Articles

Houston City College VICEROY Scholars selected as poster finalists for national symposium

Apr 9, 2026


Cesar Garrido, Leslie Trevino, John Heickman and Derek Casanares, Jr.
Pictured from left to right: Cesar Garrido, Leslie Trevino, John Heickman and Derek Casanares, Jr., will present their research project, “Spectrum Awareness for Cyber Operators: Why EMS Matters in Cyber Defense" at the 2026 VICEROY Symposium, hosted by the College of William & Mary.


Four Houston City College (HCC) VICEROY Scholars have been selected as poster competition finalists at the 2026 VICEROY Symposium, hosted by the College of William & Mary, April 14–16.

The VICEROY Symposium brings together scholars, faculty, and national security stakeholders from across the country to showcase student research aligned with Department of Defense workforce needs. Being named poster finalists places these HCC scholars among a select group recognized for work that is both timely and relevant to today’s defense environment.

The scholars, Cesar Garrido, Leslie Trevino, John Heickman and Derek Casanares, Jr., will present their research project, “Spectrum Awareness for Cyber Operators: Why EMS Matters in Cyber Defense.” The project explores the growing connection between cyber defense and the electromagnetic spectrum. As digital systems and communications increasingly rely on spectrum activity, cyber operators must understand how these domains intersect. The team’s research reflects the cross‑domain thinking central to the VICEROY program’s mission.

“These students don’t just represent HCC, they represent what this program is built to produce,” said Lt. Col. Robert Glover, USMC (Ret.), executive director for Military Programs. “They are not only being prepared to participate in the national security workforce someday, but they are also being prepared to shape it.”

Each scholar contributes unique strengths to the team:

  • Cesar Garrido is a United States Marine Corps veteran and team leader, brings leadership and operational perspective.
  • Leslie Trevino is VICEROY MAVEN Award recipient, has continued her academic journey studying computer science at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
  • John Heickman has supported the team’s research through his continued focus on cyber and national security studies through the VICEROY experience.
  • Derek Casanares, Jr. is a United States Navy Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program (BDCP) student seeking a naval commission, exemplifies the program’s goal of aligning academic preparation with military service.

As they travel to the College of William & Mary this month, the team will represent HCC and showcase the impact of the VICEROY Scholars Program in preparing students to contribute to the future of national security.

“This selection is more than a conference milestone,” Glover added. “It is proof that Houston City College is producing scholars capable of entering serious national security conversations now—with relevance, credibility and purpose.”

To learn more about the HCC VICEROY Program, visit hccs.edu/viceroy.