Tim Oates receives prestigious USM Elkins Professorship

Tim Oates, professor of computer science and electrical engineering, has been awarded the Wilson H. Elkins Academic Transformation Professorship for fiscal year 2027.

The professorship, which includes a $10,000 award, was granted by the University System of Maryland to support Oates’s innovative project, “Persistent Cognitive Support for Student Success: A Generative AI Approach to Academic Transformation.” The review committee expressed praise for the proposal, noting its potential to create a lasting impact at both UMBC and across the broader educational landscape. 

The work focuses on using generative AI to provide students with customized tools to assist in the completion of academic tasks—such as breaking down assignments into manageable steps, organizing and managing time, and monitoring progress. These tools will engage students through a conversational interface that adapts to provide context-aware support that moves beyond the limitations of existing standard question-answer models. The work builds on UMBC’s culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and its dedication to translating foundational AI research into practical, student-centered support solutions. 

“We are confident that the knowledge and experience gained from this work will have a significant impact on the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and beyond,” the award committee stated.