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Welcome to the fourth annual Cybersecurity Across Disciplines (CyAD) Summit hosted by the National Cybersecurity Training & Education Center (NCyTE)! 
  • The schedule is tentative and subject to change. Please check back regularly for the most current version.
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The Cognitive Training: Operate Like a Pro Athlete
Thursday June 25, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am CDT
BLDG T-926
Esports has evolved into a globally recognized, high-stakes competitive sport. This shift, recognizing professional gamers as "cognitive athletes," is not only reshaping entertainment but also creating a tactic to advance cyber talent to meet the demands of emerging accelerants like AI and quantum, as the skills essential for top-tier esports competitors mirror the mental architecture needed for future tech professionals.

This keynote explores the emerging Cognitive Domain and how the high-pressure, mentally demanding competitive gaming offers a powerful, unconventional training ground for critical infrastructure resilience.

We will frame the human mind not just as a tool, but as a muscle requiring deliberate conditioning. Through analysis of neurological data and performance metrics from top-tier competitive gaming, this presentation will demonstrate how structured cognitive conditioning—focused on rapid decision-making, pattern recognition under stress, sustained attention, and collaborative problem-solving—directly translates into enhanced mental agility to counter advanced persistent threats, strengthening focus during prolonged monitoring sessions, and optimizing team coordination under the duress of a live cyber-attack on critical systems.

Join us to uncover the science behind "training like a pro gamer" for high-performing operations. We will conclude with dedicated small group discussions designed to actively engage the audience in exploring and defining the practical application of cognitive games and specialized exercises within both academic curricula and industry professional development programs. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on building a superiorly conditioned "cognitive muscle" ready to face the future of critical infrastructure security.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Gulick

Jessica Gulick

CEO | Commissioner, Katzcy | US Cyber Games | PlayCyber
Jessica Gulick is a highly esteemed cybersecurity expert and influential speaker, recognized globally for her contributions. With over 25 years of experience in engineering and cybersecurity, her background includes leading cybersecurity teams, directing international cyber competitions... Read More →
Thursday June 25, 2026 9:40am - 10:25am CDT
BLDG T-926
  Human Factors Privacy Ethics and Governance in Cybersecurity, Presentation

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