Student Spotlight
Natalie Christian: Combining Cybersecurity Expertise with a Passion for Teaching Criminal Justice
Natalie Christian
For Natalie Christian, pursuing her M.S. in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy is about more than advancing her education—it is about preparing to guide the next generation. With aspirations of becoming a criminal justice professor, Natalie is using her time at Albany Law School to blend her passion for the law with a growing understanding of technology, all while honing the academic skills she wants to bring into her classroom.
Christian's journey into higher education began with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at SUNY Albany. Inspired by her love of learning and desire to teach, Natalie enrolled in Albany Law School's Master of Science program, recognizing the growing importance of cybersecurity in the evolving landscape of criminal justice.
"I didn't know much about cybersecurity when I started," Christian said. "But I quickly realized how critical it is. Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing areas in criminal justice, and technology changes constantly. The professors in this program make sure we're prepared to navigate that change—and as a future educator, it's exactly the kind of knowledge I want to pass along to my students."
One of the program's standout features for Natalie was her professors' accessibility and dedication. She credits them with modeling the kind of support she hopes to provide to her own students someday. Recalling her experience with Professor Moya Novella, Christian shared how a Saturday meeting to discuss coursework left a lasting impression.
"She took the time out of her weekend just to make sure I was comfortable with the material and moving forward in the class," Christian said. "That kind of availability and willingness to help is what makes this program special. It's something I'll carry with me when I start teaching."
Beyond the support of her professors, Christian highlights the program's flexible design and practical focus as key to her success. With a mix of cutting-edge courses and a curriculum tailored to students balancing multiple responsibilities, Albany Law School's program has helped Christian integrate her studies with her life as a parent and working professional. She appreciates how the courses teach foundational knowledge and focus on the real-world application of cybersecurity and privacy law, giving her a robust understanding of how these fields interact with criminal justice.
As Christian nears the completion of her degree, she is excited about the opportunities ahead. She envisions a future where she helps students explore new career opportunities and ensures that she has the opportunities to stay up to date with the rapidly changing field of cybersecurity. "Being a professor isn't just about sharing knowledge—it's about learning and growing alongside your students," she said. "That's what makes it such a rewarding path."
Christian's story is a testament to the strength of Albany Law School's Online Graduate Programs. With a curriculum designed to meet the demands of today's fast-changing industries and a faculty committed to student success, the program has given her the tools she needs to pursue her goals and make a lasting impact.
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