Posted on May 15, 2026 by Anastasia Cisneros-Lunsford
After receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration in Cybersecurity at UT San Antonio in 2024, Xander Newlun wanted to better understand the systems behind the technology he worked to protect. That interest led him to pursue a Master of Science in Computer Engineering, which he will receive on May 16, 2026.
Newlun knew he wasn’t finished challenging himself academically or participating in competitions. Through the program, he studied computer architecture, embedded systems and firmware and low-level operations to better understand how computer systems function.
"I loved the challenge and I think it gave me a better grasp on cybersecurity and systems engineering," Newlun said.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Newlun moved to San Antonio with his family when he was 12 years old. He has been driven to complete the goals he has set.
As the winner of the 2025 Department of Energy (DOE) CyberForce® Conquer the Hill® Command Competition, Newlun was recognized in the next-generation training of energy sector cybersecurity defenders. He has been an avid cyber competition team captain and participant member since 2023, serving on UT San Antonio Cyber Force and Cyber Defense teams.
Newlun said he is especially proud of mentoring newer students in past years, knowing the skills they gained from that training helped this year's team advance to the national cyber defense competition.
Newlun also volunteered at the Internet of Things Security Lab under Oren Upton, lab director and UT San Antonio research scientist. He participated in undergraduate research with Upton and with Guenevere Chen, PhD, in the Critical Infrastructure Security Lab. He later continued graduate research with Chen.
Currently a graduate intern at Sandia National Laboratories, a premier U.S. Department of Energy research facility specializing in national security, nuclear deterrence, energy and global security, Newlun has accepted a full-time position as a research and development scientist and engineer in cybersecurity.
Pursuing his degrees at UT San Antonio allowed him to reconnect with high school friends and collaborate with knowledgeable faculty through various cyber competition teams and research opportunities. He looks forward to seeing the cyber program continue to grow and evolve alongside emerging technologies.
Newlun encourages incoming students to take advantage of new opportunities. He encourages cyber students to do three things: "Do competitions. Do competitions. Do competitions.
"(Competitions) are the best way to bolster your résumé, meet new people and find jobs and internships," he said.
He said students should not let self-doubt prevent them from getting involved.
"Ignore that and keep going,” he said. “Get involved and never think that you can't do something."
— Anastasia Cisneros-Lunsford
