Experience Spotlight: Aye Khant Khant Paing

Name: Aye Khant Khant Paing

Pronouns: she/her

Semester of Work Experience: Summer 2026

UMBC Major or Program: Computer Science (AI/ML track)

Current Class Level: Senior

I recently obtained experience in a(n)... Internship

Work Experience Site (Company/Organization Name): Technuf

Location of the Organization (City, State): Rockville, MD

Title of position: Software Engineering Intern - AI & PQC

Tell us about your experience, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

During my internship at Technuf, I worked on two major projects that let me apply both my software engineering and research skills. First, I built built a full-stack AI platform prototype that automatically creates software project documents, working on both the website and the system behind it. Second, I worked with other fellow interns on research about protecting data from future quantum computers. I wrote a blog post about this research, “From Qubits to Quantum-Safe,” which was published on Technuf’s website. 
Each day, I met with my mentor for feedback and tracked my progress. Every two weeks, I presented my work to the interns, the Director, and the CEO.



Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first heard about this position from my COEIT advisor in fall 2025. It is for the Active and Immersive Learning Program for Post-Quantum Cryptography (AIM-PQC) in UMBC. Applications opened on February 15, 2026, and I applied right away. I also stayed in touch by email with the professor in charge of the program to make sure I understood the application process.


What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.), Alumni Networking, Student Organizations/Scholar Groups, Faculty Connections, Handshake, LinkedIn or other social media


What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
What I enjoyed most was being part of real-world engineering projects. I got to learn and build tools the company can use. I also loved the bi-weekly intern presentations, where I shared my progress with other interns, managers, the Director, and the CEO. Their honest feedback pushed me to think more critically and keep improving. Hearing about the other interns’ projects was a highlight too, since it exposed me to new ideas and gave me a bigger picture of the company.


How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
My work at Technuf made an impact in a a couple of ways. I published a blog post, “From Qubits to Quantum-Safe,” on Technuf’s website. It became the post to reach over 190 views in a month and added to the company’s public knowledge on post-quantum cryptography. I also helped create a roadmap the company can use to adopt quantum-safe security in the future. On the AI document platform, I built key features like the RAG pipeline and version tracking. The company will keep using and building on this platform after my internship.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
My advice is to stay connected with your advisors, the Career Center, and your professors. These connections really matter. Also, look for opportunities both inside and outside UMBC. And most importantly, keep applying. Rejections are part of the process, and every application brings you closer to the right opportunity.