Ohio University alumnus Jean-Gabriel Shepherd finds his path in public service, cybersecurity

Jean-Gabriel Shepherd’s path to a career in information technology and cybersecurity has been anything but linear.

A 2010 graduate of Ohio University with a bachelor of arts in geography and a minor in history, Shepherd has built a career blending technical expertise, compassion and a deep appreciation for learning and teaching.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Shepherd pursued graduate studies in forestry in West Virginia before going on to earn a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Franklin University. Today, he serves as the electronic health records system administrator and cybersecurity analyst at Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center, where he is part of the leadership team. The Center assists the community in finding ways to prevent, reduce and minimize the residual effects of mental health problems.

As a student at OHIO Chillicothe, Shepherd worked at the Information Technology Help Desk, an experience he said helped prepare him for his current job.

Shepherd’s Ohio University degree equipped him with the skills he leveraged in internships and jobs with various parks and the USDA Farm Service Agency.

“My degree in geography helped me both working in the park systems and for my work with USDA Farm Service Agency,” Shepherd said. “At the USDA I did direct cartography work. At the various parks I worked at I used topographic maps and biological information regularly.”

He also worked for the Pike County Library and the Columbus Municipal Court, before joining the team at an inpatient rehabilitation center that’s part of the Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center. That experience left a lasting impression.

Shepherd took classes at Ohio University’s Athens and Chillicothe campuses. His time at Ohio University Chillicothe was rich with relationships and experiences. He was a member of the Anime Club and formed strong bonds with fellow students and staff, including the “Spiky Ficus Crew,” a group of friends who connected over hacky sack games on the lawn, music, and campus life. He fondly remembers professors like Gary Haynes, John Reiger, Matt Mentor and Roger Smith.

An avid reader, gamer and musician, Shepherd plays in a band called Circle of Stones, which he describes as a Celtic folk band.

Shepherd advises students who are preparing to enter the workforce to seek out internships that will help them gain skills, experience and connections. He also encourages students to start job applications six months before graduating.