Navy veteran charts a new course with George Mason robotics

As a scientist for the federal government, Naval Reservist David Eichinger's path to a master's degree in computer science at George Mason University was less than traditional. A microbiology major turned technologist, Eichinger is now a graduate researcher in robotics. He represents the motivated, resilient students George Mason empowers, balancing academics with the demands of life beyond the classroom.

After noticing patterns in his work, Eichinger realized he needed computational tools to solve complex problems. Over the course of nine years-first in a post-baccalaureate certificate, now in the master's program-Eichinger built the foundation he needed.

"I chose the computer science program because I was interested in learning computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, and robotics to understand pattern recognition in data," he said.

When he began exploring graduate programs, he sought proximity to his job and support for veterans in addition to an excellent program. That support system at George Mason has been critical as he balances graduate studies with military life, work, and family. It's also one reason he believes George Mason is such a strong fit for veterans and nontraditional students like himself.

"George Mason's [Computer Science Program] was just very flexible as far as the time of day they offer their classes," he said, adding that classes can be either online or in person. Even more important to him was faculty access.

Today, Eichinger works in XuesuXiao's robotics lab in Fuse at Mason Square, working on off-road mobility and social navigation robotics. The lab is lively, collaborative, and hands-on. "It's like a little makerspace to geek out on with different toys," he said. "It is a joy to play with these robots and try to program them to move on their own."

As a nontraditional student, Eichinger appreciates that George Mason creates space for varied pathways and goals. For veterans, career changers, and those returning to school later in life, his path demonstrates how George Mason's computer science master's program meets students where they are and takes them where they hope to go.

"It is not a walk in the park," he said, "but it is worth doing if you believe in it."