Department of Computer Science Welcomes Back Students at Annual Social

The University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science organized its annual Welcome Social on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering. The event, held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., brought together faculty, staff and students to mark the start of the academic year, with sponsors and student groups participating to showcase department initiatives. This fall, the department is expected to have around 4,400 undergraduate and over 500 graduate students.

The social, featuring refreshments, allowed faculty and staff to engage with new and returning students, fostering connections as the semester began. Corporate sponsors, including Capital One, Appian and CoStar Group, supported the event, with representatives on hand to discuss internship and career opportunities with students.

In addition to faculty and corporate sponsors, various student groups and departmental units set up informational tables. These tables highlighted initiatives and research opportunities within the department, allowing students to explore different avenues of engagement, from startup incubators like the Mokhtarzada Hatchery to the annual Technica hackathon.

UMD’s computer science program offers one of the largest and most comprehensive undergraduate programs in the country. Departmental research covers essential core areas such as algorithms, human-computer interaction and systems and networking while providing specialized courses in cybersecurity, data science, quantum information and machine learning. 

As students and faculty mingled, the event highlighted the department’s strong sense of community and collaborative spirit.

“This social is more than just a welcome back; it’s a reminder of the vibrant, supportive community we have here,” said Department Chair Matthias Zwicker, who holds the Elizabeth Iribe Chair for Innovation and the Phillip H. and Catherine C. Horvitz Professorship. “We are excited to see our students thrive, engage in research that pushes the frontiers of knowledge, and prepare for impactful careers in the field.”

Newly enrolled students expressed both excitement and determination as they began their studies. 

"I'm excited to join robotics clubs, and explore AI/ML research or internships at UMD," said freshman Stephanie Song, who plans to focus on machine learning. "I'm considering TerpLoop and some hackathons and look forward to learning more at the First Look Fair and career fairs."

Returning students reflected on their experiences in the program, sharing both the challenges they've faced and the goals they’ve set for the upcoming academic year.

“The computer science program here is demanding, but it’s also very rewarding,” said junior Michael Lee, who is specializing in cybersecurity. “I’ve learned a lot in my first two years, and I’m eager to take advanced courses and dive deeper into specialized topics. This year, I’m especially excited about contributing to research that could have real-world impact.”

The department is affiliated with various research centers, such as the Maryland Cybersecurity Center (MC2) and the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), allowing students to participate in cutting-edge projects. These affiliations allow students to engage in research that tackles real-world challenges.

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications