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Freshman Spotlight: Aisiri Prasad Reflects on Her First Year at UMD and ACES

For first-year student Aisiri Prasad, the transition to college has been filled with growth, opportunity, and meaningful connections. A Computer Science student on the Machine Learning track in the ACES Honors College, Aisiri has already immersed herself in campus life while building a strong foundation for her future in technology.

Originally from Frederick, Maryland, Aisiri is also a Banneker/Key Scholar and stays actively involved across campus. She participates in organizations including Alpha Omega Epsilon STEM Sorority, Bitcamp as a Design Organizer, the CMNS Ambassadors Program, the Honors Ambassadors Program, the Indian Student Association as Director of PR, and Maryland Mauj as PR Co-Chair. Outside of school, she also runs her own creative business, Aisiri’s Art, where she works with clients nationwide on commissions and design projects.

Reflecting on her freshman year, Aisiri described the experience as both challenging and rewarding.

“My freshman year at UMD has definitely been a roller coaster, but it’s been such a rewarding and exciting experience overall,” she shared. “I’ve learned so much academically and personally, and I’ve made some amazing friendships along the way.”

Like many first-year students, balancing coursework with extracurricular involvement initially felt overwhelming. Over time, however, Aisiri developed strategies that helped her stay organized and prioritize her academics while remaining engaged in the communities she cared about most.

“At first, balancing college coursework with all the clubs and activities I wanted to join felt overwhelming,” she said. “Over time, I learned how important time management is, especially using tools like Apple Calendar to stay organized.”

Getting involved on campus also helped Aisiri feel connected to the broader UMD community. Through the Indian Student Association and living in Prince Frederick Hall, she found a strong support system and built lasting friendships during her first year.

Aisiri’s decision to join ACES was inspired in part by her older sister, a 2021 UMD graduate, who had once viewed the program as her dream honors experience. Wanting to challenge herself academically while exploring different areas within technology, Aisiri saw ACES as the perfect fit.

“ACES has strengthened my interest in cybersecurity and helped me explore different areas within computer science,” she explained. “It has also given me opportunities to connect with industry professionals, faculty, and other students who share similar interests.”

Those opportunities have already begun opening doors professionally. Through her experiences in ACES, Aisiri will serve as a Military and Space Cybersecurity Intern at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory during Summer 2026.

Looking ahead, Aisiri is excited to continue growing academically and professionally while taking on more leadership opportunities across campus. She hopes to strengthen relationships with faculty and mentors while continuing to make meaningful memories throughout her college experience.

For incoming and prospective students considering ACES, Aisiri encourages them to embrace new opportunities and remain open to growth.

“Come in with an open mind and be ready to challenge yourself,” she advised. “ACES is a great place to build both technical skills and meaningful connections with upperclassmen, faculty, and professionals in the field.”

As she completes her first year at Maryland, Aisiri’s story reflects the balance of ambition, involvement, and community that defines the ACES experience.


Published June 2, 2026