UIC Master of Engineering Graduate’s Rise to Fortune 500

Robert Disney’s journey from military service to corporate leadership is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education and determination. Robert transitioned into the tech industry after an esteemed career in the U.S. Air Force. His decision to pursue UIC’s Master of Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning* program was key in bridging his military leadership experience with AI. Today, as the Global Director of Operational Technology at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a Fortune 500 company, Robert uses his advanced skills to drive innovation in global operations.

UIC’s online Master of Engineering degree gave Robert the technical foundation necessary to excel in his new career. With its focus on AI, machine learning, and engineering management, the program offered him the tools to oversee complex global projects and succeed in the fast-paced tech world.

Can you provide a brief overview of your background?

I graduated high school early at 16 and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1996, serving in Air Force Pararescue for over 21 years. I later achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and led U.S. combat search and rescue forces in the Middle East. Along the way, I completed a bachelor’s in Homeland Security and a master’s in Cybersecurity. After retiring in 2017, I spent four years in Colorado, focusing on personal growth and consulting on leadership.

In 2020, I took on a role with Microsoft as a Security Technical Specialist. It was here that I discovered my passion for AI, which led me to UIC’s Master of Engineering program. I was drawn to the MEng program because of its technical rigor, which I felt would complement my background in the military and cybersecurity.

In 2023, I decided to dive into AI fully and completed the necessary prerequisites to join UIC’s program. The advanced skills I’ve gained have been crucial in my transition to the role of Global Director of Operational Technology at ADM, a Fortune 500 food producer. UIC’s MEng degree has helped me refine my technical expertise, which I now apply to solving complex challenges in global operations.

How an Online Master of Engineering Equips You for a Fortune 500 Career

The MEng degree program gave me a solid technical foundation, particularly in AI and machine learning, which was crucial for my roles at Microsoft and Archer Daniels Midland. At Microsoft, I applied my knowledge of generative AI and machine learning to deliver solutions to the Department of Defense while using the skills I gained in the program to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, helping dispel myths about AI.

The program’s focus on critical thinking and problem-solving has been crucial in both roles, especially as I’ve taken on more global operations responsibilities. The MENG 401: Engineering Management course, in particular, was key to my success as it allowed me to apply what I was studying to a collaborative team environment. Managing a global team of 60 engineers across various time zones and working on projects with competing priorities and government regulations requires a solid foundation in project management. This course gave me that foundation, enabling me to manage several projects and initiatives simultaneously, keeping everything on track.

Which Project Had the Greatest Impact on Your Learning?

One of the projects that impressed me the most was developing a stock prediction algorithm for my MENG 416: Intro to Machine Learning course. It stood out so much because it wasn’t just working with historical stock data but incorporating public sentiment analysis, which added depth to the model. Instead of taking only random historical values, we utilized sentiment as an extra variable, which resulted in more precise predictions. This project opened my eyes to the possibilities of combining AI with real-world data to solve complex problems.

How was your experience with online learning, and what strategies did you use to build connections with professors and classmates?

One of the most rewarding aspects of the online MEng program was connecting with diverse people, including professors and staff, to students with various backgrounds, professional goals, and nationalities. The atmosphere of collaborative learning benefited me greatly. I’d contact my peers if I had questions, and vice versa. My academic achievements are shared among my peers, family, faculty, and staff.

As for working on projects remotely, it wasn’t that different from an in-person environment. The key was being diligent about task assignments, follow-ups, and creating a clear project plan with a timeline. Sure, we couldn’t draw things on a whiteboard as we would in person, but with tools like Microsoft Whiteboard or shared screens, we could still effectively diagram workflows and engineering solutions. The tools available helped make remote collaboration just as productive and meaningful.

How has earning an online MEng degree given you an advantage in your field?

In my previous career, I worked with tools and systems that acted as force multipliers like levers, man-portable jaws of life, and pulley systems, allowing me to accomplish more with less effort. These tools helped me lift heavy objects, rescue people from difficult situations, and increase efficiency in high-stakes environments. What I’ve learned from that is the value of using tools that enhance productivity and make impossible tasks possible.

AI, especially generative AI, and machine learning is one of the most powerful “levers” I’ve encountered in my career. AI can shoulder the workload of an individual or a team, operating 24/7 without needing rest and consistently delivering results. Leveraging AI to increase what I can accomplish exponentially has given me a strategic advantage in my field.

Before the MEng program, I tinkered with programming and experimented with tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch, but I lacked the foundational knowledge to make practical use of them. Now, I can build and create AI models myself, applying my technical skills to generate meaningful solutions. The program has provided me with a solid foundation to truly harness the power of AI and machine learning in my work.

How have the AI and Machine Learning courses enhanced your ability to apply these techniques in your career?

From the moment I was hired at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), I could speak their language and contribute meaningfully to conversations about AI implementation. I can even recommend candidates for hiring and participate in interview panels, thanks to my knowledge from the program.

Additionally, I’ve been involved in several AI-focused workgroups and steering committees within the company. I’m helping shape ADM’s AI policy, particularly around how we adopt generative AI and advanced machine learning techniques. I immediately gained credibility when I walked in the door and mentioned that I was completing my Online Master of Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning* at UIC. People sought me for advice and collaboration on AI projects, which speaks to this program’s relevance and value to my role.

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

If you’re considering enrolling in UIC’s online MEng program, I advise committing fully. This program is rigorous, and you need to dedicate yourself to it. Take full advantage of the resources and opportunities available, even if you’re studying remotely.

Stay organized, manage your time effectively, and actively engage with both the coursework and your peers. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re passionate about being on the cutting edge of technology, this program is worth the commitment.

*The focus area for the Online Master of Engineering was transitioned to a concentration in AI and Machine Learning in July 2025.