How UIC’s MEng Program Has Helped Mani Miglani Turn Ideas into Reality

Mani Miglani has never been one to follow a conventional career path. He is a lifelong learner with a creative mind, taking him through industries from music production to aerospace and artificial intelligence. When looking to further his understanding of AI and machine learning, he found many programs were too theoretical. That’s when he discovered UIC’s Master of Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning program, which allowed him to apply what he had learned to real-world challenges.

Through the MEng program, Mani gained both technical experience and skills in innovation and project management. He found that UIC’s supportive and practical learning environment gave him the tools to turn ideas into reality. His story showcases the power of the MEng program in shaping innovative thinkers who are ready to lead in the evolving landscape of AI, engineering, and beyond.

Can you provide a brief overview of your background and current role?

I have an undergraduate degree in pre-medicine with a B.S. in biology and a minor in American history. While in school, my DJ and music career took off, and in 1998, I worked at the legendary Gramaphone Records in Chicago. I later co-founded two web companies and served as a Senior Advisor to the Chairman for a renewable energy and aerospace firm.

In 2024, I had already been using AI and Machine Learning in music production and was looking for a master’s program that would allow me to deepen my knowledge and skills. I quickly realized that many programs focused too heavily on theory without offering enough practical, real-world applications.

That’s when my wife discovered UIC’s MEng program, which stood out because of its practical approach to AI and ML. It felt like the perfect fit for my career path, especially with our company, MaNiverse Inc., working on Space Innovations and Ayurveda. UIC’s program offered the practical approach to AI and ML that I was looking for, embracing the real-world applications of these technologies.

What makes UIC’s Master in Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning program stand out?

One thing that sets UIC apart is the advising. Veronica Morrison has guided me every step, recommending specific courses that helped me gain the foundational skills I needed before diving into my MENG 404: Math Fundamentals for AI Engineers and Data Scientists course. The support and guidance I received from her were invaluable.

Professor Drew Shulman, who taught MENG 404, was one of the best professors I’ve had. He made the material digestible, which is huge because these courses can often be overwhelming. Thanks to him, I was able to build a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures, which I’m applying in my work now.

Another standout class for me was MENG 407: Innovation Tools & Methods with Professor Hallenbeck. I got to work on a project related to space debris mitigation, and it ended up being something I wanted to pursue further.

Something I appreciate about UIC is how practical the learning is. At other schools, I’ve seen cases where professors are brilliant in theory but don’t always have the tools or environment to provide hands-on learning. At UIC, I never felt left to search for missing pieces on my own. Instead, this program filled in those gaps, allowing me not only to develop and innovate but also to manage and lead others. It’s not just about learning from a textbook; it’s about learning from experts who actually care about what you’re working on and want to see you succeed.

What are the most valuable skills you’ve gained through the MEng program, and how have they directly impacted your work?

Learning Python well is something I know I will use often, but the most essential tools I’ve gained are Innovation and Project Management. At UIC, I learned how to let my work do the talking. When you present an innovative idea using the structured approach from MENG 407 or deliver a fully developed project management plan like MENG 401: Engineering Management teaches, your stakeholders and partners see you’re serious.

I was also fortunate to take classes in Deep Learning with Professor Cetin and Natural Language Processing with Professor Zhang, both of which pushed me to level up my coding skills and gain hands-on experience with GPUs. They made complex machine-learning coding projects accessible, which furthered my understanding, and I am more excited to be in the field now than ever.

The MEng program has transformed how I think. Learning machine learning has reshaped my decision-making, from investments to strategic planning. Instead of relying on gut instinct, I now see problems as variables to optimize.

Was there a specific project or assignment you found particularly valuable during the program?

The project in MENG 407, where I worked on an innovation idea to mitigate space debris, was a game-changer. It gave me the conceptual foundation to evaluate whether the scope of a problem was even large enough to pursue. From there, I took a deep dive into the technologies and companies in the field, showing me a strategic approach to any new project. That’s something I’ll carry with me far into the future.

One of my professors encouraged me to present this idea at Ideas Week, and although we didn’t win, it was a valuable experience. I received feedback and questions from students and faculty, which helped me refine my thinking and taught me how to come up with answers on the spot. It was humbling in the best way and reinforced the importance of feedback.

How did you balance the demands of the online MEng program with your work/life commitments?

Online learning has been great for me, especially since I live an hour outside Chicago. Saving time on the commute is always a blessing. To stay engaged and build connections, I tend to overcompensate by being as active as possible in the Discussion Boards, attending every office hour I can, and contributing as much as possible. In those moments when we share who we are, others open up about what drives them.

This term in MENG 401, I’ve been working with a fantastic group, and we’ve leaned into Zoom calls, shared working files, and constant collaboration to stay in sync. Having these real connections makes a difference even in an online setting.

Having a part-time role in UIC’s Career Services also helped me manage my time effectively. With a part-time job, you must learn how to budget your hours wisely, especially when the commute is an hour to an hour and a half on most days. Even on days when my shift started at noon, I trained myself to focus on studying or working on deliverables from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. before getting ready for the day.

What advice would you offer someone considering enrolling in UIC’s online MEng program?

Stay engaged by regularly emailing your advisor and visiting campus, even if the program is online. I did this through Handshake and a campus job, which helped me build valuable skills and feel more connected to UIC (plus, the bookstore appreciates my spending sprees!).

Organization is key. For me, anytime I’ve started a new job, I’ve noticed that the people who stay on top of their inbox from day one are the ones who succeed. The ones who are disorganized struggle because they miss things, like realizing too late that an important email has a deadline. So, when I got my UIC email, I stayed on top of it.

Most importantly, keep an open mind. UIC brings together people from all backgrounds, and engaging with different perspectives is invaluable. I tried to embrace everything that came my way, whether job postings, events, or networking opportunities. That mindset led me to unexpected experiences that broadened my perspective.