Machine Learning and AI - College of Information (INFO)

Machine Learning, AI, Computational Linguistics, and Information Retrieval

Developing methods that allow computers to perform learned tasks autonomously, creating practical solutions for human needs.

Research Projects

MAITC Pilot A34 – MAITC Pilot A: Empowering Caregivers of Individuals with Cognitive Impairment to Make Safe Nonprescription Drug Decisions
Principal Investigator(s): Eun Kyoung Choe
Funder: National Institute on Aging (NIH) National Institutes of Health
Research Areas: Accessibility and Inclusive Design > Health Informatics > Human-Computer Interaction > Machine Learning, AI, Computational Linguistics, and Information Retrieval
This project introduces Aidara, an AI-powered digital health system designed to help caregivers make safer over-the-counter medication decisions for individuals with cognitive impairments. By using large language models to simplify and present drug information through multimodal formats- including text, speech, and visuals- Aidara aims to enhance understanding, reduce health risks, and improve self-guided medication management.
CAREER: Self-Directed Human-LLM Coordination for Language Learning and Information Seeking
Principal Investigator(s): Ge Gao
Funder: National Science Foundation
Research Areas: Accessibility and Inclusive Design > Health Informatics > Human-Computer Interaction > Information Justice, Human Rights, and Technology Ethics > Machine Learning, AI, Computational Linguistics, and Information Retrieval > Youth Experience, Learning, and Digital Practices
This project uses AI-powered digital tutors to help individuals with limited majority-language proficiency improve their language skills for real-world information seeking. By enabling users to design personalized tutoring systems, the study advances language learning, AI literacy, and human-computer interaction.
Human-Like Coaching for Home PT Exercises
Principal Investigator(s): Galina Madjaroff Reitz
Funder: Maryland Industrial Partnerships UMD Funded
Research Areas: Health Informatics > Human-Computer Interaction > Machine Learning, AI, Computational Linguistics, and Information Retrieval
Researchers are developing an AI-powered physical therapy coach that uses real-time motion tracking and personalized feedback to improve exercise adherence and outcomes. By simulating human-like interaction and emotional engagement, the project aims to make home-based rehabilitation more effective and accessible.

Recent News

A humanoid AI agent robot helping a human worker with coding at a laptop computer symbolizing agentic autonomy at work and the future of automation in jobs with copilot bots as assistants.

Photo licensed by Adobe Stock via Jay Koppelman

TRAILS News: What Tech Workers Tell Their Kids About Careers in the Age of AI (ft. Katie Shilton)

INFO Staff - September 22, 2026
INFO Professor Katie Shilton explores how AI is reshaping technology careers and the advice parents give children about their futures

Photo courtesy of UMIACS

UMIACS: How We Talk About AI Reveals Whether We Trust It (ft. Julia Mendelsohn)

Diya Sharma | UMIACS - September 21, 2026
Julia Mendelsohn and collaborators examine how language reveals public trust, uncertainty and perceptions of artificial intelligence