The DFEND (Dominion Forensic Engineering and Development) program is a paid, eight-week summer internship program for students entering their senior year of high school or freshman year of college. The program provides an exciting opportunity for ambitious students to experience forensic technologies in a real-world lab environment with dedicated mentors.

Interns are given meaningful, challenging assignments both at an individual and group level with the opportunity to out brief their experience at the end of the program.

DFEND looks for Academies of Loudoun students pursuing a degree in Information Technology or another STEM degree with knowledge of a scripting language (Python, C#, etc), familiarity with a mix of operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux distros), the desire learn quickly, creativity, and collaborate with fellow students and mentors.

Students gain hands-on experience working with the latest technologies in the following areas:

Student Testimonials

Being an intern this summer was really enjoyable and quite challenging. Whether you’re walking in with a ton of experience or none at all, there is a project to challenge you; be prepared to put in some serious work (I can also promise you’ll make a few friends along the way).
- Allison, class of 2019
 

It was a wonderful opportunity and I can't wait to come back this next summer. All of the materials were masterfully crafted and made with us in mind, something that I really enjoyed.
- Dominic, class of 2019
 

The DFEND internship at ManTech exposed me to so many different facets of cybersecurity in such a short period of time. Working on the projects gave me real-world experience that improved my skills, and having the mentors there to guide us made the experience that much more educational and enjoyable. 
- Henry, class of 2019
 

I had a great time during the internship. It was a great way to learn to develop my skills, and find new pathways that interest me. The internship gave me a better understanding of the field, and allowed me to test my gained knowledge in various exercises. 
- Demetrius, class of 2019
 

The internship was great, I’m glad I chose it over other ones. The mentors were down to earth and I loved the focus on challenges. I learned a lot more than just straight technical skills. 
- Luke, class of 2019
 

The DFEND internship is a unique program as it challenges you to go beyond your interests and experiment with new ideas, especially in forensics. The problems are exciting, innovative, challenging, and make the atmosphere great as you try to work with different students and solve real-world problems that will make an impact in the computer science world! 
- Samarth, class of 2019
 

10/10 would corrupt a firewall again. 
- Caleb, class of 2020
 

This is the internship of a lifetime, the opportunity is something no graduating high school seniors will find. The projects were applicable to real life problems and the mentors are helping guide us in the right directions without giving the answers away.
- Macayla, class of 2020