Welcome to the #DragonFamily: Pranay Prateek

Pranay Prateek is MSUM's new Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity. Pranay teaches databases and spreadsheets, cybersecurity fundamentals, and Linux.

Q: What drew you to MSUM?
A: I got my Ph.D. in information systems, and cyber security falls under that. Cybersecurity is a field that MSUM wants to grow significantly in the coming years. That's why I chose to come here.

Q: What's something that excites you about MSUM?
A: I've heard it gets super cold here, which I'm actually excited about because I'm from a cooler part of India.

Q: What's your go-to productivity trick?
A: I like to plan my day by writing things down, whether it's a small meeting or a three-hour lecture. It helps me stay organized.

Q: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
A: Before coming to the U.S., the only other place I really wanted to visit was the Netherlands. I haven't been there yet, so it's still on my list. But right now, after not being able to visit India for six years, I'm really looking forward to going back and seeing how things have changed. My mother is still there, so that makes it even more special.

Q: Are you watching any shows currently?
A: I keep watching The Big Bang Theory. I also love Friends, which helped me improve my English.

Q: What's your favorite place to eat in the Fargo-Moorhead area?
A: I haven't explored much yet, but I really like Chick-fil-A. However, I like MSUM's cafeteria the most so far!

Q: What was your first computer?
A: It was a Pentium III.

Q: What's the best advice you've ever been given?
A: There's no substitute for hard work, whether in studies or other areas. Hard work is the key.

Welcome to the #DragonFamily Pranay!