Alumni Profile: From Robotics to Data Engineering: How One Alum Bridges Tech and Business
A profile of InfoSci alum Duncan Squires
Duncan Squires, InfoSci '19
Duncan Squires, who graduated in 2019 from the University of Maryland College of Information (INFO) with a bachelor’s degree in information science, has always been drawn to the intersection of technology and problem-solving. In high school, he participated in robotics competitions, where innovation and teamwork took center stage.
One year, his team built a robot that could pick up and shoot foam basketballs at varying heights. They handled everything—programming, electrical work, control system design, graphics, and even securing grants and scholarships. Squires embraced both the technical and business sides of the challenge, ultimately leading a 70-member team as captain in his senior year.
That balance of tech and business followed him into his career. After graduating from INFO, he worked as a software engineer at Collins Aerospace before transitioning to Booz Allen Hamilton, where he now works as a data scientist. There, he applies his expertise in software development and data engineering while mentoring junior data scientists. “I like being the one that helps shape the edges,” he says, as he now focuses on designing data models while supporting programmers.
For Squires, the most rewarding—and challenging—aspect of his job is problem-solving. “The big thing that I find enjoyable now is problem-solving, which is also the hardest part of my job,” he says. His role gives him the freedom to explore multiple solutions, something he thrives on. “There is no one solution in tech,” he adds.
Building a Strong Foundation at INFO
Squires credits much of his success to the hands-on learning experiences at INFO. His favorite class, “Database Design and Modeling” with Professor Vedat Diker, left a lasting impression. “It’s a cool thing to learn about something in college and actually be able to use that for the jobs I’m doing,” he says.
His enthusiasm for the course led him to become a teaching assistant for two years, a role that not only deepened his technical expertise but also prepared him for collaborative work in his career.
INFO’s emphasis on teamwork, particularly during his capstone project, was another critical aspect of his education. Collaborating with others, managing shared responsibilities, and collectively problem-solving gave him a distinct advantage in the workplace. He’s noticed that peers without similar experiences often struggle, making him appreciate INFO’s real-world approach even more.
“Being able to work on a problem together and have both or all parties understand the work that’s needed to be done was definitely a good experience,” he says.
For Squires, the ability to merge technical skills with collaboration and problem-solving has been key to his success—a lesson he first learned at INFO and continues to apply in his career today.