Cybersecurity Awareness Month graphic

For most people, the morning commute might involve listening to music, catching up on the news or enjoying a cup of coffee. For Vincent Nestler, it involves a self-driving Tesla Cybertruck and a team of artificial intelligence agents that keep him informed on everything from his personal fitness goals to the latest developments in AI and their impact on the workforce.

And that's all before he arrives at Cal State San Bernardino.

Nestler, a professor in CSUSB's School of Cyber and Decision Sciences and director of the Center for Cyber and AI, doesn't just teach emerging technologies. He's incorporated them into nearly every aspect of his life, from managing his health and investments to tracking student projects and preparing tomorrow's workforce.

"The future is here, and we're living in it," he said.

During a recent morning commute, Nestler offered a glimpse into his technology-driven routine, beginning with a personalized news briefing delivered by an AI agent he created.

Each night, the agent analyzes developments in AI, cybersecurity and the job market, identifying emerging skills and workforce trends that could affect his students.

"After I listen to that brief, that helps me decide, is there something really critical that I need to talk to the students about today? Or is there some new thing I should teach them today that's going to prepare them for tomorrow?" he explained.

Next, he checks a customized project-management application he developed with AI. The system allows him to monitor student progress, identify teams that might need additional support and even generate individualized exams based on the work students have completed.

And then there are his personal AI assistants.

One monitors his sleep, exercise and fitness goals. Another trades stocks on his behalf, although he readily admits, "I'm not doing very good with the trading stocks." Yet another coordinates with his human assistant, sending persistent reminders about tasks that need his attention.

"If something needs to get signed today, it'll keep bugging me every hour saying, hey, did you do it yet? Did you do it yet?" he said.

Even his Cybertruck has something to say.

While demonstrating his technology, the vehicle's driver-monitoring system reminds him to keep his eyes on the road.

"Oh. Pay attention to the road. Sorry, buddy," he responds with a grin.

It's a humorous interruption, but also a reminder that even with advanced automation, human attention and judgment remain essential.

That balance is central to Nestler's approach to teaching.

As AI becomes increasingly capable of performing tasks once handled exclusively by humans, Nestler believes students must learn not simply how to use the technology, but how to think critically, question its results and apply it effectively.

"You have to know how to push back on the AI," he said. "You have to know how to use the language that helps the AI figure out the context of where you are, where you want to go, and what steps you want to take in between."

For Nestler, the goal isn't to replace students' thinking with artificial intelligence. It's to help them develop the knowledge and skills to succeed alongside it, to partner with it.

As CSUSB recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, this morning commute offers a glimpse of a future that's arriving faster than many people realize – and the opportunities awaiting students who are prepared to embrace it.

And Nestler wants students to know they don't have to wait to get started.

"You just need a little bit of interest, a little bit of ganas – a little bit of desire – and an understanding of how to use it," he said. "And it'll take you anywhere you want to go."