Department Celebrates 2025 Graduates

Graduation ceremonies mark the end of academic programs and the start of new opportunities. They also provide a moment to reflect on the challenges and resources that shape a student’s experience at a university. At the University of Maryland, the Department of Computer Science recognized these transitions during two ceremonies on May 21 and May 22.

The graduate ceremony was held at the Reckord Armory, while the undergraduate ceremony took place at the Xfinity Center. In total, 90 graduate students and 920 undergraduate students received degrees.

Part of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, the department maintains strong national rankings. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings placed the computer science graduate program at No. 9 among public institutions. The undergraduate program also earned a No. 9 spot among public universities, with notable placements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computer systems.

Throughout the academic year, students engaged in a range of academic and extracurricular activities designed to broaden their perspectives. Faculty mentorship, tutoring sessions and initiatives like the Mokhtarzada Hatchery Program provided practical experience and support for entrepreneurial ventures. The department also organized its annual Research Day and career fairs to connect students with professionals in the field.

The undergraduate ceremony featured a keynote address by Adam Wenchel (B.S. ’99, computer science), co-founder and CEO of Arthur, while the graduate commencement keynote was delivered by Debanjan Saha (M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’95, computer science), CEO of DataRobot. 

For Sinchana Gupta Garla Venkatsha, who earned her master’s degree in data science, these experiences provided both challenges and new pathways. She noted the strength of the department’s network and the constant flow of opportunities available to students.

“My journey has been wonderful,” Garla Venkatsha said. “The thing about UMD is, whatever opportunities you want, you always get them. It’s all about the network you have here—people who are always there to support you.”

Garla Venkatsha served as a teaching assistant and mentor, roles she said expanded her skill set and deepened her connections within the department.

“I got a lot of opportunities to teach and assist professors, which helped me broaden my horizon and perspective,” she said. “Mentoring experience is something I cherish.”

Now seeking research roles and full-time employment, she credited the department’s career fairs and networking events for preparing her to enter the job market.

“UMD has provided me with opportunities to network with people who work in the jobs I want to work in,” Garla Venkatsha said. “I feel like that’s what keeps me career-ready—learning the soft skills and core technical skills required to do your job well.”

Ph.D. graduate Bang An, who focused her research on responsible artificial intelligence, said the department’s supportive and collaborative environment played a key role in her growth. She arrived without an advisor but quickly found her path, studying fairness in AI—a topic that began as a course project and evolved into publications that shaped her research.

“We have a large group that meets every week,” An said. “We discuss and collaborate with folks in the group and also outside the group.”

For An, the most valuable lesson was learning to critically evaluate research and understand its broader implications.

“I think the most important skill is to think deeply and realize what is important research for academia, industry and humanity, especially for this AI area,” she said.

An will continue her work on trustworthy and reliable AI systems in a new role at OpenAI.

Reflecting on the graduates’ accomplishments, Department Chair Matthias Zwicker emphasized their dedication and the department’s evolving mission.

“Our graduates have demonstrated a deep commitment to the field, tackling emerging challenges and embracing opportunities to learn and innovate,” said Zwicker, the Elizabeth Iribe Chair for Innovation and the Phillip H. and Catherine C. Horvitz Professor. “They have been engaged in every aspect of our programs—from classes and labs to collaborative projects and independent research—reflecting their passion for technology and its role in shaping our world.”

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications