Interface February issue

University of Maryland Fearlessly Forward

Artificial intelligence systems are continuing their rapid ascent into almost every aspect of our lives. How—and how well—these systems interact with humans offers a trove of thought-provoking questions. Jordan Boyd-Graber is studying the current challenges involving AI-infused systems, and how those systems may soon significantly enhance humanity, not replace it.

Director's Message

The start of the semester provides an opportune time for fresh ideas and new collaborations, including welcoming several faculty that recently joined our institute.

Computational Biology and Computer Architecture Expert Joins UMIACS

Can Firtina is bridging computer architecture and bioinformatics to develop faster, more scalable genomic data analysis tools.

Machine Learning Theorist at UMIACS Tackles Limits of AI Algorithms

Integrating theory and application in machine learning, Han Shao is tackling AI’s fundamental limits and formulating more reliable, effective algorithms.

Uncovering the Role of Microbes in Soil

Researchers in the UMD Center of Excellence in Microbiome Sciences are exploring how the diverse microbial communities in soil can affect agricultural, the environment and human and animal health.

Incorporating Participatory Design into AI Systems

At the Institute for Trustworthy AI in Law & Society (TRAILS), Katie Shilton, a co-PI in the institute, is leading research on participatory design, which is a key component to building trustworthy AI systems.

De Floriani Begins Term on IEEE Board of Directors

Leila De Floriani will provide senior leadership for IEEE and help oversee its processes and finances, while also representing the organization’s technical societies across the globe.

Norbert Linke with computer equipment in the background.

Linke Returns to UMD as the New Director of its National Quantum Laboratory

After three years at Duke University, Norbert Linke returns as the inaugural IonQ Professor. He aims to broaden access to quantum hardware and advance scalable simulations for science and technology.

UMD Alum Returns as UMIACS Postdoc to Tackle Microbiome Complexity

Marcus Fedarko is working with Mihai Pop to develop advanced tools that help scientists reconstruct fragmented DNA, analyze massive datasets, and untangle the intricate networks of microbial communities.

Two individuals at a science demonstration booth, discussing a model displaying anatomy. One man, wearing a "Maryland" shirt, gestures towards the model, while a woman in a black shirt listens attentively.

UMD Scientists Create ‘Smart Underwear’ to Measure Human Flatulence

A new nationwide study is recruiting volunteers to map the full spectrum of human flatulence.

A colorful dollar sign sits atop a blue shield against a blue digital-looking background.

Helping Early-Career Researchers Navigate NSF Cybersecurity Funding

Michelle Mazurek and Dana Dachman-Soled co-organized a workshop to guide early-career faculty through NSF cybersecurity proposals, offering mentorship and actionable guidance to strengthen submissions.

Generative AI is Supercharging Hackers' Abilities

Tom Goldstein was interviewed in a Yahoo Finance article on generative AI and cybersecurity. He said AI is tipping the scales in favor of attackers, making sophisticated cyberattacks easier to launch.

A map showing North America and South America bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, with the Sargasso Sea labeled in the center and arrows indicating its location.

Viral Infections Burst Blue-Green Algae, Enriching the Ocean Surface with Nutrients

Joshua Weitz found that viral infection of ocean cyanobacteria boosts microbial activity and oxygen production, revealing how viruses shape nutrient recycling and ecosystem productivity below the surface.

An abstract design featuring musical notes and sound waves on a gradient orange background.

Music-Savvy AI Built at UMD Could Help You Discover Your Next Favorite Artist

UMD researchers worked with others to create Music Flamingo, an AI that “listens” like a trained musician, analyzing songs in detail to power smarter recommendations and help artists create and connect with fans.

Rethinking Cloud Telemetry for Performance and Scale

Graduate student Zeying Zhu is working with Alan Liu and Ian Miers to design faster, more cost-effective ways to monitor and manage large-scale cloud systems using approximation techniques.

A 3D representation of crystal lattice structures, featuring layers of spheres in various colors: blue, red, green, and black, symbolizing different atomic components arranged in a grid pattern.

Sudden Breakups of Monogamous Quantum Couples Surprise Researchers

Mohammad Hafezi and his team discovered that crowding a material with electrons speeds up excitons. The finding, published in Science, could help control quantum materials for future technologies.

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