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MAGE Alumni Spotlight: Aparna Das

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MAGE alum Aparna Das

Building the world around us requires more than just blueprints; it takes an engineer who can translate complex data into tangible results. As a recently promoted Associate at Walter P Moore, Aparna Das is doing exactly that. She plays a pivotal role in the structural design and analysis of complex projects, where her daily work is a dynamic blend of technical rigor and high-level coordination. Whether she is reviewing design calculations or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and efficiency, Aparna finds her "professional thrill" in balancing technical demands with the goals of the built environment.

Aparna credits her time at Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering (MAGE) earning her Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) in 2024 for providing the analytical toolkit necessary for this transition. CEE, in partnership with MAGE, offers its curriculum through MAGE, mirroring real engineering scenarios, a feature that Aparna found essential for building her confidence. "The program’s emphasis on practical applications allowed me to connect theoretical concepts directly to real-world engineering problems," she notes, highlighting how MAGE’s focus on collaborative problem-solving prepared her for the fast-paced nature of her current role.

"[MAGE]’s emphasis on practical applications allowed me to connect theoretical concepts directly to real-world engineering problems."

Aparna Das, M.Eng. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2024

While pursuing her graduate studies, Aparna successfully navigated the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with an internship at her current firm. This proactive approach allowed her to apply classroom concepts to live projects in real-time. Her "pro-tip" for working professionals and prospective students? Lean into the internship experience. By staying proactive and connecting classroom theory to industry needs, she found the transition to a full-time engineering career both smooth and rewarding.

Looking ahead, Aparna is focused on leveraging the foundation she acquired through MAGE to tackle even more complex structural challenges. As an active member of the Clark School of Engineering network, she views the connection between faculty and industry professionals as a lifelong resource for innovation. For Aparna, this milestone is just the beginning of a career dedicated to advancing structural engineering solutions that are as safe as they are groundbreaking.

Published March 23, 2026