Jo Anna Parker Martin, a security analyst at Rice University, protects students, faculty, and their data from outside threats. When she’s away from Rice University’s networks, she can be found researching artificial intelligence while listening to the iconic “Trolls” movie soundtrack.

In this episode, Jo Anna joins Carlton Fields’ Jack Clabby and KnowBe4’s Kayley Melton to tell the story of how her career has changed since starting at Rice University 17 years ago. From her early days as a receptionist at a hair salon to her current role as a security analyst, Jo Anna shares her journey in the cyber world and her fascination with AI, stemming from her compliance-related responsibilities. Emphasizing a realism-based view on AI, she passionately advocates for a comprehensive understanding of AI, emphasizing that it’s neither inherently good nor bad.

Jo Anna also sheds light on her involvement with the cybersecurity book club for WiCyS Global, underscoring the pivotal role organizations like WiCyS play in bridging the workforce gender gap. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jo Anna showcases her multifaceted talents by treating us to an original poem with a captivating cyber theme.

To kick off the episode, Jack and Kayley recount a recent “Florida man story” in which a 19-year-old was charged in a SIM-swapping spree to steal cryptocurrency, collaborating with the hacking group 0ktapus.