Recent News & Accomplishments
2023
A University of Maryland computer science alum whose research is focused on censorship and network security has been recognized for his graduate work in developing an algorithm that discovers ways to evade nation-state internet censorship. Kevin Bock ’17, M.S. ’18, Ph.D. ’22, was chosen by the Association for Computing Machinery’s Special Interest Group in Communications and Computer Networks ( ACM SIGCOMM ) to receive the organization’s prestigious Doctoral Dissertation Award. Established in 2011, the award honors outstanding research by doctoral candidates in the field of computer... read more
Sadasivan will use the fellowship to continue his research into issues of security and privacy in artificial intelligence.
Vinu Sankar Sadasivan , a second-year computer science Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland, recently received a Kulkarni Foundation Summer Research Fellowship from UMD’s Graduate School . Sadasivan will use the fellowship to continue his study on security and privacy in artificial intelligence with Assistant Professor Soheil Feizi . The research work aims to address the critical challenges posed by the emergence of powerful AI models such as GPT and diffusion models. The study focuses on exploring the profound implications these models have for data protection and ethical use. "I am... read more
A former graduate student in the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS) has been recognized by the Department of Mathematics for his impressive contributions to the development of quantum algorithms. Jin-Peng Liu , who graduated last year with a Ph.D. from the Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation Program, is the latest recipient of the James C. Alexander Prize for Graduate Research in Mathematics . The prize was established by UMD alumni Lawrence J. Baker and Dorothy Z. Baker in 2014 to support recent or graduating Ph.D. students in... read more
Jiasheng Li's touchscreen technology breaks barriers for the visually impaired and advances accessibility.
Jiasheng Li , a second-year computer science Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland, received an Honorable Mention award at the prestigious CHI 2023 conference for his paper titled " Toucha11y: Making Inaccessible Public Touchscreens Accessible .” Li's work aims to address the challenges faced by blind and low-vision individuals when interacting with public touchscreen kiosks. These kiosks, found in various public spaces such as transportation hubs and retail establishments, often pose accessibility barriers due to their reliance on visual interfaces. To tackle this issue, Li developed... read more
Suggestion comes as Washington grapples with advances in artificial intelligence.
Ben Shneiderman , a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science, said he sees government agencies as the primary entities to take the lead in internet and AI regulation. He encouraged the involvement of accounting firms and insurance companies in auditing and regulating AI systems, emphasizing the need for collaboration among different players to address the complex challenges associated with AI. “The history of regulation shows that it can be very positive and a great trigger of innovation.” Shneiderman said at an event hosted by the... read more
Championing ethical AI, Daumé is on a mission to harness the power of technology safely and responsibly.
Hal Daumé III , a professor in the University of Maryland's Department of Computer Science, leads the new $20 million National Science Foundation (NSF) Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law and Society ( TRAILS ). With a personal passion for artificial intelligence (AI) that spans decades, Daumé is driven by the opportunity to explore the complexities of the human mind and the profound impact of AI on individuals. The institute he leads aims to establish ethical practices and responsible use of AI through a comprehensive approach, which includes broader participation in AI design, technological... read more
Colin Galen, Mohammed Mahdavi and Keivan Rezaei advance to the World Finals, which will be held in Egypt in November 2023.
A team of University of Maryland computer science students demonstrated exceptional skills and determination that earned them a second-place finish among U.S. competitors (third overall) in the North American Championship of the International Collegiate Programming Contest ( ICPC ) held on May 29, 2023. This achievement marks UMD’s best finish ever in the competition. The ICPC is a renowned global algorithmic programming contest for college students, promoting creativity, teamwork, innovation and composure under pressure. With a rich history, it has become the oldest, largest and most-... read more
He and his brothers built two successful tech ventures and launched a startup incubator at UMD.
When Zeki Mokhtarzada (B.S. ’01, computer science and mathematics) delivers his commencement speech to undergraduates this May at the University of Maryland’s College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, he’ll be speaking from a wealth of experience—and UMD memories. His own graduation 22 years ago was more than special. Two of his siblings also received their degrees from Maryland that day, but that commencement event—or more accurately, the moment he snuck out of it—marked the start of Mokhtarzada’s hugely successful career as a tech entrepreneur. "I remember my brother Haroon... read more
Program recognizes students for academic, extracurricular and personal accomplishments.
With flags waving at the University of Maryland’s Campuswide Commencement Ceremony on May 23, 2023, 80 stellar students led graduating Terps into commencement—including three students majoring in computer science and one minoring in computer science. The senior marshals, who carry the banners for schools, colleges and departments, are August 2022, December 2022 and May 2023 graduates who have stood out during their time at UMD for academic excellence, service to the university community, noteworthy extracurriculars and good character. “It is a joy and honor to lead the commencement procession... read more
Despite decades of eradication efforts, malaria remains a global cause of disease and death, with the greatest burden largely affecting young children in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2021, an estimated 247 million people worldwide were infected with malaria resulting in 619,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). That same year, the WHO approved the first malaria vaccine which has shown to significantly reduce deaths among young children. However, compared to other adolescent vaccinations, it has modest efficacy, preventing only about 30 percent of severe malaria cases... read more