About
Where Research Meets the Classroom
MindfulBytes was born from an unexpected journey — one that began in Navy cybersecurity, led through the science of cyberpsychology, and arrived at a simple question: what if we taught children to notice how technology makes them feel?
The Story
After 22 years protecting digital systems in the U.S. Navy, Michael Davis realized that the biggest cybersecurity vulnerability isn't technical — it's human. The way people feel about technology shapes every decision they make with it. That insight sparked a shift from cybersecurity to cyberpsychology — the study of how humans interact with digital technology at a psychological level.
Through doctoral research at Capitol Technology University and a fellowship at Harvard's Center for Digital Thriving, a pattern emerged: the habits that shape our digital lives start forming early — in elementary school. And the most powerful tool for building healthy digital habits isn't rules or restrictions. It's interoceptive awareness — the ability to notice what's happening inside your body.
MindfulBytes is the bridge between that research and real classrooms. It's a program of NM-CCCR (New Mexico Center for Cyberpsychology and Community Resilience), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to translating research into practical tools for communities.
Our Team
Michael Davis
Founder & Program Director
Michael Davis is a Fellow at the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education (2025–2026) and a Doctor of Science candidate in Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University, where his research focuses on interoceptive awareness in children's digital environments, under the advisement of Dr. Sondria Miller.
He is the CEO of Merek Security Solutions, a cybersecurity consulting firm, and the Executive Director of NM-CCCR, the nonprofit organization that houses MindfulBytes. A 22-year U.S. Navy veteran, Michael brings a unique combination of technical security expertise and psychological research to the challenge of children's digital wellness.
He is the author of CTRL+ALT+HAPPINESS (as M.C. Davis) and holds certifications including CISSP, CISM, CAP, CDPSE, CyberAB RP, NIST, CCSK, and GIAC.
Michael lives in Santa Fe and Placitas, New Mexico with his husband, Antonio Vergara Gonzalez.
Seth Hatch
Chief Operations Officer
Seth Hatch serves as Chief Operations Officer, overseeing the operational execution of MindfulBytes programs and ensuring that the research-to-classroom pipeline runs smoothly. His focus on logistics, partner coordination, and program delivery keeps MindfulBytes running at the standard our school partners expect.
The Bigger Picture
MindfulBytes is part of a connected ecosystem — each piece strengthening the others.
MindfulBytes
The Program
“We help kids thrive”
Cyberpsychology Research
The Research
“We discover what matters”
Merek Security Solutions
The Business
“We protect organizations”