John Murphy and Felix Hong have traversed distinctive but parallel journeys, from serving their nation to pursuing superior levels via Dartmouth’s on-line Grasp of Engineering in Pc Engineering (MEng). Each veterans are making use of the self-discipline and expertise they honed within the army to sort out intellectually enriching challenges in {hardware} and software program engineering. Right here’s a glimpse into their tales and what drives them as they navigate the web program.
John Murphy: Bridging the Hole Between Software program and {Hardware}
After spending 5 years within the Navy, together with a deployment to Iraq, John Murphy transitioned to civilian life with a drive to excel in each entrepreneurship and know-how. His profession developed from main building tasks in aerospace and protection to launching two small companies targeted on industrial IoT (Web of Issues) options. Regardless of this sequence of accomplishments and making a balancing act between his profession and being a father to 3 younger kids, John sought out extra alternatives for private progress.
“I wanted extra formal schooling,” John mentioned. “I needed one thing between software program and {hardware}—the place the economic IoT area lives for me.”
When John obtained an electronic mail from Coursera about Dartmouth’s program, the timing couldn’t have been higher. Along with his Publish-9/11 GI Invoice expiring in 2029, he knew this was his alternative to discover getting his grasp’s diploma. Dartmouth’s program was an ideal match—providing flexibility, rigorous coursework, and a stability between software program and {hardware} engineering.
For John, the web format was non-negotiable. “I’m a working dad with three younger youngsters,” he mentioned. “The flexibleness was vital. Dartmouth’s program is all the things I may have hoped for—small, well-thought-out, and curated.”
Regardless of the web format, the hands-on nature of this system stood out to John, notably the Embedded Programs course, the place college students obtained {hardware} kits at dwelling to debug actual programs. “It was so sensible and instantly related to what I do day-after-day,” he shared.
Balancing work, household, and faculty is not any small feat, however John credit his army background for making ready him to deal with intense strain. “The curriculum is difficult—10 weeks full of a complete semester’s price of fabric,” he mentioned. “However I don’t wish to simply get by. I wish to do properly.”
Collaboration has additionally been key to his success. This system’s Slack group fosters a way of camaraderie permitting learners to remain in contact and assist one another all through this system. John notes, “The scholars are extremely supportive. My crew from the primary course nonetheless retains in contact, although we’re scattered throughout the globe.”
Felix Hong: From IT within the Military to Engineering the Future
Born and raised in Hawaii, Felix Hong found his ardour for computer systems early in life, which led him to pursue a level in laptop engineering on the College of Hawaii at Manoa. After graduating in 2020, Felix sought a method to align his profession together with his tutorial background.
His army expertise, which included IT help, laptop networking, and satellite tv for pc communications, bolstered his fascination with how computer systems talk internationally. “Within the army, I had to determine the best way to resolve issues in distant areas, usually with restricted assets,” Felix defined. “That taught me the best way to adapt and work with individuals from totally different cultures and backgrounds.”
When Felix’s spouse got here throughout Dartmouth’s program on LinkedIn, she inspired him to use. The asynchronous format and suppleness have been good for his schedule as a contractor working in categorized environments. “Dartmouth’s fame as an Ivy League faculty and the birthplace of AI sealed the deal for me,” he mentioned.
Like John, Felix has discovered the Embedded Programs course to be a spotlight. Challenges arose throughout programs like Pure Language Processing (NLP), which pushed him to interrupt down summary ideas into tangible outcomes. “It’s like chemistry—you don’t perceive desk salt till you see the weather come collectively,” he defined.
Felix sees a brilliant future in engineering fields like quantum computing and AI-driven cybersecurity, the place he hopes to deal with vital challenges like quantum-resistant encryption. “The present algorithms aren’t ready for the age of quantum computing,” he mentioned. “I’d like to work on gadgets that push the boundaries of safety and communication.”
This system’s interactive components have impressed Felix, notably the professors’ lively presence on Slack. “It’s nice to get instant updates or ask questions on coursework,” he mentioned.
Deployed in Guam, Felix credit the army with instilling the construction and self-discipline wanted to succeed. “Within the service, life is organized chaos,” he mentioned. “You realize every day begins with the bugle and ends with the flag coming again down the flagpole.” With civilian life being a bit extra summary and open-ended, Felix is grateful for the construction that greater schooling offered him, and the alternatives he is aware of a Dartmouth diploma will carry.
Shared Values, Distinctive Paths
For each John and Felix, Dartmouth’s on-line MEng program gives extra than simply technical experience—it gives a group of like-minded friends and a possibility to develop past their army experiences.
Whether or not it’s John making use of industrial IoT options or Felix tackling quantum computing challenges, each veterans embody the resilience, adaptability, and curiosity wanted to excel in engineering and past. As they proceed their journeys, we thank them for his or her service and want them properly on their highway to commencement.
