Morgan Baker

Morgan Baker’s experience is a clear example of what happens when students are given the opportunity to apply what they are learning to real-world challenges. A senior at West Virginia University and one of the first students to participate in the VICEROY program, Morgan interned with Air Combat Command where she was able to see firsthand how her skills could make a meaningful impact.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to pursue your major at WVU?

Math was always my favorite subject in school, and I wanted to be able to apply it to solve real-world problems with real impact. At WVU, I’ve been able to build that foundation through courses in machine learning, databases, and statistical analysis. I also enjoy connecting these courses to bigger-picture issues in economics and ethics.

What excites me most about data science is that I can take those skills into any domain where decisions need to be informed by evidence, which leaves me a lot of flexibility after graduation.

In what part of Air Combat Command did you work, and what can you tell us about the projects you were involved with?

This summer, I had the opportunity to work in the A1 Directorate of Manpower and Personnel within Air Combat Command. My main project was modernizing a Microsoft Access database used to manage ACC’s senior leaders. I developed an automated Power BI dashboard integrated with Power Apps and Power Automate that reduced reporting time from hours to minutes and gave decision-makers access to real-time, refreshable data.

How did working on national security related projects on a military base shape your experience?

Working on a military base surrounded by national security-related projects taught me a lot about the challenges the military faces in advancing technology due to the sensitivity of the information involved. It also showed me the importance of following strict protocols and why having those rules in place is critical to protecting both information and people. I definitely gained an appreciation for the larger mission behind the work.

What was the most impactful thing you learned or the biggest takeaway you’re carrying forward from this experience?

The biggest thing I noticed was the sense of purpose people had in their work. Both uniformed service members and DoD civilians showed a shared pride in contributing to advancing the mission of defending national security. As a student still figuring out my own career path, it made me think seriously about how government employment could give me the chance to work on more rewarding projects where I can make a meaningful contribution.

How did your WVU coursework prepare you for this internship?

The biggest thing WVU has taught me is how to approach open-ended problems. Through my projects and research, I’ve gotten more comfortable teaching myself new systems and breaking down problems into smaller pieces. My computer science and machine learning courses in particular gave me the problem-solving mindset I needed for this internship, especially when I was working with tools and systems I hadn’t used before.

What surprised you the most about working in this role?

I expected the working environment on a military base to be very intense and rigid, but I was surprised by how comfortable and collaborative the day-to-day environment felt, which made it easier to ask questions and learn.

How did this internship change or shape your perspective on the broader field of cyber, AI, and other technologies?

This summer, I gained a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing the U.S. military and the critical role that cyber and AI technologies play in addressing them. The scale and complexity of these problems highlight how much opportunity there is for innovation, and it made me excited to contribute to solving some of these problems.

What excites you most about the future of WVU Cyber, and where do you see yourself fitting into it?

I think it’s awesome that WVU Cyber is creating lots of opportunities for students to connect with local businesses like through their Cyber-Resilience Resource Center, giving students hands-on experience and a competitive edge after graduation. I’m excited about the potential for West Virginia’s growth as the state strengthens its cybersecurity presence.