University of Maryland Partnership with the LTS (2010-present)

The University of Maryland, through UMIACS, has established a partnership with the Laboratory for Telecommunications Sciences (LTS) based on collaborative research programs covering a broad spectrum of fundamental and applied research in the design, performance, and the management of distributed heterogeneous networks. In addition, this partnership involves strong outreach activities including collaboration with industrial partners and the organization of focused workshops and seminar series in emerging technology areas in telecommunications sciences. The UMD Principal Investigator is Prof. Joseph JaJa (UMIACS and ECE) with faculty participating from the following units: UMIACS, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Department of Computer Science, the Business School, Institute for Systems Research, and the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department at UMBC.

Current projects (2010-present)

• Delay Tolerant Networking Delay Tolerant Networking (PI: Padma Mundur, UMIACS) Adaptive Algorithms and DTNs (PIs: Richard La and Armand Makowski, Electrical and Computer Engineering)
• Dynamic Software Updating Porting Dyninst to VxWorks (PI: Jeff Hollingsworth, Computer Science) Safe Dynamic Software Updating (DSU) for Web Application Frameworks (PIs: Michael Hicks and Jeff Foster, Computer Science)
• Wireless Compressive Sensing (PI: Wojciech Czaja, Mathematics) Dynamic Spectrum Systems for Wireless Networks (PI: K.J. Ray Liu, Electrical and Computer Engineering) Software Radio Architecture Analysis (PI: Shuvra Bhattacharyya, Electrical and Computer Engineering)
• Geolocation Geolocation for Metropolitan Areas Networks (PI: Mark Shayman, Electrical and Computer Engineering) Location Based Services Testbed and Asynchronous Rapidly-Deployable Time-Based Location Determination System (PI: Ashok Agrawala, Computer Science) Investigation of Secure Communications and Geolocation Via Coded MIMO and Queue-Based Communication Systems(PI: Joel Morris, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UMBC)

Read Progress Reports and Presentations from Past Projects between 1999 and 2003

Read Progress Reports and Presentations from Past Projects between 2004 and 2005

Visiting Faculty

Written Testimony, MC2 Director Katz Testifies Before Senate Subcommittee on Investing in Cybersecurity

United States Senate Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Cybersecurity Hearing Testimony: Dr. Jonathan Katz: Director, Maryland Cybersecurity Center University of Maryland, College Park Chairman Landrieu, Ranking Member Coats: Thank you for the invitation, and the opportunity to speak to the subcommittee. It is an honor to be here. As the committee has previously noted, we are continually faced with numerous cybersecurity threats. These threats are not static---in fact, the sophistication of attacks cybersecurity seems to change on a daily basis. New vulnerabilities are uncovered, different attack vectors are employed to exploit a system or a program, and patches for critical operating systems are deployed on a near-constant basis. As Director of the Maryland Cybersecurity Center (MC2), I am extremely familiar with the rapidity with which cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, and the challenges that these threats present to the federal government, the private sector, and our nation’s academic institutions. Developing an adequately prepared cybersecurity workforce is a daunting challenge. Put simply, demand for talented cybersecurity professionals is far outpacing the supply. A 2013 (ISC)2 Global Information Security Workforce Study claims that 56 percent of companies nationwide report a workforce shortage. Maryland alone had more than 18,000 vacancies for cybersecurity jobs, according to a recent Abell Foundation report. And federal agencies are having difficulty filling cybersecurity roles as well, something highlighted in 2008 and 2010 by the CSIS Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency. The University System of Maryland (USM), which includes 12 campuses, has a number of programs in place to augment the existing pipeline of future cybersecurity professionals. Maryland institutions are playing their part by not only training dedicated cybersecurity professionals, but also educating the general public on good cybersecurity practices and policies. Below are some key ways in which USM institutions are helping to combat the shortage in our nation’s cybersecurity workforce: o USM institutions offer a broad range of degrees in cybersecurity-related fields, and approximately 4,400 cybersecurity-related degrees (BS, MS, and PhD combined) were awarded in the 2012-2013 academic year. o Four USM institutions (UMD, UMUC, UMBC, and Bowie State) are NSA and DHS Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education. o UMD College Park, with support from Northrop Grumman, launched the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) in 2013. This is the nation’s first undergraduate honors program in cybersecurity. o UMBC’s Center for Cybersecurity Training offers numerous courses for skill enhancement and certification opportunities. o Multiple USM campuses offer MS programs in cybersecurity, cyber policy, and/or digital forensics. In addition to our current educational offerings, USM institutions also perform outreach to the general public to spark interest in the field and communicate cybersecurity best practices. Examples include: • Cybersecurity camps for middle-school girls and high-school students at UMCP. • Summer camps for high-school STEM teachers held at UB as part of the DHS-funded Cybersecurity Education and Training Program. • “Tech talks” given by undergraduate cybersecurity-club members to the broader undergraduate student body Educational opportunities cannot be created or refined in isolation. USM has numerous cybersecurity programs that are developed with input from industry and government sources. Sharing information about current workforce knowledge gaps, and how to best address them, is one of the many ways that USM institutions benefit from our sustained and regular interactions with private industry and the federal government. However, as educators, we must not only train students in the problems of today, but must also ensure that they master key fundamentals that will provide the foundation for understanding and remediating cybersecurity threats of tomorrow. Federal and private support to continue to grow the future cybersecurity workforce is essential to closing the “demand gap” for those professionals. Continued—and perhaps expanded—investment from federal agencies, like the Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation, and the National Security Agency, for example, is critical to sustaining the progress that has already been made. Again, thank you for the opportunity to appear before the subcommittee. I look forward to answering your questions.

Proposed Virtual and Augmented Reality Projects

/*********************************************** * Image Thumbnail Viewer II script- Dynamic Drive DHTML code library (www.dynamicdrive.com) * Visit http://www.dynamicDrive.com for hundreds of DHTML scripts * This notice must stay intact for legal use ***********************************************/ td.thumbnail { width: 300px; line-height: 0em; } #loadarea2 { height:auto; width: 600px; } #loadarea2 img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; width: 100%; min-width:600px; }

Mouse over thumbnails below to enlarge.

Visualization tools being developed by UMD researchers could be used in the operating room, where digital images could be superimposed on patients to provide surgeons with real-time data on organ structure and function.

Supporters & Collaborators

At the heart of any thriving academic institution is partnerships. These vital collaborations spark innovation, advance education, and strengthen both regional and national workforce capabilities. 

Adjunct Faculty

COVID-19 Resources

The University of Maryland requires COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for all students, faculty and staff. Go here for more information on UMD's vaccination guidelines. Wearing a mask indoors is not required, but is still recommended. The following apply to UMIACS spaces:

• If you wish people to wear a mask in your office, please post a sign like this one.
• Please respect other’s wishes and wear a mask if requested.
• Carry a mask with you at all times in case you are asked to wear one.
• When properly worn, an N95 mask will protect you better than a surgical or KN-95 masks. N95 masks are now available from major retailers.
• Occupants of shared spaces should collectively agree on a mask policy for the space.
• Do not come into work if you are ill.
• If you do come to work while experiencing cold-like or allergy-like symptoms, please wear a mask around others.
• If you tested positive for COVID-19, please report your illness through the HEAL line and follow the corresponding isolation requirements.

To ensure the safety of our community, UMIACS will adapt its support operations based on the current level of COVID-19 transmission for Prince George’s County. When the county is at the CDC's Substantial and High levels, our IT and business offices will strongly encourage virtual interactions and appropriate distancing during in-person interactions. Go here to view the current status of the UMIACS Help Desk. Additional resources: UMD GuidelinesTesting Vaccines COVID Portal DashboardFAQs