Ridgeback Internship

Ridgeback Network Defense, Inc. is seeking motivated interns to assist with building a cybersecurity device.

• Paid position, 90 day duration, 20-30 hours per week, starting late November or December.
• The location would be in the UMBC CyberHive on the UMBC campus.
• Expertise in C++ is a must. All other criteria are highly desirable.
• Educational attainment is of minimal importance compared to all other criteria.

Criteria for Candidate Selection

>
• Highly skilled at C++ (minimum requirement, must have significant expertise)
• Knowledge of, or experience with, low-level systems programming (e.g., has written a device driver for an operating system)
• Understanding of various AI techniques (e.g., has implemented a computer opponent in a game)
• Understanding of various pattern recognition techniques (e.g., has written software to perform data transformation or analysis)
• Affinity for hacking (the traditional sense of the term; e.g., programs microcontrollers as a hobby)
• High degree of initiative (e.g., regularly learns new subjects or engages in technical projects outside of school)
• High degree of self-confidence (e.g., enjoys projects in unfamiliar fields)
• Achievement or goal oriented (e.g., sets and works toward specific objectives)

Contact Thomas Phillips (Sorry, you need javascript to view this email address. ) with any questions or inquiries.

Women of Silicon Valley will soon be receiving a new perk.

Two giants of technology, Apple and Facebook, will soon start covering for women employees to freeze their eggs. This pricey procedure, usually between $5,000-$15,000 will allow women to pause children and extend the biological clock.  

An Apple statement came out saying:

We want to empower women at Apple to do the best work of their lives as they care for loved ones and raise their families. 

On one hand, feminists are giving a cheer. Hooray! Workplace equality! If men don’t have to worry about timing in having children, women shouldn’t have to either.

Conversely, other critics are shaking their head. Have we reached a day where companies are going to every extent to make women put their careers before their family?

One thing is clear, this move is a game-changer that could change how women view the balance between work and family. 

Would you let this new practice change the game for you and yours?

Two students in UMBC’s English Department have been named HASTAC Scholars for 2014-2015. HASTAC (Humanities, Arts, Science, and Technology Alliance and Collaboratory) is an alliance of social scientists, artists, humanists, and other individuals and institutions committed to exploring new possibilities technology offers in shaping how people learn, teach, and communicate.

Corey Kirk ’15, English, and Dorothy Stachowiak, a Master’s student in the English Department’s Texts, Technology, and Literature Program, will share their research with a lively international community of scholars throughout the year. Kirk’s primary research interests include digital humanities, technology and gaming. Stachowiak’s interests include 21st century literacies and digital humanities. The students will receive a stipend to spend on materials to advance their research, and Steph Ceraso, an assistant professor of English, will serve as the students’ HASTAC mentor. The program presents an opportunity for the students to connect with peers and share their work.

For more information on the HASTAC Scholars program, click here.