Undergraduate Studies in Computer Science
at the University of Maryland

At the Department of Computer Science, undergraduates are a priority. Here, you will meet 3,700 (and counting) of the nation's top computer science majors. This diverse group of students has interests ranging from systems to programming languages, from algorithms to design and from VR to Robotics. While you are an undergraduate here, you will study fundamentals in computing including programming languages and theory, which will help you later in a variety of courses we offer at the 400-level. After taking classes, perhaps doing research, participating in our honors program, or studying abroad, and completing internships, our students go on to some of the best graduate programs in the world or join start-ups, small and large tech companies, consulting firms, or government organizations.

CS Undergraduate Advising Office's Mission Statement

The CS Undergraduate Advising Office supports students in navigating the academic experience. We view academic advising as a student-centered partnership that fosters learning and development. Our team aims to build an equitable and inclusive environment that adapts to meet the diverse needs of our students.

CS Undergraduate Advising Office's Vision Statement

The University of Maryland CS Undergraduate Advising Office aspires to be recognized as a model of excellence in academic advising among peer institutions.

Contact Our Office

  ugrad [at] cs [dot] umd [dot] edu

  (301) 405-2672

  Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

  1st Floor, Brendan Iribe Center for Computer Science and Engineering

  Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Undergraduate Advising Team

The undergraduate advising team assists with the academic and professional development of undergraduate majors and minors in Computer Science. We also coordinate and host a myriad social, academic, and professional events including resume workshops, and career and internship fairs.

As a student, you will interact with the undergraduate office staff during mandatory advising (which occurs once a semester) or whenever you would like to speak with a staff member about any issue. If you are facing academic or emotional difficulties, it is especially important that you contact us as soon as you are able. For general questions or concerns about the undergraduate program, please email us at ugrad [at] cs [dot] umd [dot] edu. We ask that you include your UID number and explain the purpose of your visit as you schedule your appointment; this helps us to prepare appropriately.

Academic Advisors

Rolda Charles

Rolda has a BBA in Computer Information Systems and a Master in Public Administration from Baruch College-City University of New York. Having been an international student, Rolda understands the challenges associated with achieving success and is passionate about helping others succeed. Given her educational background and experience in Computer Information Systems and Public Administration, Rolda believes she possesses a unique blend of skills that she can leverage to introduce under-resourced students to the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). In her spare time, Rolda enjoys volunteering, learning new technology, and listening to Gospel, Calypso, and Soca music.

Ryan Holder

A University of Maryland alumni with a B.A. in Economics. Excited to be back on campus and passionate about working with students. Prior to working with the Department of Computer Science, Ryan has worked with Stamp’s IT Department and most recently as a Pre-College Academic Advisor to encourage underrepresented high school students to pursue a bachelor's degree. In his free time Ryan enjoys concerts, movies, and going on road trips with Terp alumni.

Maggie Loughlin

Maggie is an academic advisor in the Department of Computer Science. She earned her B.A. in English Language and Literature at the University of Maryland in 2019, and earned her Master's Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Maryland in 2020. Before starting work at the University of Maryland, Maggie worked as an English Teacher in Prince George's County and as a Coordinator for the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. Her background has shaped her interest in serving students and helping them succeed. When she's not in the office, Maggie enjoys kayaking on the Patapsco River, playing piano, and taking long walks with her dog Bilbo.

Noriko Maitland
1139 Brendan Iribe Center

Noriko is an academic advisor in the Department of Computer Science. She received her MAEd in School Counseling from University of Northern Iowa and worked in K-6 school as a guidance counselor in Iowa before she moved to Maryland. She worked as an international student admissions and academic advisor at Howard Community College for over 15 years. She is passionate to work with students from diverse backgrounds to help them to achieve their goals. Noriko enjoys cooking and baking, and “upcycle” used clothes.

Terry Mauceri

Terry graduated from UMBC with a BA in Health Science Policy. She previously worked in the Office of the Registrar at UMD for 6 years. When not advising students, Terry enjoys seeking out hidden gardens and courtyards, riding her bike, and attending Maryland soccer games. She is also an avid indoor rock climber.

Larry Petruccy

Larry received his BA in English from St. Mary's College of Maryland. Prior to joining the Computer Science Department, Larry worked in K-12 education for eight years before moving on to work in higher education. During that time he worked as a high school English teacher and as a senior manager at a virtual school overseeing course placements for grades K-12. In higher education, Larry has worked with nursing students at both Walden University and Towson University in enrollment and advising roles. In his free time, Larry enjoys watching horror films and playing board games with family and friends.

Brennan Rudy

Brennan received his Bachelor of Music from Susquehanna University in 2019 and his Master of Music from University of Maryland in Spring 2021. Prior to joining the Department of Computer Science, Brennan has worked in Residence Life, and most recently as a graduate assistant in the academic advising office for the Smith School of Business. In addition to advising, Brennan enjoys hiking, baking, performing in orchestras, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at UMD.

Shreya Singh

Shreya received her B.S. in Biology, Certificate in Women's Studies, and MPS in Clinical Psychology from University of Maryland. Prior to joining the Computer Science department, she worked with students in a living and learning program to promote research experience, advise students in navigating STEM coursework, and encourage community building. Shreya's academic interests involve understanding barriers to success faced by students of color and first generation college students. In her free time, Shreya enjoys reading, binging TV shows, and dance.

Nyree Watson
1141 Brendan Iribe Center

Nyree, a dedicated advisor earned her B.A. in Social Work from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and continued her education to achieve a Masters in Educational Administration. With over 7 years of experience in academia, Nyree has consistently provided support and fostered student success among diverse populations. Committed to a holistic model of academic advising, Nyree's goal is to empower students with the information and resources they need to make the best decisions for their unique situations, ultimately maximizing their college experience. Outside of her professional life, Nyree enjoys traveling, dancing, tending to her plants, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Jenyia Wilson
1141 Brendan Iribe Center

Jenyia earned her B.A. in Communications Studies with minors in both Sociology and Child, Family and Community Studies from Canisius College in 2018. She also continued her education at Canisius and earned her M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration in 2020. Prior to joining the computer science department at UMD, she worked as a college counselor for Collegiate Directions Inc. and assisted students with the college application process and overall transition into higher education. She also worked as the Coordinator of Academic Support Services at Canisius College and specifically served students within the Higher Education Opportunity Program with academic advising, coaching and support. Jenyia is especially passionate about helping traditionally underrepresented students make their way through higher education and beyond. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, painting, and singing!

Heads of Staff

Christine Bishamber (Denis)
Advising Manager
1152 Brendan Iribe Center

Christine is an Advising Manager who received her B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in counseling at East Stroudsburg University and her M.S. in Higher Education Policy & Student Affairs from West Chester University. Prior to joining the Computer Science Department in 2019, Christine worked with academic probation students and first-year Achieve! program students to cultivate academic and personal success at West Chester University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to the Pocono Mountains to visit family and friends, hiking, and spending time with her dog.

Monica Hilliard
Assistant Program Director of Undergraduate Academic Affairs

Monica received her BA in International Affairs from the University of Colorado Boulder and her MA in International Education from the George Washington University. Prior to joining the Department of Computer Science, she worked as Manager of Academic Records for the College Dean’s Office at Georgetown University. She also has several years of experience working with study abroad programs. In her free time, Monica enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, and reading.

Brittany Johnson
Advising Manager
1130 Brendan Iribe Center

Brittany is an Advising Manager for the Department of Computer Science who received her B.A. in English Language and Literature and a Graduate Certificate in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Maryland College Park. Brittany has worked in academia for over a decade, providing academic advising to traditional and non-traditional students including veterans and active duty military personnel. Her research interests revolve around academic advocacy and strengthening the intersection between STEM and Arts and Humanities academic fields. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys photography/videography, playing video games, and travel.

Natalie Lightfoot-Solomon
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies
1132 Brendan Iribe Center

Natalie received her B.S. in Toxicology from Penn State University, her M.S. in Disaster Medicine and Management from Philadelphia University, and a second B.S. in Investigative Forensics from University of Maryland Global Campus. Natalie has worked in academic advising for over 8 years, focusing on problem solving and student resolutions. She is also an adjunct faculty member with University of Maryland Global Campus, helping new students with program and career exploration. In her spare time, Natalie loves to travel and read.

Alan Sussman
Interim Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education
5142 Brendan Iribe Center
52672

Graduate Assistants

The Graduate Assistants of the CS Undergraduate Advising Office support our professional advising staff by overseeing key aspects in the UMD Computer Science experience. Our Grad Assistance support us in our mission to assist students with their academic and professional goals by being the first line of communication in advising, front desk support, and recruitment. To get in contact with our Graduate Assistants, you are welcome to reach out via email at ugrad [at] cs [dot] umd [dot] edu or Instagram at @umdcs.

Robin Godinho
Graduate Assistant - Advising

Robin Godinho received his B.S. in Information Science from the iSchool at the University of Maryland in 2023, and is currently pursuing his M.S. in Information Management. Prior to joining the computer science department, he worked as a teaching assistant and had the role of student representative in the InfoSci Undergraduate Committee. In addition to his academic endeavors, Robin enjoys playing musical instruments and traveling.

Shail Kiritkumar Shah
Graduate Assistant - Front Desk Operations

Shail received his Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechatronics Engineering and is currently a graduate student in Robotics. He has worked as a Research & Development Engineer for 5 years, focusing on designing and testing prototypes in the Industrial Hydraulics domain. In addition to being a Graduate Assistant, Shail is involved as a Robotics mentor for high school students, preparing them for FIRST Robotics competition and instilling interest in them for STEM. Outside of his academic and mentorship roles, he enjoys experimenting with new recipes, reading, socializing with friends, and embarking on exciting travel adventures.

Dominic Thirshatha Thirukumar
Graduate Assistant - Recruitment

Dominic is the Recruitment GA of the Computer science department. Dom earned a B.tech in Electronics Engineering and is currently pursuing a Master's in Cybersecurity at the University of Maryland. Prior to joining the department, he was the vice president of the Rotary Club in his undergrad where he hosted fundraising events for a good cause. Apart from academics, Dom likes to work out and cook protein.

Undergraduate Peer Advising Team

The Peer Advisors of the CS Undergraduate Advising Office aim to provide the best guidance for navigating the Computer Science degree and academic experience from the student perspective. Peer Advisors support the CS Undergraduate Advising Office in its mission to assist students with their academic and professional goals by being the first line of communication, triaging students’ requests, collaborating with students on building and editing their academic plans, directing visitors according to their needs and questions, and being otherwise prepared to provide general assistance to both students and advisors. To get in contact with the Peer Advisors, you are welcome to reach out via email at ugrad [at] cs [dot] umd [dot] edu or Instagram at @umdcs.

Maria Keerthi Amala Arasu
Senior Peer Advisor

Maria is a junior Computer Science major with a minor in Math. On campus, she is also a TA for a CS course and is part of UMD's Association for Women in Computing. In her free time, Maria plays video games, cooks, listens to music and hangs out with friends.

Meher Bhamra
Peer Advisor

Meher is a junior undergraduate student majoring in computer science and minoring in general business. On campus, she is also involved with University Honors and UMD's Sikh Student Association. Outside school, Meher enjoys taking walks, reading, crafting, and playing Mario Kart (and Just Dance!) with her siblings.

Khalil Davis
Peer Advisor

Khalil is a sophomore Computer Science major with a minor in Tech Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. Besides being an Undergraduate Advisor, he is involved with the Honors College and the poster child of his scholarship program. Outside of school he loves to play video games, watch anime, and listen to music. After graduation Khalil plans to become a Software Engineer with dreams of someday opening free afterschool centers for kids K-12 to learn tech skills in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.

Michelle Doan
Peer Advisor

Michelle is a junior studying Information Science with a minor in General Business. She enjoys reading, going on walks, and hanging out with her friends.

Joshua Kalampanayil
Senior Peer Advisor

Joshua is a junior undergraduate student, majoring in computer science and minoring in general business and statistics. On campus, Joshua is the co-executive director for Bitcamp, and also a sponsorship organizer for Technica, two hackathons run by students at the University of Maryland, as well as being a TA for the CS department. In his free time, Joshua loves to bike, and is currently working toward becoming a game referee on the elementary school and high school levels for FIRST Robotics.

Lalitha Kasi
Senior Peer Advisor

Lalitha is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science with minors in Cybersecurity and Crime and Punishment Law. In addition to being a Peer Advisor for the Computer Science Undergraduate Advising Office, Lalitha is involved on campus as an organizer for Technica’s Experience Team and Hospitality Chair for Maryland Masti. After graduation, she hopes to work in the field of cybersecurity intelligence. In her free time, Lalitha enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Samar Khan
Peer Advisor

Samar is an International Sophomore Computer Science Student from New Delhi, India. He intends to pursue a minor in Mathematics. Outside school, Samar enjoys spending his time exploring the DC area and catching up on Formula 1 whenever he can!

Mudit Mathur
Peer Advisor

Mudit Mathur is a sophomore undergraduate computer science major. On campus, Mudit is involved with recruiting for the QUEST Honors Program in the Smith School, as well as aiding peers with professional development as a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity. In his free time, Mudit loves to sing, and will be performing at several events this year for student organizations like FCA and TASA.

Ayesha Nabiha
Peer Advisor

Ayesha Nabiha is a junior Computer Science major with a minor in Linguistics. Outside of being a PA, she also works at cybertech company as a Machine Learning intern. In her free time, she loves to develop new recipes, read literary fiction, and explore DC/local area.

Frances O'Connor
Peer Advisor

Frances is a junior studying International Relations and English. She is excited to help out as a CS peer advisor and meet more students at UMD.

Rohan Ondkar
Peer Advisor

Rohan Ondkar is a junior undergraduate student majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship. Other than being a Peer Advisor, Rohan is invovled in Maryland Dhoom, UMD's South Asian Student Association, and a Teaching Assistant for Intermedia Design School. In his free time, Rohan likes to hang out with his friends, watching/ playing soccer, play video games, robotics and generally just keep it chill.

Siddarthsinh Parmar
Peer Advisor

Sid is an International, Sophomore Computer Science Student from India. His intended minor is in Robotics and Autonomous Systems. He also works with the Classroom Support Department of the UMD Campus as a Tech Support. He is a sports enthusiast and loves following Cricket, Soccer, and Formula 1. He is really passionate about adventure sports.

Karthick Sankar
Peer Advisor

Karthick Sankar is a sophomore Computer Science major with a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation. Outside of being a Peer Advisor, Karthick is involved in Club Tennis and teaches Math and English as a Tutor for middle and high school kids. In his free time, Karthick loves playing tennis, watching movies, cooking, and hanging out with his friends.

Keva Singhal
Peer Advisor

Keva is a junior Computer Science and Math double major. Aside from being a peer advisor, Keva spends her time in a variety of areas on campus keeping busy with on campus activities that spark her interests. If she is not at Iribe, you can probably find her at Ganji/GGWB, CSA and Photography. In her free time, Keva likes to spend time with her friends, take photos, travel around MD & DC and dance!