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University of Maryland Fearlessly Forward
UMIACS Interface a monthly newsletter highlighting interdisciplinary research and innovation at the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies
April 2025

A 'Wave' of New Understanding About Earth's Oceans and Atmosphere via Immersive Media

Faculty, staff and students in the Immersive Media Design program collaborated with NASA scientists to turn satellite data of phytoplankton into an interactive, digestible visual experience for the public. The immersive space, which reveals information in reaction to guests' movements, was on view at the Kennedy Center this month.

UMIACS Director

Director's Message


“Don't be afraid to try something new. It might be the best thing you ever do.” —Unknown

man smiling in glasses

Elman Set to Retire After a Stellar Career Advancing Scientific Computing

His 40-year career includes a prolific body of research, scholarship and service to UMD, and a two-year stint as UMIACS interim director.

animated distressed emoticon

How Images Reflect AI's Dark 'Spiral'

In a new paper, Cody Buntain shows how generative AI outputs can skew negative even after positive prompting, a bias that could have serious consequences for online spaces. 

Sargasso Sea Plankton and Other Marine Microbes Take Turns Sharing Nutrients

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and co-led by Joshua Weitz found that microbes divvy nutrients over time, reducing competition for limited resources.

UMD Researchers Discover Way to Predict Treatment Success for Parasitic Skin Disease

Findings from a new study published in Nature Communications and co-authored by Najib El-Sayed could help doctors select more effective treatments earlier for patients suffering from leishmaniasis.

two men' headshots

Two UMIACS-Affiliated Undergraduates Receive Prestigous Goldwater Scholarships

Harikesh Kailad from the Maryland Cybersecurity Center and Luiz Mata Lopez from the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

were among 441 students selected nationally.

three men with Metzler holding plaque in center

Metzler Receives CMNS Board of Visitors Junior Faculty Award

The computational imaging expert was recognized for his exceptional contributions to research, teaching and mentorship.

Future of Privacy Forum logo over federal capital building

MC2 Researchers Win Privacy Papers Awards for Data Access and AI Legal Insights

Michelle Mazurek and Nathan Reitinger were recognized for their research on challenges to privacy at the Future of Privacy Forum’s annual Privacy Papers for Policymakers Awards.

researchers accepting trophy on stage

QuICS Researchers Recognized with Research Impact Award

Carl Miller, Yi-Kai Liu and Gorjan Alagic were part of a NIST team honored for their eight years of work to advance post-quantum cryptographic standards.

Yi Kai Liu

QuICS Fellow Honored by Washington Academy of Sciences

Yi-Kai Liu will be recognized with an Excellence in Research Award in Computer Science at the academy’s annual meeting for his research and scholarship in quantum information science.

two women talking

Nicole Yunger Halpern Celebrates World Quantum Day with Quantum Q&A

She answers questions on the fascinating topic of quantum information science and her own work in quantum steampunk research involving quantum thermodynamics.

youtube icon, physician wearing VR headset and researcher at computer both looking at medical scene

Developing New Technologies for Medical Training from Every Angle

A new video highlights Amitabh Varshney's project to train physician assistants at the University of Maryland, Baltimore through virtual reality.

How AI Can Drive Informed Decisions on Energy Use and Sustainability

TRAILS researcher Ekundayo Shittu discusses the applications of AI in systems engineering and the energy sector and how citizens, industry and policymakers can use the technology to make informed decisions.

full room at research presentation

UMD Microbiome Center Co-Hosts Mid-Atlantic Microbiome Meet-up

The event drew participants from 10 higher education institutions, four federal institutions, two research institutes, and one professional organization.

image of a microphone

UMD Team to Lead Six-Week Workshop on Advancing Audio-Based AI Models

Ramani Duraiswami will lead a workshop in Czechia this summer to drive advances in audio-based AI models’ capabilities.

student outside of internship office

Connecting the Quantum Dots

Anantha Rao, a physics Ph.D. student and researcher in the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science (QuICS), tests ways to build bigger and better quantum computers.

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