Memakosa Research

About

I’m Lucas Augustine, Ph.D., an organizational psychologist, U.S. Navy veteran, and cybersecurity professional. My work lives at the intersection of people, technology, and regulation—exploring how human behavior shapes security, risk, and compliance in some of the most highly regulated industries in the world.

For more than two decades, I’ve worked in information security, risk management, and regulatory oversight. That journey has taken me from hands-on technical operations to designing and implementing quantitative risk frameworks for technology and cybersecurity. I’ve built models that translate complex technical risks into measurable, decision-ready insights for executives and boards—helping financial institutions and global enterprises balance innovation with regulatory expectations.

As a technology consultant, I’ve worked with organizations across the spectrum—from local community colleges and small businesses to Fortune 100 global companies. I’ve also served inside some of the largest banks and financial institutions in the world, where the scale and complexity of risk demanded not only technical depth but also the ability to communicate clearly with senior leadership and regulators.

As a people leader, I’ve guided diverse teams of technologists, risk professionals, and analysts, mentoring talent and fostering cultures of collaboration and accountability. I’ve learned that the strongest risk programs aren’t just about methodologies—they’re about empowering people to see risk clearly and act with confidence.

Along the way, I’ve contributed to national cybersecurity readiness as an InfraGard sector chief, partnering with the FBI and private sector to protect critical infrastructure. I’ve also been deeply involved in cybersecurity education, teaching concepts that go beyond technical tools to include the psychology and organizational dynamics that shape secure behavior. Through my fellowship with the National Cybersecurity Training and Education (NCyTE) Center, I’ve helped design curriculum and learning strategies to strengthen the national cybersecurity talent pipeline.

Throughout my career I’ve earned several advanced certifications including CISSP-ISSAP and CRISC, and I’ve served as a contributor to industry certification exams and job task analyses—helping shape how future professionals are trained, evaluated, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

My Philosophy

I believe security isn’t just about controls or compliance checklists—it’s about people. True resilience comes from collaboration, understanding, and purpose. Technology may provide the tools, but it’s the human element that ultimately determines whether organizations thrive in the face of risk.

That belief is also reflected in the name Memakosa, which I created from the names of my four daughters—Meredith, Madison, Kora, and Samantha. They are my greatest source of inspiration, reminding me daily of the importance of curiosity, integrity, and perseverance. Naming my work after them is both a tribute and a guiding principle: to approach every challenge with the same sense of responsibility, growth, and care that I hope to pass on to them.

Leadership plays a central role in this philosophy. The way leaders shape culture, model accountability, and support their people often determines whether risk programs succeed or fail. I believe that strong leadership is not about control, but about empowering others—creating environments where individuals feel safe to contribute, innovate, and make sound decisions even under pressure.

Memakosa isn’t a traditional firm—it’s my personal platform to share research, insights, and consulting work. It represents the fusion of my professional expertise and academic research, with a focus on helping organizations think critically about risk, compliance, and the human factors that matter most.