A hacker’s mindset, a mindful approach

“Our relationship with technology shapes our attention and awareness. Mindfulness helps us cultivate digital well-being, turning our tools into resources for clarity, presence, and intentional living.” - Dr. Angela Orebaugh

I am a hacker at heart, from computers to minds. As an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Virginia, I exploer the intersection of technology, mindfulness, and digital well-being. As both a “mind hacker” and a cybersecurity expert, I blend my skills in protecting the digital world with my passion for promoting mindful, intentional engagement with technology. As a passionate advocate for integrating contemplative practices into technology use, I have partnered with UVA’s Contemplative Science Center and serve as the editor of the Contemplation + Technology special edition of the Journal for Contemplative Studies. In Summer of 2025, I will be teaching my new course titled Human-Centered Computing for Digital Well-Being, which teaches students how to design and use technology to support human flourishing.

My work in digital well-being builds on my extensive background in cybersecurity. Prior to academia, I spent over 25 years in the industry, providing cybersecurity expertise to clients such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Department of Defense (DoD), intelligence agencies, small businesses, and start-ups. My mission in academia is to leverage my industry experience to create exceptional learning opportunities for students, equipping them with both the technical skills and mindfulness practices needed to thrive in the digital age.

I completed my Ph.D. at George Mason University’s Volgenau School of Engineering, with published papers in behavioral biometrics, data mining, authorship analysis, and cyber forensics. I hold a Master of Science in Computer Science from James Madison University and a Master of Liberal Arts in Sustainability from Harvard University, focusing on technology-driven sustainability. I have taught cybersecurity at George Mason University, UC Berkeley, Penn State, and the University of Virginia. I am the author of six technology books, over thirty published articles, and co-author of seven NIST publications. My professional service includes roles on the International Journal of Internet of Things and Cyber-Assurance Editorial Board, UVA Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) Steering Committee, UVA Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) faculty advisor, and the Virginia Cyber Range Executive Committee.

Together, let’s save the world, bit-by-bit.