UMBC Computer Science Students Learn About Quantum Algorithms

Graduate students in CMSC-641 Algorithms actively engage to learn quantum algorithms in a new two-week unit created by Professor Alan T. Sherman and his team.  The new ILSB 116B classroom nicely supports the team’s hands-on approach.

UMBC Computer Science Students Learn About Quantum Algorithms

UMBC computer science graduate students now gain an introduction to quantum algorithms in the required core course CMSC-641 Design and Analysis of Algorithms.  Professor Alan T. Sherman and his colleagues–including Professors Sam Lomonaco (computer science) and Linda Oliva (education)—are piloting a two-week unit on quantum algorithms.  With support from a Hrabowski Innovation Fund award, the team created six modules, each comprising a video, hands-on activities, and readings.  Using the flipped classroom, students watch the videos before coming to class prepared to engage actively in programming the QUIRK quantum circuit simulator and the IBM Q quantum computer using the Qiskit software development kit.

Quantum algorithms running on quantum computers offer the potential to solve complex problems with dramatically reduced execution time and energy consumption. For example, Shor’s quantum algorithm for factoring integers runs in polynomial time, faster than any known algorithm for classical computers. Shor’s algorithm offers the future potential to break the widely-used RSA cryptosystem. Whereas classical computers use discrete 1’s and 0’s to perform calculations, quantum computers use Q-bits, which involve complex numbers and can simultaneously be 0 or 1.

Based on quantum physics, quantum computers operate in a strange universe that includes the curious and potentially useful effects of superposition and entanglement. In pursuit of transformative potential advantages, government and private industry are investing significantly in quantum computer technologies.  All computer science students need to know about these vital emerging technologies.

Whereas there exist full courses in quantum computation or quantum algorithms, Sherman’s innovation is to develop a two-week unit focused sharply on quantum algorithms targeted at computer science graduate students.  The unit highlights three quantum algorithms: Deutsch-Jozsa, Simon, and Shor. To keep the unit manageable within 15 hours of work per week per student, the unit focuses sharply on background sufficient to understand the fundamentals of these three algorithms.

Additional members of the team include graduate students Marc Laczin and Siddharth Chandrasekaran, and Dr. Omar Shehab (IBM), a former Ph.D. student of Dr. Lomonaco.

UMBC grad students present new ideas at GEARS Ideathon: 9 April 2021

UMBC GEARS Ideathon

11:30-1:30 Friday, April 9, 2021

GEARS, UMBC’s Graduate Experience, Achievements, and Research Symposium, bring you its first-of-a-kind event IDEATHON that invites graduate students to describe how new or existing problems can be better tackled by using their new idea. Participants will present their ideas to the jury and fellow graduate students in UMBC.  You can participate either individually or in a group of up to three people.

This event will highlight your creative skills and the uniqueness of your idea, which can be social, environmental, IT technology, medical field related, etc. These ideas can be real or hypothetical. You create a three-minute presentation showcasing your idea and how unique it is. Up to $1000 in prize money will be available for the winning ideas. All the participants are eligible for a free UMBC logo Mask, and the first ten participants will get a chance to win UMBC merchandise T-shirts.

Sign up here.

We welcome all department’s graduate students to come to participate and celebrate Graduate week with us on the event day i.e.  9th April 2021. For any queries contact Sulabh Sharma (+14438504311, ) or Jhansi Sankaramaddi (+14109006743, )

CSEE alum Balaji Vishwanathan’s robotics company featured in Forbes

Balaji Vishwanathan, CEO of Invento Robotics, with Mitra, its flagship robot. Image: Hemant Mishra for Forbes India

Balaji Vishwanathan (MS ’07) startup company Invento Robotics is featured in Forbes India magazine

Balaji Viswanathan started his career at Microsoft, and moved from there to develop startups in such diverse areas as robotics, education, and finance. He has embraced the true calling of an entrepreneur, using long term goals to develop companies that actively seek to make a global impact. This is exemplified by his Bengaluru-based company, Invento Robotics, which is currently using its humanoid robots to provide a myriad of services, from taking temperatures to collecting patient information to bringing medications and food to patients in isolation wards, in an effort to fight COVID-19.

His business was featured in Forbes India magazine as part of a series on companies that have pivoted to use technology to address the Covid-19 pandemic. The article discusses how  Invento has applied its first mobile robot models, Mitra, to perform tasks like collecting patient details, checking temperatures, and setting up video calls with doctors. Two new models, C-Astra and Robodoc have now been deployed to disinfect rooms and virtually interact with patients inside Covid-19 wards.

Balaji has recently returned to UMBC as a part-time Ph.D. student in the Computer Science program and will work on research topics that will advance the state of the art in supporting intelligent robotics.

UMBC seeks Professor of the Practice, Graduate Program Director, Engineering Programs

Professor of the Practice and Graduate Program Director,
Engineering Programs

Apply online at https://apply.interfolio.com/72004

Location  Baltimore, MD, Open Date Dec 2, 2019

The College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) invites applications for a 12-month, Full Time, Non-tenure track Professor of the Practice position in the Engineering and Computing Education Program (ECEP).

RESPONSIBILITIES: Reporting to the Dean of COEIT, this position serves as the Graduate Program Director of UMBC’s suite of industry-oriented engineering programs leading to a graduate certificate, and Master of Science degree, and Masters of Professional Studies degree. The suite of engineering programs include Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Technical Management, Integrated Product Development & Manufacturing and Project Management. These programs are offered to professional students through a partnership between the College of Engineering and Information Technology and UMBC’s Division of Professional Studies (DPS). The incumbent will teach up to two courses per semester within the suite of engineering programs. In addition to teaching, the incumbent will: oversee curriculum and instruction; recruit and supervise qualified part-time faculty; collaborate with DPS on program marketing, student recruitment and retention activities; pursue business development opportunities with industry; manage program Advisory Boards; build the programs and connect the programs with other existing and new opportunities,  and carry out the administrative duties associated with academic program oversight.

UMBC is a dynamic public research university integrating teaching, research and service. Located between Baltimore and Washington D.C., it offers numerous opportunities for collaboration in teaching, research and service as well as rich cultural resources. UMBC has been listed by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the best universities for undergraduate teaching and as a leading innovator in higher education, and it was named as a Great College to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

The College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) is comprised of four departments: Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, Information Systems, and Mechanical Engineering. The faculty and staff of COEIT achieve many noteworthy accomplishments in the pursuit of academic excellence and are highly committed to supporting students in their academic journey. 

Inclusive excellence is a foundational value of our community. UMBC is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong commitment to increasing faculty diversity. We seek to attract a diverse pool of candidates for this position and therefore members of under-represented groups including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:  Requires a doctorate degree in a relevant field with at least five years of relevant professional experience and documented college-level teaching in the classroom and/or on-line environment. Extensive experience as an engineering professional is desired.

Application Instructions

APPLICATION:  For best consideration, submit a cover letter of interest, CV, a statement of purpose including a paragraph on commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the names and telephone numbers of three professional references through the Interfolio website at https://apply.interfolio.com/72004. Document review and selection of candidates will start immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

For any questions about this position, please contact Maria Sanchez at 

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Workshop

On October 3, 2019, Dr. Francis Ferraro presented a workshop for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP).  During the workshop, Dr. Ferraro covered many topics including scholarship eligibility, funding, and the application process. He also provided a detailed application checklist as well as suggestions for developing personal and research statements. In addition to giving information about the NSF GRFP, Dr. Ferraro provided an overview of the graduate school experience.

Application deadline for the NSF GRFP is October 22, 2019.

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, veterans, and undergraduate seniors to apply.

  • Three years of funding to use across five years (in 12 month blocks). Stipend: $34,000 per year. Tuition/education expenses: $12,000 per year.
  • Applicants must be US citizens, national or permanent residents. Applicants must be an undergraduate senior, or first or second year graduate student.
  • Registration information can be found here: http://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/grfp/Login.do
  • All registration materials should be submitted here: https://www.research.gov/grfp/Login.do

    • Post-Bac Certificate in Digital Forensics

    Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Professional Studies: Digital Forensics

    UMBC’s cybersecurity graduate program has added a new 12-credit post-baccalaureate certificate in professional studies focused on digital forensics.

    The Digital Forensics certificate program is intended for early and mid-career IT and law- enforcement professionals who want to learn basic and advanced concepts and develop skills in the field of computer forensics. Students will understand the role of digital/computer forensics as a subspecialty of cybersecurity. Through firsthand experience using industry-standard forensic tools, techniques, and procedures in the digital forensic process, students will understand the incident-handling process, the special rules of evidence that apply to cybercrime investigations (i.e., chain of custody, search and seizure, forensic imaging), and the relevant state, federal, and/or regulatory frameworks governing such activities within different industry sectors (such as defense, healthcare, and financial services). The four-course, 12-credit certificate can be applied toward obtaining the MPS in Cybersecurity degree.

    • CYBR 620 Intro to Cybersecurity or CMSC equivalent (i.e., CMSC 626, CMSC 687)
    • CYBR 641 Computer Crime Investigations
    • CYBR 642 Introduction to Digital Forensics
    • CYBR 643 Advanced Digital Forensics

    UMBC CSEE student and alumna selected to attend Heidelberg Laureate Forum

    talk: A Practitioner’s Introduction to Deep Learning, 1pm Fri 11/17

    Open House: UMBC Graduate Cybersecurity and Data Science Programs, 6-7:30 Wed. 10/25

    Applications Open for 2018 CRA-W Grad Cohort for Women

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