Alumna Taylor Long '15 Returns to Campus with Real-World Cybersecurity Insights

On Jan. 30, EA welcomed alumna Taylor Long '15 back to campus as this year's Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Series Speaker. Now a senior threat intelligence analyst at Google, Taylor spoke to Middle and Upper School students in the Class of 1944 Chapel and in select classes throughout the day, sharing insights from her career.

During her introduction, Academic Dean Kelly Edwards, Hon. said that Taylor "loved learning and was that kid who had a genuine curiosity," and emphasized that "Taylor's willingness to stay open, to explore, to grow, and to lean into both the challenges and the opportunities is what has shaped the path she's on today."

During her presentation, Taylor explained that her team researches "malicious actors," or "the bad guys on the other side of the computer carrying out illegal activity, [including] what they're doing, how they're doing it, and how we can stop them before they cause harm."

She shared examples from her day-to-day responsibilities, including research connected to North Korea. "North Korean cyber operations are incredibly sophisticated," Taylor said. "Cybercrime is a huge part of how the country makes money, and understanding those tactics helps us protect companies, governments, and everyday people."

Taylor also addressed common misconceptions about the field. "Often people consider cybersecurity and think of someone in a hoodie, in a basement, sitting in a dark room, just hacking all day," she said. "But most of the industry really isn’t that at all. One of the most critical skills in my field is being able to translate technical findings into strategic results. It's not just about understanding the technology—it's about being able to explain what it means and why it matters."

Taylor was candid with students about her own path after EA, noting that it was not a straight line. After graduating, she attended Franklin & Marshall College, where she explored interests in government and policy before discovering cybersecurity, a field that blended technology, strategy, and global affairs.

She reminded students that "you don't need to have it all figured out" and encouraged them to "take risks and try something new," even when the path feels uncertain. She emphasized that "soft skills are critical" and urged students to lean on their network, be their biggest advocate, and ask for help when needed. She also encouraged students to "always keep learning and keep growing—whether it's related to your career or just something you’re interested in."

Following her Chapel presentation, Taylor visited with the Middle School Computer Science and Engineering classes, had lunch with the Girls in STEM Club, and led an afternoon discussion with the Upper School Honors Cybersecurity class.

Hear more from Taylor during a bonus episode of EA Unlocked with podcast host Dr. T.J. Locke.

The Clare Foundation and Hinton Family STEM Speaker Series continues to bring leaders in science and technology to campus to inspire the next generation of innovators.