Students from Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) recently had the unique opportunity to step inside one of the world’s innovation powerhouses during a visit to the Microsoft Corporation in Reston, Virginia. Twenty-six students, primarily studying software and robotics, joined MAGE staff members Canitria Cook and Sonja Dietrich for an immersive tour of the Advanced Autonomy & Applied Robotics (A3R) garage. This hands-on experience introduced them to cutting-edge advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Guided by Microsoft’s Mark Stevens, Principal Program Manager, and Ruth Ferland, Director of the Microsoft Garage, the students also explored the creative hub of the Microsoft Garage Lab, with Lab Manager Daniel Seitz offering a behind-the-scenes look at the facility's makerspace.
One of the highlights of the visit was an interactive session where students used Microsoft’s Co-Pilot app to generate personalized designs, resulting in uniquely crafted tumblers. From intricate patterns to bold graphics, the students’ creativity was on full display, reinforcing the spirit of innovation that defines both MAGE and Microsoft. More than just a tour, the visit offered a valuable professional development component: students participated in a speed-mentoring session with Microsoft engineers, gaining first-hand insights into the skills and mindsets driving success in today’s tech landscape.
For Keyur Borad, a Master of Engineering student in Robotics, the experience proved transformative. “The visit to Microsoft significantly enriched my graduate engineering experience by providing direct exposure to industry professionals and their real-world projects,” he shared. Keyur emphasized how inspiring it was to hear from a recent Microsoft hire whose impactful work, rather than just his title, led to his recruitment. “It reminded me that making an impact, staying authentic, and working passionately on things you believe in can eventually lead to the right opportunities,” he said. He also noted that the Garage's makerspace—where employees are encouraged to build, craft, and create—left a lasting impression as a model for fostering both creativity and team spirit. Experiences like this visit not only deepen students’ technical knowledge but also equip them with the confidence and inspiration to forge meaningful careers in engineering and technology.
McLean Data Center Visit
McLean Data Center Visit
On February 24, 2025, a group of 12 students from Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE), primarily pursuing a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity stacked with a Graduate Certificate in Engineering in Cloud Engineering, took their education beyond the classroom with a tour of the McLean Data Center in Virginia. Hosted by Kevin M. Hildebrand, Director of Research Technology and HPC Services at the Division of Information Technology at the University of Maryland, the visit provided students with a hands-on look at cutting-edge data infrastructure, bridging academic theory with industry-leading practices. Experiences like these exemplify how MAGE prepares students to meet the evolving demands of the cybersecurity and cloud engineering fields.
A highlight of the tour was an in-depth introduction to the Zaratan High-Performance Computing (HPC) cluster, where students explored how large-scale data processing and complex computations power today’s most advanced technologies. This immersive experience deepened their understanding of real-world applications in cybersecurity and cloud environments—knowledge that directly complements their rigorous MAGE coursework. By connecting students with leading industry professionals and state-of-the-art facilities, MAGE continues to empower future engineers with the skills and insights needed to excel in today’s tech-driven world.
