Kelly Fast (M.S. ’93, Ph.D. ’05, astronomy) is NASA’s acting planetary defense officer, overseeing U.S. efforts and global coordination to survey the sky, calculate orbits, study physical properties and identify possible impact risks of near-Earth objects.

The Department of Computer Science academic advisor contributed to several initiatives to address student advising needs and improve how the department delivers information and resources.

Eileen Buckholtz (M.S. ’73, computer science) is publishing a book, "Queens of Code: Inspiring True Stories from NSA’s Computing Women," in November 2026.

University of Maryland alumni Denis Peskoff (Ph.D. ’21, computer science) and Joe Barrow (Ph.D. ’22, computer science) developed the largest machine-readable collection of local law ever assembled in the country.

Astronomy postdoctoral researcher Erini Lambrides’ research on black hole formation earned her a coveted spot on Scientific American’s Young American Scientists list. 

This summer, three UMD researchers played important roles in the prestigious Marine Biological Laboratory’s summer neurobiology course.

Marcie Occhi (B.S. ’09, M.S. ’11, geology) digs her work mapping the history of Virginia’s rocks and minerals.