Check In with Some of our Outstanding Alumni
MAGE Alumnus Assion Tetteh Presents Research at IACIS 2024
This October, MAGE Alumnus Assion Tetteh, who graduated in Spring 2024 with a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity, presented his research paper "Cybersecurity Needs for SMEs" at the 64th Conference of the International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS) in Jacksonville, Florida. IACIS is an annual gathering of academics, information systems professionals, and doctoral students where attendees present research, seek solutions to current issues, and network within the field of computer information systems. Tetteh’s paper outlines the unique cybersecurity challenges that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) face and addresses those challenges with solutions that can be implemented to improve their security protocols.
In addition to presenting his paper, Tetteh was appointed as IACIS International Review Board Member, representing the University of Maryland. As a Member of Cybersecurity Association, Inc. (formerly Cybersecurity Association of Maryland - CAMI), Tetteh also had the opportunity to help organize this year's 2024 Cybersecurity Award night along with other volunteers.
MAGE Alumnus Adarsh Sathyamoorthy Earns 2024 ECE Distinguished Dissertation Fellowship
Adarsh Sathyamoorthy, an alumnus of Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) with a Master of Engineering in Robotics, recently received the 2024 ECE Distinguished Dissertation Fellowship Award. This award, given by the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, honors students for exemplary dissertation work, acknowledging both their research excellence and their contribution to the field. Sathyamoorthy’s research, which he developed over several years, stands out for its novel approach to autonomous robot navigation in both indoor and outdoor environments.
In his dissertation, Sathyamoorthy focused on addressing critical challenges that mobile robots face in navigating real-world settings. His work emphasized how robots could safely move through dense crowds indoors, factoring in the behaviors of people in groups to improve navigational decision-making. For outdoor environments, Sathyamoorthy’s research enabled robots to perceive and adapt to complex terrains, even accounting for pliable vegetation like tall grass. “If you’ve seen the yellow dog robot walking around campus, that’s us,” he remarked, highlighting his hands-on, practical contributions to robotic mobility.
Sathyamoorthy credits much of his success to his advisor, Dr. Dinesh Manocha, and the collaborative spirit of his lab colleagues. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed deep gratitude for the guidance and support he received, stating that each project was a “collaborative effort.” Since earning his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering over the summer, Sathyamoorthy has started working with friends at Inception Robotics, a startup located in UMD’s Herbert Rabin Technology Advancement Building. His team is dedicated to developing tools that accelerate the advancement of mobile robot autonomy, a field that he is passionate about shaping for the future.
Empowering Black Women in Engineering: Journeys of Resilience and Leadership
During Black History Month, Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) highlighted the inspiring journeys of Cilla Chilengue and Ketsiya Mundoga, both graduates of the Reliability Engineering program at the University of Maryland. Their experiences underscore resilience, self-improvement, and the transformative impact of the Doyenne Initiative.
The Doyenne Initiative is an international nonprofit organization that helps exceptional women become experts and leaders in their fields by providing scholarships for graduate degrees as well as work experience and mentorship. The Doyenne Reliability Engineering Program (DREP) seeks out qualified Mozambican women to earn their Master of Engineering in Reliability Engineering through MAGE.
Cilla and Ketsiya were selected for the program from a large pool of remarkable applicants with Bachelor’s degrees in engineering and, with support from the Doyenne Initiative, traveled to the United States to pursue graduate engineering degrees in reliability through MAGE at the University of Maryland’s A. James Clark School of Engineering.
Studying reliability engineering, both women found themselves standing out in a field often overlooked but immensely valuable. Cilla said, "It feels special to do something that not a lot of people know about." Their education at the University of Maryland went beyond theory, delving into practical applications.
Hailing from Mozambique, Ketsiya and Cilla drew inspiration from their surroundings. Ketsiya grew up near a coal plant, which ignited a passion for positive change. Cilla was motivated to pursue an advanced education in order to help lift her family out of poverty.
Their paths intersected with the Doyenne Initiative, committed to empowering women through education and leadership development. Ketsiya emphasized the initiative's goal to nurture Black women leaders, stating, "They want to create a leader out of you."
Discussing Doyenne's mission, Cilla stressed the ripple effect of education, saying, "If you educate a girl child, you educate the whole nation." Both credited Doyenne with providing a platform for personal growth and leadership development.
Since completing their Master’s degrees in reliability engineering, Ketsiya and Cilla stand empowered, representing excellence in the field. Cilla emphasized the significance of education for credibility, stating, "Education is still very much important." Ketsiya expressed her desire to return for a Ph.D., highlighting the profound impact the University of Maryland has had on her life.
Highlighting Women in Engineering: MAGE Alumna Mahima Arora
As part its recognition of Women's History Month, Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering cast a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Meet Mahima Arora, a shining example of perseverance and innovation in the world of robotics.
"Studying at the University of Maryland was about more than just earning a degree; it was about honing my skills in autonomy and software, areas I'm deeply passionate about," says Arora, reflecting on her educational journey.
Graduating with a Master of Engineering in Robotics in May 2023, Arora dove headfirst into a career filled with excitement and challenges. The flexibility of the program allowed her to tailor her education to fit her interests perfectly, setting her on a path towards expertise in her field.
"Since graduation, I've been hard at work at NIST, Gaithersburg, where I'm developing systems interaction frameworks to make AVs safer—a task that requires drawing on all my skills and knowledge," shares Arora about her current role.
Navigating the world of robotics and engineering hasn't always been easy, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. But Arora has found strength and support in communities like the Women in Robotics group and events like the MassRobotics Summit & Expo and the Grace Hopper Conference. Surrounded by other women breaking barriers and pushing boundaries, she's found the inspiration and motivation to keep going, no matter the challenges.
So, why robotics? For Arora, it was a combination of childhood fascination and real-world experience. "I've always been fascinated by robotics, from childhood to now. Watching shows on the Discovery Channel sparked my interest in engineering, while a transformative internship during my undergraduate years solidified my passion for robotics," recalls Arora.
And with a supportive family cheering her on every step of the way, including a father with an engineering background, Arora knew she was destined for greatness.
"As I continue to make my mark in the world of robotics, I'm passionate about empowering other women to follow in my footsteps," says Arora, reflecting on her journey. Combating self-doubt and imposter syndrome are battles many women face in STEM fields, but Arora has some advice: practice positive self-talk, embrace feedback, and never underestimate the power of believing in yourself.