MSIS Mentorship Program Uses AI to Strengthen Alumni-Student Connections
Smith MSIS students launched a mentorship program connecting 80 students with 20 alumni mentors. Powered by LighthouseAI, the initiative enhances career guidance, tracks progress, and fosters long-term professional relationships. Expansion to other cohorts and programs is planned.
More than 20K Enroll in Smith AI Course for Career Empowerment
More than 20,000 learners worldwide have joined the Smith School’s free AI and Career Empowerment course—designed for transitioning federal workers but open to all—building AI literacy and career skills through expert-led, self-paced modules.
Maryland Lt. Gov. Miller Applauds Smith School’s AI Programs During Visit
The Smith School’s new AI certificate program has drawn over 20,000 global enrollees since May. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller visited July 1 to highlight its role in Maryland’s AI-driven workforce development.
More than 17,000 Register for Free AI Empowerment Certificate
Smith’s free, online certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Career Empowerment has attracted over 17,000 registrants. Created for federal workers but open to all, the program features 10 self-paced modules taught by leading faculty on AI, strategy, ethics and careers.
Smith Faculty Receive UMD Grants for AI Research Projects
Smith School professors earned AI research seed grants from UMD’s AIM Institute. Louiqa Raschid and Eaman Jahani will use AI for public health; Lauren Rhue will explore legal limits of AI-generated content. AIM awarded 22 grants across interdisciplinary categories.
Are You Ready for the Future? AI Can Help
Joseph Reiff, assistant professor of marketing, co-invented The Retirement Visualizer™, an AI tool using GPT and DALL·E to help individuals vividly imagine retirement goals. By making the future feel tangible, it aims to boost motivation and increase retirement savings.
Center for AI in Business, UMD Students Tackle Food Insecurity
The Smith School hosted UMD’s first university-wide AI case competition, challenging students to use artificial intelligence to tackle food insecurity. Partnering with Capital Area Food Bank, the event drew 100+ students who developed AI prototypes to address real-world issues.
Startup Bazaar Showcases Smith Impact, Leadership in Business Education
Startup Bazaar, held April 12 at the Smith School, showcased the state’s tech ecosystem and featured leaders including Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. The event highlighted Smith’s role in innovation, entrepreneurship and AI, and drew strong participation from startups and state officials.
University of Maryland Business School Offers Free AI Certificate, Tuition Discounts for Federal Workers
Launching May 1, 2025, the University of Maryland’s Smith School will offer a free, online AI and Career Empowerment Certificate to help federal workers and others build AI literacy, explore job opportunities, and navigate career transitions with expert guidance.
Flipping the Deepfake Narrative
Professors Siva Viswanathan, Balaji Padmanabhan, and PhD student Yizhi Liu at UMD’s Smith School developed a patent-pending deepfake method to detect and mitigate bias in decision-making. Their study shows how AI-generated images can improve fairness in hiring, healthcare, and criminal justice.