Students tackle real-world problems with innovation and collaboration
From March 1 to 8, 2025, the annual University of Maryland College of Information Info Challenge brought together 175 students from five academic institutions to solve pressing real-world problems in data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), and design. Organized by the Info Challenge Initiative, this year’s event featured 55 teams from the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland, Baltimore County; United States Naval Academy; Montgomery College; and Towson University. With the support of dozens of faculty and staff volunteers who served as mentors and judges, students collaborated on projects provided by partner organizations, showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
The Info Challenge is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while gaining hands-on experience in their fields. This year’s projects, sponsored by organizations such as EY, Amtrak, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), addressed issues ranging from urban heat islands to digital accessibility for seniors. Here’s a closer look at the projects from this year’s event.
Design
Amtrak Records Retention: Teams redesigned Amtrak’s 75-page Records Retention Schedule into an interactive, user-friendly system for easier policy navigation and compliance.
AI Recognition Tool – Mindpetal Software Solutions: Students designed an interface for an AI-generated content checker, allowing users to verify the authenticity of uploaded media.
Digital Accessibility for Seniors: Teams analyzed digital barriers for older adults and proposed solutions to improve accessibility and inclusivity at UMD Shady Grove.
Data Analytics
DC Metro Ridership Analysis: Students conducted exploratory data analysis on WMATA ridership data, identifying trends and creating visualizations to inform public transit decisions.
Amtrak FOIA Knowledgebase: Teams developed a searchable FOIA Knowledgebase to streamline Amtrak’s FOIA request process and improve institutional knowledge retention.
Cellular Coverage Study – GL Communications, Inc.: Students analyzed cellular data coverage for a transit agency, comparing performance across providers to optimize GPS data transfer efficiency
AI and Machine Learning
EY Urban Heat Island Data: Students developed machine learning models to predict locations severely impacted by the Urban Heat Island effect, helping urban areas address health and energy challenges.
AI in Campus Parking: Teams created algorithms to determine parking permissions at UMD, using AI to improve campus parking management and enforcement.
USDA Capstone Officials: Students designed an algorithm to automatically identify and report Capstone Officials, streamlining USDA’s email records management compliance.
The 2025 Info Challenge highlighted the power of collaboration between academia, industry, and government. By tackling real-world problems, students not only gained valuable experience but also contributed to solutions that could have a lasting impact on their communities. The event concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing the top-performing teams for their creativity, technical expertise, and innovative approaches.
Congratulations to all the participants, mentors, and organizers who made this year’s Info Challenge a resounding success!
Grand Prize
Hao-Lin Chiang, University of Maryland
Boram Lee, University of Maryland
Daniel Lin, University of Maryland
Andrew Lu, University of Maryland
Challenge: Ernst & Young: Urban Heat Island Challenge
Best Team Presentation – TIE
Arav Luthra, University of Maryland
Vedant Patel, University of Maryland
Narain Sriram, University of Maryland
Challenge: Ernst & Young: Urban Heat Island Challenge
Best Team Presentation – TIE
Kavin Manivannan, UMBC
Challenge: Mindpetal: DC WMATA Metro Ridership Analysis
Outstanding Data Analytics Project
Cadence Cheng, University of Maryland
Ilayda Dogan, University of Maryland
Karen Li, University of Maryland
Hellen Ou, University of Maryland
Challenge: Mindpetal: DC WMATA Metro Ridership Analysis
Outstanding AI and Machine Learning Project
Thilak Cebolu Mohan, University of Maryland
Trusha Gaurinandan Neogi, University of Maryland
Udaya Shankar Krishnarajapuram, University of Maryland
Indrayudd Roy Chowdhury, University of Maryland
Challenge: UMD DOTS: Exploring AI in Parking Customer Service
Outstanding Design Project – TIE
Sanjay Kumar Balaji, University of Maryland
Samita Prakash Belliganood, University of Maryland
Challenge: Mindpetal: AI Recognition Tool Design
Outstanding USNA Project – TIE
Jillian Cottrill, US Naval Academy
David Doyle, US Naval Academy
Kieran Kendall, US Naval Academy
Quang Le, US Naval Academy
Challenge: Mindpetal: DC WMATA Metro Ridership Analysis
Outstanding USNA Project
Olivia Fermo, US Naval Academy
Mekhi Mudie, US Naval Academy
Asher Nguyen, US Naval Academy
Luke Roskelley, US Naval Academy
Brian Solomon, US Naval Academy
Challenge: Mindpetal: DC WMATA Metro Ridership Analysis
Info Challenge 2025 Team
Professor Jesse Klein, Info Challenge 2025 Director: Lecturer, UMD College of Information
Professor Kathy Weaver, Info Challenge Creator: Senior Lecturer, UMD College of Information
McKenzie Davis Watkins, Info Challenge 2025 Student Coordinator: Sophomore, UMD College of Information