Meet Man Chun Chan, whose service in the U.S. Air Force as a Cyber System Operation Specialist started him on a career path securing NNSA's cyber defenses.
National Nuclear Security Administration
November 15, 2024
minute read time
How do you support NNSA?
I support NNSA as a Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) Analyst. As a CSSP Analyst, I am a part of the cyber team that protects the invisible DOE cyber environment. Some of my tasks include providing monthly vulnerability reports to subscriber sites (our customers). Subscriber sites use these reports to understand their cyber environments and strengthen their cyber defense. I also help monitor multiple information systems for compliance and host meetings with customers to answer these questions. Sometimes, customers have questions about CSSP policies, and I help respond to these and provide guidance and advice, as needed. It’s very rewarding, yet challenging.
What is your personal background: Where/when did you serve in the military, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?
I started my Information Technology (IT) career in the U.S. Air Force enlisted as a Cyber System Operation Specialist. I am always grateful that the Air Force spent so much time and resources to train me in IT. The U.S. Air Force Tech School is the best IT program in the nation.
What did you study in school and how did it impact you personally and professionally?
After tech school, I attended Western Governors University (WGU) online, while also working full-time. WGU greatly expanded my existing IT skills and knowledge. This school brought a lot of joy to my life. My two favorite classes were Python and Cloud Security. These courses helped me professionally because the advanced cybersecurity concepts I learned apply to my daily work now.
What led you to a career in nuclear security?
I worked a long time within the Department of Defense (DoD), so I wanted to experience a cyber career in a non-DoD environment.
What is the best part about your job?
The best part about my job is that I work on different tasks every day. I answer and/or troubleshoot policy, cyber, and organization questions. I really enjoy helping people. The best part of my job is when I answer the customer's questions, and they feel happier and more at ease.
What is your proudest accomplishment while supporting NNSA?
One of my greatest accomplishments at NNSA has been finishing the Derivative Classifier (DC) Course. It is a very difficult course for me because I don't work in the classification office, so I had zero experience on this topic. A lot of terms and topics were new to me, and I didn’t understand them at first. My job needs me to be a DC, so I can perform certain tasks for NNSA.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I am a nerd. I like to play video games (Smash Bros, Street Fighter) and watch YouTube videos about computers and technology. I also enjoy watching anime that is funny, like Demon Slayer.
What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in public service?
My advice to people interested in a career in public service is to apply. If you don't get the job on first try, continue applying. It is worth it.
Who is someone that inspires you and why?
My immediate Air Force supervisors inspired me to be a better a person. They worked hard, long hours all while balancing academic pursuits.
How do you commemorate Veterans’ Day?
I commemorate Veterans Day by hanging out with my veteran friends at the Veterans of Foreign Wars.