Talia Kouncar

Hi! My name is Talia Kouncar, and I grew up in Rockville, Maryland. My path to engineering started with an unexpected spark. In high school, I was convinced I wanted to be a journalist because I loved writing — until I took a computer science class. That one course completely changed my perspective and opened the door to technology and problem-solving, which ultimately led me to pursue computer and electrical engineering.

I started my college journey at Montgomery College, where I majored in computer engineering. During my freshman year, one of my professors introduced me to the Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (CPSE) program offered by the University of Maryland, College Park’s (UMD) A. James Clark School of Engineering at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). I began meeting with the CPSE program advisor, Brian Schoem, to learn how to prepare myself for the program, and I was inspired by the opportunity to continue my education on the USG campus.

For a while, I debated between computer engineering and electrical engineering, but the CPSE program stood out because it combines both areas and offers a broader skill set. I enjoy being able to work with both hardware and software, and the program’s flexibility has allowed me to explore different aspects of engineering.

On campus, I serve as president of the Innovators of New Age Technology Club, which my classmates and I founded to work on personal projects and develop our skills outside the classroom. I’m also a tutor and peer mentor for our junior cohort, which allows me to support and guide students who are taking the same classes and navigating the same experiences I did the year before.
Outside the classroom, I’ve interned at Northrop Grumman for two consecutive summers as a Product Engineering Intern. That experience has been invaluable — I’ve had the opportunity to see the semiconductor fabrication, testing, and assembly process from start to finish and apply concepts from courses like Microelectronics in a real-world setting.

After graduating from UMD’s CPSE program at USG in May 2026, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in Engineering Management. My long-term goal is to gain experience across different organizations and eventually become an engineering manager at a leading company.

To anyone considering USG, I would absolutely recommend it. The resources here are incredible, and the small class sizes and supportive professors create a personalized learning experience that truly sets you up for success after graduation.