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Faculty Spotlight: Kevin Bock on Cybersecurity, Teaching, and Advice for Students

Kevin Bock, a senior software engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland, has built a career rooted in curiosity, rigor, and a passion for teaching. A self-described “Triple Terp,” Bock’s journey is marked by both academic depth and exploration, at one point pursuing four minors simultaneously, including Astronomy and Italian.


Education and Career Path: From ACES to Industry

Bock was part of the first cohort of the University of Maryland’s Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) program, an experience that helped shape his academic and professional trajectory. He earned his undergraduate degree in computer science, along with minors in Global Terrorism Studies and Cybersecurity, before continuing on to complete a master’s degree through the university’s 4+1 program.

While working full-time, Bock also pursued a Ph.D. part-time under Professor Dave Levin, further deepening his expertise. He began his career at ManTech, where he spent approximately five years working in cybersecurity, before transitioning to AWS, where he has spent the past three and a half years.


Current Role and Impact: Building Secure Systems

Today, Bock works as a senior software engineer at AWS, supporting U.S. government missions across a range of projects. Although his role has shifted more toward software engineering, cybersecurity remains a core component of his work.

“Building securely is a big part of the job,” Bock explained. His work contributes to critical systems that impact national and public-sector operations, underscoring the importance of secure and reliable technology in modern society.


Passion for Cybersecurity

Bock was drawn to cybersecurity by its combination of technical challenge and real-world impact. He describes the field as an ongoing “cat-and-mouse game” between attackers and defenders, one that has driven decades of innovation.

This dynamic, he says, continues to fuel his interest in the field. Looking ahead, Bock sees cybersecurity as an area that will remain essential as technology continues to evolve, with increasing importance placed on building systems that are secure by design.


Teaching Experience: Mentorship Through ACES

In addition to his industry work, Bock serves as an adjunct faculty member within the ACES program. He has played a key role in developing courses such as HACS408T and has found teaching to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

“I’ve personally loved being an instructor,” he said. “Working with students and helping them grow is incredibly rewarding.”

He credits the ACES program with supporting his efforts to create engaging and impactful learning experiences.


Advice for Students: Embrace Challenge and Opportunity

Bock encourages students to make the most of their time in college by prioritizing learning over grades.

“Take hard classes. Take a variety of classes,” he advises. He emphasizes that employers value knowledge and experience more than GPA, and that students should take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available to them.

Reflecting on his own experience, Bock highlights some of the unique courses he took, ranging from American Sign Language and business fraud to trampoline classes and Italian cooking, as some of the most memorable and impactful.

He also stresses the importance of using artificial intelligence wisely. While AI can be an incredibly powerful learning tool, he cautions against overreliance.

“Use it to deepen your understanding—but don’t outsource your learning,” he said.


Lessons Learned: The Importance of Practitioner Knowledge

One insight Bock wishes he could share with his younger self is the growing importance of “practitioner knowledge” in the tech industry. While technical fundamentals remain critical, he notes that understanding how to design systems and solve real-world problems is becoming increasingly valuable.

“It’s no longer enough to just understand algorithms—you need to think bigger,” he explained.

As the field evolves, Bock encourages students to seek out opportunities to build real-world experience. He recommends working on meaningful projects and engaging with research labs, which can provide guidance on identifying impactful problems and developing innovative solutions.

These experiences, he says, help bridge the gap between theory and practice, preparing students for the demands of an ever-changing tech landscape.



Published March 30, 2026