John Murphy and Felix Hong have embarked on distinctive yet parallel paths, transitioning from military service to obtaining advanced degrees through Dartmouth’s online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering (MEng). Both veterans are leveraging the discipline and expertise they developed in the armed forces to address intellectually stimulating challenges in hardware and software engineering. Here’s an insight into their narratives and the motivations driving them as they navigate the online program.
John Murphy: Connecting Software with Hardware
After dedicating five years to the Navy, which included deployment in Iraq, John Murphy made the shift to civilian life, driven by a desire to excel in both entrepreneurship and technology. His professional journey has transitioned from managing construction projects in the aerospace and defense sector to establishing two small enterprises centered on industrial IoT (Internet of Things) solutions. Even with this array of successes and balancing the responsibilities of being a father to three young children, John yearned for additional opportunities for personal development.
“I was in need of more structured education,” John stated. “I sought something that blended software and hardware—exactly where the industrial IoT domain exists for me.”
When John noticed an email from Coursera about Dartmouth’s program, the timing was impeccable. With his Post-9/11 GI Bill set to expire in 2029, he recognized this as his chance to pursue a master’s degree. Dartmouth’s program proved to be an ideal match—providing flexibility, challenging coursework, and a balance of software and hardware engineering disciplines.
For John, the online structure was essential. “As a working dad with three little ones,” he shared. “The flexibility was crucial. Dartmouth’s program is everything I imagined—intimate, thoughtfully designed, and tailored.”
Although the program is conducted online, its practical orientation particularly impressed John, especially the Embedded Systems course, where participants received hardware kits at their homes to debug real systems. “It was incredibly practical and directly applicable to what I encounter every day,” he remarked.
Juggling work, family, and studies is no easy task, yet John attributes his military experience to equipping him with the ability to endure significant pressure. “The curriculum is demanding—10 weeks loaded with a full semester’s worth of content,” he said. “But my aim isn’t merely to get through—it’s to excel.”
Collaboration has also been pivotal to his achievements. The program’s Slack community cultivates a sense of unity allowing students to stay connected and support each other during their studies. John observes, “The peers are exceptionally encouraging. My cohort from the initial course still stays connected, even though we’re dispersed all over the world.”
Felix Hong: Transitioning from IT in the Army to Engineering the Future
Hailing from Hawaii, Felix Hong identified his enthusiasm for computers early in his life, prompting him to obtain a degree in computer engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After completing his degree in 2020, Felix sought to align his professional endeavors with his educational background.
His military tenure, which comprised IT support, computer networking, and satellite communications, deepened his interest in how computers connect globally. “In the military, I had to learn to troubleshoot issues in isolated areas, often with scarce resources,” Felix elaborated. “That experience taught me to adapt and collaborate with diverse individuals.”
Upon discovering Dartmouth’s program on LinkedIn, Felix’s wife encouraged him to apply. The asynchronous nature and flexibility were ideal for his schedule as a contractor in classified settings. “Dartmouth’s standing as an Ivy League institution and its status as the birthplace of AI clinched the decision for me,” he stated.
Similar to John, Felix has found the Embedded Systems course to be a standout experience. Challenges arose in courses such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), encouraging him to simplify abstract ideas into tangible outcomes. “It’s similar to chemistry—you don’t grasp table salt until you see the elements combine,” he explained.
Felix envisions a promising future in fields like quantum computing and AI-driven cybersecurity, where he aspires to tackle pressing issues like quantum-resistant encryption. “Current algorithms aren’t equipped for the era of quantum computing,” he mentioned. “I’d like to contribute to devices that redefine security and communication boundaries.”
The program’s interactive components have left a lasting impression on Felix, particularly the professors’ active engagement on Slack. “It’s beneficial to receive prompt updates or inquire about course materials,” he noted.
Stationed in Guam, Felix credits the military for instilling the order and discipline essential for success. “In service, life is a blend of structured chaos,” he stated. “You know each day begins with the bugle and concludes with the flag being lowered.” With civilian life being somewhat more abstract and open-ended, Felix appreciates the framework that higher education has provided him, along with the prospects a degree from Dartmouth will open.
Common Values, Distinct Paths
For John and Felix alike, Dartmouth’s online MEng program represents more than just technical knowledge—it fosters a community of like-minded individuals and an avenue for personal development beyond their military backgrounds.
Whether it’s John implementing industrial IoT solutions or Felix addressing quantum computing hurdles, both veterans exemplify the resilience, adaptability, and curiosity necessary to thrive in engineering and beyond. As they continue their respective journeys, we express our gratitude for their service and wish them success on their path to graduation.
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