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Robin Abraham
Award Year
2024
Graduation Year
2007
Department
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Biography

After receiving his undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur, India, Robin Abraham pursued advanced degrees at Oregon State.

Abraham says the College of Engineering’s rigorous academic standards and extensive research opportunities equipped him with a rock-solid technical education, fostered an innovative mindset, and further sparked his passion for advanced technology and product development.

“The College of Engineering has an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said. “It promotes a collaborative and inclusive environment where students and faculty are encouraged to push the boundaries of engineering and technology.”

During his 17 years with Microsoft, Abraham has developed and shepherded some of the company’s most innovative and future-oriented products and services. Early on, he led efforts that boosted the installation success rate of Windows updates to 99% for an ecosystem that included more than 1 billion machines.

He was also instrumental in the development of PowerApps, which allows businesses to quickly and efficiently create custom apps that support their goals. PowerApps now generates more than $2 billion in
annual revenue. And he served as the principal architect for Microsoft’s Ambient Computing and Robotics project, which leveraged the power of artificial intelligence for workplace safety.

He’s particularly proud of his current assignment: leading Science Engine, one of Microsoft’s most dynamic endeavors. Science Engine harnesses advances in AI and high-performance computing to transform research and development processes in industries that are anchored in hard science, including pharmaceutical development, disease modeling, material design, energy production, chemicals, manufacturing, carbon storage, and more.

He considers Oregon State to be far more than simply the place where he honed his technical skills.

“Its diverse and inclusive environment encouraged me to embrace different perspectives and collaborate effectively with people from various backgrounds,” he said. “My time at Oregon State was instrumental in shaping who I am today, both as a professional and as an individual.”

Degrees

  • M.S. Computer Science, 2004
  • PH.D. Computer Science, 2007