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Cybersecurity Instructor Michael Wittner Receives MAGE’s 2025 Outstanding Teacher Award

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Michael Wittner recieves the 2025 Outstanding Teacher Award from Assistant Dean for Continuing Education Dr. George Syrmos

Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) is proud to announce Michael Wittner as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Teacher Award, which recognizes excellence in teaching across our Professional Master of Engineering and Graduate Certificate in Engineering programs. Selected based on student evaluations and impact in the classroom, Wittner was honored for his passion, mentorship, and ability to make advanced cybersecurity concepts accessible and engaging.

Wittner has taught for MAGE since 2023, leading Cybersecurity courses Advanced Hacking of Linux (ENPM809V), Penetration Testing (ENPM634), and, this Fall, Reverse Software Engineering (ENPM696). A two-time graduate of the University of Maryland — holding both a B.S. in Computer Science and a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity — Wittner says returning to teach at UMD felt like a natural way to give back. “I wanted to give back to UMD after they helped me gain the skills I needed to succeed in my career so far,” he said. “As much as I teach students, I learn so much by being around them too.”

Wittner brings significant industry experience to the classroom, working as a Cyber Software Engineer and Team Lead at the Department of Defense, while also serving as a technology advisor and founder in the cybersecurity space. He’s an active contributor to the Capture the Flag (CTF) competition community and has roots in UMD’s student cybersecurity clubs. His students say his dedication goes far beyond lectures. “Professor Wittner had a profound impact on both my learning experience and my career direction,” said Meiling Liu, a current M.Eng. student. “He helped me troubleshoot a technical issue for two weeks straight without frustration — and that kind of support gave me a huge boost in confidence.”

 “Prof. Wittner always creates a friendly atmosphere, one in which a student feels comfortable to learn and question."

Dipam B. 

M.Eng., Cybersecurity student

Students indicate Wittner’s hands-on approach, patience, and real-world experience are game-changing. “Best class ever!!!” said Christian Mino, another cybersecurity student. “He made cybersecurity feel real and meaningful… He believed in us by challenging us to grow and making each of us feel like we belonged in this field.” That supportive environment is a trademark of Wittner’s teaching. “Prof. Wittner always creates a friendly atmosphere, one in which a student feels comfortable to learn and question,” said Dipam B., while Shiv Shah added, “He opens up opportunities for our cybersecurity careers.”

For Wittner, the most rewarding part of teaching is seeing the impact firsthand. “When I get the feedback at the end of each semester and hear how much they love what I taught, it motivates me to continue to do what I do — and even do more,” he said. Wittner’s dedication to teaching extends beyond the classroom—he’s also actively involved in redesigning and developing new courses to prepare future engineers for the demands of an evolving digital world: he designed Advanced Hacking of Linux (ENPM809V) and is currently redesigning Penetration Testing (ENPM634).

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For more about the Outstanding Teacher Award and MAGE faculty, visit mage.umd.edu.

Published August 6, 2025