UMD Honors Yizhan Ao and Migo Gui with the RISE Grant

The University of Maryland recently named Department of Computer Science staff members Yizhan "Joseph" Ao and Migo Gui among the 10 recipients of this year’s RISE Grant, an initiative of the Division of Academic Affairs that supports staff pursuing professional development.

The grant provides up to $2,500 to selected staff members to attend conferences, workshops, classes or webinars that enhance job-related knowledge and skills. The funding is administered through the employee’s department, rather than awarded directly to the individual. 

To be considered, staff must demonstrate contributions to their unit and a commitment to continued growth in their career. The RISE Grant aims to support staff across various units within the university’s academic infrastructure. 

Yizhan "Joseph" Ao

Ao joined the department in January 2023 as an IT systems analyst. As a key member of the department’s IT unit, he supports faculty, staff and graduate students by addressing technical issues related to teaching, research and day-to-day operations. His responsibilities include administering RHEL servers and managing systems such as Windows, Jamf, GitLab, VPN and internal communication platforms. He also oversees customer support operations and departmental outreach.

Ao recently led a major project to ensure the department's compliance with the university’s IT-20 policy, which governs information technology security.

“This is my first award working at the department,” Ao said. “They inspire me to stay current with emerging technologies and apply them to better support the faculty, staff and graduate students I work with.”

He said the recognition has encouraged him to continue growing professionally.

“Knowing that my efforts are recognized fuels my ambition to take on greater challenges and contribute more meaningfully in my job,” he said.

Migo Gui

Gui began her role as graduate coordinator in July 2023. In less than a year, she has taken on a wide range of responsibilities, including organizing orientation and research events, managing student advising and records, and facilitating social programming for graduate students.

Her work supports the operations of one of the university’s largest and highest-ranked graduate programs.

“This recognition makes me want to keep looking for ways to improve the way we work,” Gui said. “It also makes me feel more connected to the community here—I’m proud to be part of a place that truly values growth and teamwork.”

Gui said the grant serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous learning.

“It motivates me to stay curious, keep learning and not shy away from trying new solutions,” she said. “I see it as a sign to keep moving forward, keep improving and keep finding ways to contribute.”

—Story by Samuel Malede Zewdu, CS Communications