Recent News & Accomplishments
2026
He discusses his path into computer science, current research in AI and high-performance computing, and the challenges of scaling on modern systems.
University of Maryland Associate Professor of Computer Science Abhinav Bhatele traces his interest in computing to early classroom experiences, where exposure to programming languages shaped his academic direction. His work now focuses on the intersection of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence, with an emphasis on cross-domain collaboration. In this Q&A, Bhatele discusses his career path, research priorities and the broader implications of his work. Was there a defining moment that shaped your career path into computer science? I don’t know if there was a single... read more
Nine current students and recent alums of the University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science received prestigious 2026 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships, which recognize outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Since 2014, 174 current students and recent alums from CMNS have been awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. This year’s awardees are: Anirud Aggarwal (B.S. ’25, computer science; B.S. ’25, mathematics) Vatsal Baherwani (B.S. ’25, computer science), New York University Nathan Constantinides (B.S. ’25,... read more
She discusses her path into machine learning, current research in AI agents and the importance of adapting in a rapidly evolving field.
University of Maryland Associate Professor of Computer Science Furong Huang focuses her research on developing robust and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, with work spanning machine learning, reinforcement learning and robotics. Her research aims to ensure that AI systems, both digital and physical, operate reliably and remain aligned with human intentions and social values. Her lab recently expanded to include a dedicated physical space with robot arms, quadrupeds and mobile manipulators, allowing her team to explore real-world applications of AI. In this interview, Huang... read more
More than 1,000 registered participants gathered at Reckord Armory for the annual hackathon, where students built projects across software and hardware tracks.
Rows of laptops, cables and sleeping bags filled Reckord Armory as students settled in for Bitcamp ’s 12th anniversary at the University of Maryland. From April 10-12, high school students and undergraduates spent 36 hours building projects, attending workshops and working through ideas. The annual event drew more than 1,000 registered participants, including over 100 from outside UMD. Considered one of the East Coast’s largest collegiate hackathons, Bitcamp brought together programmers, designers and builders from across the region to develop software and hardware solutions over the weekend... read more
The annual event connects student founders with experienced entrepreneurs for feedback on early-stage startup ideas.
Student entrepreneurs at the University of Maryland presented business ideas to a panel of judges during the annual Pitch Perfect event, organized by the Department of Computer Science’s Mokhtarzada Hatchery program and Startup Shell . Held at the Idea Factory , the event allowed students to pitch startup concepts and respond to questions from entrepreneurs with experience in business and investing. This year’s judges included Manpreet Singh (B.S. ’03, finance), chief investment officer at Singh Capital Partners, and Zeki Mokhtarzada (B.S. ’01, computer science), a co-founder of the Hatchery... read more
From human health to environmental sustainability, microscopic communities play a critical role in shaping the world around us. But understanding these complex ecosystems remains a major scientific challenge. At the University of Maryland, bioinformatics engineer Nazifa Ahmed Moumi is working to bridge that gap by developing faster, more accessible tools to analyze vast amounts of genetic data. Moumi’s research focuses on metagenomics, the study of genetic material collected directly from environmental samples. Unlike traditional approaches that examine a single organism in isolation,... read more
The ranking highlights strength in artificial intelligence, systems and theory, all ranked in the top 20.
The University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science ranked No. 12 overall in the 2027 Best Graduate Schools list released by U.S. News & World Report , marking a four-spot increase from the previous year. Among public institutions, the program ranks No. 7 overall. Several computer science specialties were also placed in the top 20, including artificial intelligence at No. 16, systems at No. 17 and theory at No. 19. The rankings are based largely on peer assessment surveys and are widely referenced by prospective graduate students evaluating academic programs. “I’m very pleased to... read more
The research, which received a Best Paper Honorable Mention at ACM CHI 2026, explores an exoskeleton-based system that examines how wearable technologies can guide users earlier in the learning process.
From learning to play an instrument to performing a surgical procedure, mastering physical skills often depends on repetition and correcting mistakes over time. Researchers in human-computer interaction are examining whether technology can reshape that process by physically nudging users earlier in motor execution, rather than relying solely on post-error correction. At the University of Maryland, Kyungyeon Lee , a Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science, is contributing to that effort through research to be presented on April 12 at ACM CHI 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. The paper,... read more
Researchers at the University of Maryland are advancing the frontiers of robotics with a new initiative designed to enable humanoid systems to perform complex, real-world household tasks with greater autonomy and reliability. Built on NVIDIA AI infrastructure through its Academic Grant Program, the project integrates breakthroughs in trustworthy machine learning, sequential decision-making and generative AI to create robotic systems that can reason, adapt and act in dynamic home environments. The effort is led by Furong Huang , an associate professor of computer science, and Tom Goldstein, a... read more
The Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering will host hands-on demos, student showcases and workshops highlighting computing innovation at Maryland Day.
Explore innovation at the University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science during Maryland Day, with hands-on demos, student showcases and interactive workshops at the Brendan Iribe Center. Meet students, faculty and innovators shaping the future of computing. Maryland Day takes place Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Computer Science Prospective Student Workshop Learn more about the computer science major from academic advisers with an opportunity for a Q&A session with current students. Fifty-minute workshops will take place at 11 a... read more