Recent News & Accomplishments
2024
James Purtilo discusses Microsoft's air-gapped generative AI for intelligence agencies, enhancing data security and computing power.
America’s spy agencies will be deploying generative artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze sensitive data. It was announced last week that Microsoft’s generative AI model for the intelligence communities will address the security issues from large language models (LLMs) – which are typically connected to the Internet – by “air-gapping” the tools to a cloud-based environment. This will be the first major LLM to be separated from the Internet, yet it will retain much of the computing power. Generative AI can analyze massive amounts of data and be used to recognize patterns far faster than... read more
Singh is developing a framework for enhanced autonomy in tiny robots inspired by the efficient perception systems of small animals.
In the natural world, where every graceful flutter of a hummingbird's wings or nimble scuttle of an insect highlights a sophisticated survival and perception system, a similar, albeit artificial, marvel is unfolding in the realm of technology. Alum Chahat Deep Singh (Ph.D. ’23, computer science), a postdoctoral associate at the Maryland Robotics Center , is leading pioneering research to significantly advance the capabilities of palm-sized robots by equipping them with autonomous functionalities reminiscent of nature's most adept small creatures. Singh's work focuses on "minimal perception,"... read more
UMD researchers were interviewed for a podcast series on how artificial intelligence (AI) will change education, work, culture and creativity.
Five researchers with appointments in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) were interviewed for a podcast series on how artificial intelligence (AI) will change education, work, culture and creativity. The podcast episodes were produced by first-year students in UMD’s Design Cultures + Creativity Program who are researching and experimenting with generative AI. Katie Shilton , an associate professor in the College of Information Studies, and Hal Daumé III , a professor of computer science, were interviewed together for an episode focused on what ethical... read more
The award honors alumni that have attained early milestones or showed strong promise toward long standing contributions to computer science education and research.
Abhinav Bhatele , an associate professor of computer science with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies , was the recipient of the 2024 Early Career Academic Achievement Alumni Award from Illinois’ computer science department. The award honors alumni that have attained early milestones or showed strong promise toward long standing contributions to computer science education and research. Bhatele earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science from Illinois in 2007 and 2010, respectively. “It feels great to be recognized by my alma... read more
With Hatchery support, UMD students started innovative businesses, from teaching people how to communicate with generative AI to creating personalized marketing assistants.
At the University of Maryland, innovative student entrepreneurs are not just imagining solutions for tomorrow’s challenges—they’re actively building them. From advanced software tools to AI-driven platforms, these young innovators are turning their visionary ideas into startups with the support of the Mokhtarzada Hatchery program. Launched in 2021 by UMD alumni Haroon , Idris and Zeki Mokhtarzada, the incubator program has become a vital resource for students eager to launch their own companies. On May 7, 2023, the Hatchery held its third annual Demo Day at Antonov Auditorium, where the... read more
Abhinav Shrivastava is principal investigator for one of only 35 projects nationwide selected to jumpstart the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) program.
Abhinav Shrivastava, an assistant professor of computer science, is principal investigator for one of only 35 projects nationwide selected to jumpstart the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) program. NAIRR is a joint effort between the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE). It provides powerful computing resources to U.S. researchers exploring topics like deepfake detection, advanced AI safety, next-generation medical diagnoses, and other critical AI priorities. “NAIRR is driven by the need to advance responsible AI research and... read more
Her work focuses on developing scientific methods to enhance LLMs' accuracy, fairness and cultural adaptability in reasoning about everyday situations.
Rachel Rudinger , an assistant professor of computer science at the University of Maryland, has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award to further her work on “ Robust, Fair, and Culturally Aware Commonsense Reasoning in Natural Language .” Her research focuses on developing models for knowledge acquisition and commonsense reasoning. Rudinger is the principal investigator of the award, which is expected to total just under $600,000 over the next five years. “I’ve always had a deep admiration for the National Science Foundation and... read more
Speakers at the event shared that the revolutionary technology must embrace values and variety of perspectives.
The University of Maryland on Thursday celebrated the launch of an institute to engage every academic unit across campus in creating the future of artificial intelligence, one in which the burgeoning technology works for the good of all. Announced last month, the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM) will be a collaborative hub for AI to support faculty research, offer innovative and experiential learning opportunities to boost the AI workforce and inspire new generations of leaders, and forge partnerships to focus on responsible and ethical AI throughout... read more
UMD researchers employ reverse vaccinology to combat drug-resistant malaria.
While cases of malaria have been decreasing in some parts of the world thanks to drug-based therapies, efforts to eradicate this life-threatening disease have recently stalled, due in part to the parasites that transmit malaria becoming resistant to current therapeutics. Computational biologists from the University of Maryland have partnered with researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine to address this challenge. Using a novel approach called reverse vaccinology, which employs powerful bioinformatic tools and reverse pharmacology practices, the researchers are examining... read more
The student organization supports members by nurturing talent and bridging the gap to professional opportunities in tech.
App Dev , a Department of Computer Science student organization, was honored at the 12th Annual Do Good Challenge Finals , where it received a $5,000 first-place Do Good Challenge Award and the $2,500 Finalist Audience Choice Award. Six purpose-driven student teams competed for a share of more than $20,000 in the challenge. The event took place at the Kay Theater of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, where hundreds of students, staff, faculty and community members gathered. Two club administrative members, Matthewos Gashaw and Samai Patel, were present during the award ceremony and... read more