People
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Students
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2025-2026

Photo of Derek Dietz

Derek obtained his degree in Engineering Physics from the College of William and Mary in 2022. Shortly after graduating, he began an extended internship at NASA Langley Research Center. Since then, he has worked at Huntington Ingalls in Maryland and, most recently, at Epic Systems in Madison, Wisconsin.

His interest in robotics stems from the experiences he gained working on integrated systems during college. Through these projects, he saw his physics knowledge come into play in fascinating ways, particularly where physics intersects with electrical engineering and computer science. These experiences inspired him to pursue a career in autonomous systems, allowing him to combine his technical interests with his passion for environmental preservation.

He is extremely excited to expand his knowledge and to learn from passionate, knowledgeable professors and peers during the MSR program.