Highlighting Women in Engineering: MAGE Alumna Mahima Arora

As Women's History Month rolls on, Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering is shedding 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.

"As I continue to make my mark in the world of robotics, I'm passionate about empowering other women to follow in my footsteps."

Mahima Arora

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.

This Women's History Month, let's celebrate trailblazers like Mahima Arora, whose determination, passion, and resilience are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in robotics.

Published March 12, 2024