Meet a Retriever—Troy Suesse ’92, DOD declassification officer, space enthusiast, and author

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 08:27:50 -0400
alumni, magazine, meet-a-retriever, novel, nsa, retriever-authors, story

Meet Troy Suesse ’92, computer science. Troy was born the day that man first set foot on the moon’s surface—July 20, 1969—one small step for man, and one giant glimpse into Troy’s future. His parents gave him the middle name Armstrong to commemorate the occasion, in honor of Neal Armstrong, the first man who walked on the moon that day. Thus, Troy’s obsession with space began.In 2022, Troy published his debut novel, Maximum Capacity, a hybrid science fiction/dystopian story set 1,000 years into the future, where Earth becomes dreadfully overcrowded and its resources depleted. Take it away, Troy!

Q: What initially brought you to UMBC?

A: Fresh out of high school, it seems only a small subset of students have truly identified their life’s ambitions. That was the case with me. I lived close to UMBC, and I had friends and family who also attended the university. I found that UMBC hosted a vast array of majors to choose from, many in STEM, which was of particular interest to me. I dabbled in a few different courses of study until I found my ideal pathway—computer science. My degree has opened up wonderful opportunities in my career.

In recent years, I’ve enjoyed watching UMBC’s sports programs grow. Perhaps most notably in 2018 when the 16-seeded men’s basketball team upset 1-seeded Virginia, the first time in NCAA men’s tournament history that has ever happened.

Q: What support does the UMBC community offer?

A: Make slow and steady progress toward your goals and dreams each day, but never isolate yourself from the resources that surround you. Most important of those resources—people. Connect with individuals who can help lift you to new heights, and accept the assistance of friends and mentors. I was able to find that at UMBC.

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I'd encourage students to network with UMBC staff, ask questions, and explore the many areas of study available. If the first discipline you choose leaves you unfulfilled, don't be afraid to experience something new.
Troy Suesse ’92

computer science

I’m thankful to the staff and faculty of UMBC for supporting me in my pursuit of a degree in computer science. But computers wouldn’t forever remain at the center of my life’s passion, as you will see shortly. I’ve always maintained a deep appreciation for planet Earth and all of its living things.

Left: Suesse, on the right, with Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. Right: Suesse with former NASA astronaut Terrence Wilcutt, who signed a copy of Maximum Capacity for the author.

Q: Who has inspired you?

A: All of the astronauts who have ever flown a ship have ignited my appreciation for our incredible planet. I was born the day that man first walked on the moon. Thus, my middle name is Armstrong, after the first man to walk on its surface. I’ve always been fascinated by the enormity and beauty of our galaxy and universe. So much so that I was compelled to write my first novel, Maximum Capacity.

Q: Can you tell us about your current job and your book?

A: I am a declassification officer in the Department of Defense (DoD)’s declassification services, where we enjoy the privilege of making gobs of fascinating historical information from the DOD archives available for public consumption.

In 2022, I published my first novel, Maximum Capacity. The story is set 1,000 years into the future, where Earth becomes dreadfully overcrowded and its resources depleted. Planet Earth has run out of room. There’s not enough food or resources to sustain the masses. So, for every baby born, another human must die. Those who do not contribute toward the common good and survival of the human race are considered expendable.

This adventure takes place in the vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay!

Photo right: A Barnes & Noble book display after hosting a book signing event for Maximum Capacity.

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UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.