelligence can support operational efficiency beyond traditional technology environments. By identifying a repetitive process and developing an automated solution, Joshua demonstrated how emerging technologies can help organizations improve everyday workflows.
The internship also taught him that professional development involves more than technical knowledge. Joshua emphasized the importance of approaching an opportunity with an open mind, communicating with colleagues, and building relationships throughout the workplace.
He encourages students preparing for internships to present their skills effectively and be ready to discuss the projects listed on their résumés.
“Definitely have a polished resume and make sure that you have projects and everything you can talk about in your resume,” he advised.
For Joshua, the experience provided an opportunity to connect his academic interests in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence with practical business challenges.
Growing Through Experience
Although their internships took place in different organizational environments, Riya, Joshua Lee, and Joshua John shared an opportunity to apply their technical knowledge to challenges that organizations face every day.
At VCU, their work supported efforts to protect sensitive information, strengthen vulnerability management, improve security reporting, and reduce organizational risk. At Weinstein Properties, Joshua demonstrated how AI-driven automation can improve business processes and support more efficient operations.
Their experiences highlight an important part of today’s cybersecurity workforce: organizations across industries need professionals who can understand technical challenges, recognize organizational needs, and develop practical solutions.
Through CCI CVN’s internship opportunities, students gain exposure to professional environments where they can contribute to meaningful projects, strengthen their skills, and explore potential career paths.
Hear Their Stories
Want to hear directly from Riya, Joshua Lee, and Joshua John?
Watch them share the projects they worked on, the lessons they learned, and the advice they have for students considering careers in cybersecurity and emerging technology.
For interest in CCI CVN internship programs please reach out to ccicvn@vcu.edu for more information!
