Praneel Chand
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SUMMARY
Senior technical and analytical professional with a PhD in Electronics and Computer Systems Engineering and extensive experience in higher education and research related to data analytics, ICS, and OT. Held senior academic and coordination roles, contributing to program delivery, quality assurance, and technical projects. Recently completed formal cybersecurity training through Cyber Revolution’s Cyber Accelerator program, gaining multiple certifications and practical experience in cybersecurity industry frameworks, security monitoring, vulnerability management, risk management, incident response, penetration testing, and reporting and communication. Now seeking to transition into a cybersecurity role where my skills and experience can add value.
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CYBER CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
CompTIA Certifications | Cyber Revolution
● CompTIA PenTest+ (Jan 2026): Penetration testing methodology, cybersecurity compliance, NIST CSF, PCI-DSS, vulnerability scanning, exploitation techniques, web application testing, and reporting of security findings
● CompTIA CySA+ (Nov 2025): Threat intelligence, vulnerability management, risk management, CIS benchmarks, ISO 27001, MITRE ATT&CK framework, OWASP testing guide, SIEM analysis, incident response and reporting
● CompTIA Security+ (Sept 2025): Threat detection, identity and access management, risk management, data security, and cryptography
● CompTIA Network+ (July 2025): Networking fundamentals, IP addressing, routing, switching, and security best practices
Hands-on Lab Experience | Cyber Revolution & Self-Directed
● Designed and implemented personal cybersecurity lab environments using AWS and VirtualBox to simulate real-world scenarios enhancing practical skills.
● Completed 58 skill labs on the ACI Learning (formerly Infosec Learning) platform.
● Engaged in network configuration labs enhancing practical networking skills.
● Participated in labs to secure computing resources and protect data on Windows and Linux developing a solid understanding of security principles.
● Configured SIEM tools (Splunk and Wazuh) for monitoring and investigating threats in virtual labs.
● Conducted network vulnerability assessments using Nmap, OpenVAS, and Nessus in virtual labs.
● Investigated web application vulnerabilities using ZAP, Burp Suite, and Nikto.
● Completed virtual labs on compromising systems and maintaining persistence.
● Applied scripting and automation to create a digital forensics Windows VM dataset.
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EDUCATION
PHD in Electronics & Computer Systems Engineering
Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 2011
Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Technology
The University of the South Pacific, Fiji, 2002
Bachelor of Technology
The University of the South Pacific, Fiji, 2000
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SKILLS
● Cybersecurity: Information Security, Industry Frameworks, Risk Management, Vulnerability Management, Incident Response, Forensic Analysis, Penetration Testing (Tools: Kali Linux, Wireshark, SIEM – Splunk/Wazuh, Autopsy, Nmap, Metasploit, ZAP, Burp Suite, Nessus, OpenVAS, CVSS, MITRE ATT&CK, OWASP)
● Computer Systems: Windows/Linux System/Network Configuration, Network Troubleshooting
● ICS/OT: Schneider and Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC systems, PLC programming, Modbus, Ethernet/IP
● Programming/Scripting: Python, PowerShell and bash scripts, Matlab programming software, KNIME, RapidMiner Studio
● Soft Skills: Collaborative Team Contributor, Attention to Detail, Results-Oriented and Goal-Driven
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WORK EXPERIENCE
Casual Academic, Melbourne Institute of Technology | Sydney, NSW 03/26 – Present
● Delivered networking and security units aligned to regulatory and academic standards.
● Key Achievements: Led successful team delivery of core cybersecurity units in Sydney.
Course Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in IT, Sydney International School of Technology and Commerce | Parramatta, NSW 05/24 – Present
● Coordinated and delivered cybersecurity and data analytics units aligned to regulatory and academic standards.
● Led AI and data analytics projects supporting applied teaching and research.
● Reviewed and standardised unit descriptions ensuring alignment with accreditation requirements.
● Managed Master of IT unit quality using risk-based internal and external moderation strategies.
● Key Achievements: As Inaugural Course Coordinator, supported successful external program review and accreditation through preparation of academic compliance documentation. Developed machine learning models for object classification and air quality data analysis as part of applied research projects.
Senior Lecturer in IT (Business Analytics), Kings Own Institute | Sydney, NSW 10/23 – 05/24
● Developed and delivered undergraduate and postgraduate units in business and data analytics.
● Led AI and data analytics projects supporting applied teaching and curriculum development
● Maintained quality assurance of IT units through internal moderation and continuous improvement processes.
● Key Achievements: Implemented hybrid delivery models for multiple units, improving learning flexibility and engagement. Developed machine learning models for object classification to support teaching and research activities.
Senior Lecturer in Data Analytics, Melbourne Institute of Technology | Sydney, NSW 03/23 – 10/23
● Developed and delivered data analytics units across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
● Led and contributed to AI and analytics-focused projects supporting applied teaching and research.
● Collaborated with academic and professional staff to enhance learning outcomes and course delivery effectiveness.
● Maintained quality assurance of IT units through structured internal moderation processes.
● Key Achievements: Designed and implemented machine learning models for classification problems to support curriculum and applied research initiatives.
Senior Lecturer in Engineering & Research Leader, Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) | Hamilton, NZ 07/19 – 03/23
● Developed and delivered OT/ICS courses aligned with industry and accreditation requirements.
● Led and contributed to OT/ICS projects in automation and robotics supporting applied innovation.
● Strategically assessed staff research plans and proposals to mitigate risk and maximise outputs.
● Replaced exams with practical, real-world assessments.
● Key Achievements Delivered multiple collaborative pilot research projects related to OT systems resulting in functional prototype systems (Project1, Project2, Project3). Established industry-aligned assessment frameworks focused on practical application and workforce relevance (Details). Elevated the centre’s academic reputation by driving a substantial increase in research outputs over a two-year period (2021–2022).
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RESEARCH & PUBLICATIONS
● Published multiple peer-reviewed technical articles related to OT systems, machine learning and computer vision, including work on classification models and applied robotics systems.
● Technical research published in international journals and IEEE conference proceedings (full list available at https://sites.google.com/site/praneel12801/home/research-publications-list ).
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REFEREES
Available on request.