Recent News & Accomplishments
2025
University of Maryland computer scientists developed an AI-enhanced system that protects personal voice data from automated surveillance.
When you make a voice call through Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp, you’re not just sharing what you say. You’re revealing your age, gender, emotional state, social background and personality—a biometric fingerprint just as unique as your face. And increasingly, artificial intelligence is listening. “We already see phishing based on our online activities and what we type in emails,” said Nirupam Roy, an associate professor of computer science at the University of Maryland. “Now, a significant amount of our voice communications flow through digital platforms, so there's an unprecedented... read more
From Knitting to music making, hobbies serve as entry points to explore AI, algorithms, programming.
The steady clickity-clack of knitting needles greeted students who slipped into a classroom where colorful yarn trailed across tables. Would the lecturer talk about costume design? Marketing for fashion brands? The benefits of tactile activities for mental health? None of the above. Instead, College of Information Lecturer Pamela Duffy launched into slides about recursion, an essential computer science concept. “Knitting is very mathematical and very pattern-based, so it’s a way to introduce algorithms that doesn’t feel threatening and actually feels fun,” said Duffy, who has taught “Knitting... read more
At Google, Sweta Agrawal (M.S. ’20, Ph.D. ’23, computer science) and Eleftheria Briakou (M.S. ’20, Ph.D. ’23, computer science) are working on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, advancing Google Translate.
In 2018, Sweta Agrawal left India and Eleftheria Briakou left Greece to begin their Ph.D.s in computer science at the University of Maryland. Anxious to chase their dreams of a future in tech, they never imagined how their paths would cross on the road ahead. Agrawal (M.S. ’20, Ph.D. ’23, computer science) set her sights on earning a Ph.D. with a specific goal in mind. “At the time, I really wanted to be a research scientist at Google,” she said. “It was just an insanely huge thing that I was making this decision, traveling all this distance to do something, and none of my family knew even... read more
For the sixth year in a row, the University of Maryland has been highlighted by The Chronicle of Higher Education as the nation’s top producer of computer and information sciences bachelor’s degrees among residential universities. The university is No. 4 overall in production of bachelor's degrees in these fields. The report aggregated bachelor’s degrees conferred by colleges in 32 disciplines each year from 2018 to 2023 using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, a part of the U.S. Department of Education. Only first majors were considered. UMD students earned more... read more
Through mentorship, hands-on workshops, and professional development, the Department of Computer Science student organization helps members build skills and confidence for careers in tech.
Inside the University of Maryland’s Department of Computer Science, Code:BLACK has become a central hub for students seeking both community and career guidance in the fast-evolving field of technology. Established in 2017, the student organization, which now boasts 280 active members and more than 980 alumni, focuses on creating meaningful connections through mentorship, technical workshops and networking opportunities designed to prepare students for professional success. Mentorship and Development At the heart of Code:BLACK’s efforts this year are two initiatives: a mentorship program... read more
The recent rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a societal force is transforming higher education at the University of Maryland and beyond—and Terp scholars and scientists have a key role to play in shaping AI as a power for good. Those were among the key points made by UMD President Darryll J. Pines and Professor Hal Daumé III , director of the Artificial Intelligence Interdisciplinary Institute at Maryland (AIM), as they addressed a live and worldwide streaming audience of thousands on Tuesday at The Washington Post’s Global AI Summit . UMD was the presenting sponsor for the event held... read more
He discusses his path from undergraduate research to developing efficient, AI-driven genomic data analysis systems.
Can Firtina , an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland, studies how to efficiently analyze and interpret biological data through algorithms, hardware design, and artificial intelligence. His research lies at the intersection of bioinformatics and computer architecture, where he aims to make genomic analysis accessible, portable, and integrated into everyday life. In this Q&A, Firtina discusses his journey into computer science, the challenges of analyzing biological data, his current research directions, and the collaborative opportunities... read more
As AI continues to advance, large language models (LLMs) are performing increasingly complex tasks—from generating software code to writing articles, answering questions, and collaborating on reasoning-heavy problems. Understanding how these LLMs work in tandem has become a key question for AI safety researchers. Kaiqing Zhang , an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering with an affiliate appointment in the Department of Computer Science and the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), is leading innovative research to investigate these... read more
Priyadarshan Narayanasamy, a computer science and neuroscience double major, earned a spot on the list after winning 19 of 22 hackathons over the past two years.
Priyadarshan Narayanasamy (B.S. '26, computer science; B.S. '26, neuroscience) has been named one of 2025's MLH Top 50 —a list compiled each year by Major League Hacking (MLH) of the organization's most inspiring community members. The recipients are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the tech ecosystem and STEM education. Narayanasamy earned his place on the list through an extraordinary hackathon record, winning 19 out of 22 events attended over two years, including First Place Overall at HackPrinceton, Track Winner at HackMIT, and Third Place at Hacklytics. "What truly... read more
Computer science and immersive media design students build a NASA-inspired game in 24 hours.
A team of University of Maryland Department of Computer Science and Immersive Media Design (IMD) students won first place at the Game Jam held during hackUMBC 2025 on September 27 and 28. Hosted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the 24-hour competition brought together 35 teams, challenged to create a fully playable video game from scratch. The UMD team’s entry, " A.R.C.A.D.E " , inspired by a NASA project that used weather balloons to detect cosmic radiation, stood out for its completeness in both design and execution. The team included senior computer science majors Declan... read more