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Student Researcher Sofia Douglass Presents Cybersecurity Work at Global RSAC Conference

Sofia Douglass, a student researcher and 2026 Security Scholar, recently represented UMD at the RSAC Conference, one of the world’s premier gatherings of cybersecurity professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Through presenting original research and engaging with leaders in the field, Douglass gained valuable experience at the intersection of artificial intelligence and social cybersecurity.

At the conference’s Poster Board Exhibition, Douglass showcased her research, Modeling Conspirators in Virtual, Text-Based Communities. The project uses large language models (LLMs) to simulate online communication environments, such as SMS or email groups. Within these simulations, a “conspirator” is introduced, a malicious actor designed to influence other members through conversation.

“The goal of the research is to develop a method for detecting influence operations in real-world online communities,” Douglass explained. “My work looks at how introducing a conspirator changes the distribution of influence in these communities and how we can detect that shift.”

Douglass’s research is part of an ongoing project led by Michel Cukier and Ph.D. student Ciro Pinto-Coelho, focusing on identifying influence operations in digital spaces. She joined the team in Spring 2025 and has since progressed from observing model development to independently designing simulations and detection strategies. Working alongside fellow researchers, including ACES LLP graduate Amrit Magesh and student Sneha Balur, Douglass is now developing methods to detect when malicious actors enter simulated communities, work she hopes to eventually apply to real-world platforms.

Her path into cybersecurity research began through the ACES Living-Learning Program (LLP). “I found my passion for cybersecurity research in the HACS200 LLP Honeypot class,” she said. “That experience introduced me to collaborative research and analyzing attacker behavior, which directly led me to this project.”

Beyond presenting her work, Douglass participated in several exclusive Security Scholar events. At the Professional Dinner, she connected with leaders in the field, including Whitfield Diffie, a pioneer of public-key cryptography, Paul Kocher, a leading expert in cryptographic systems, and Stephanie Rosenbaum, CEO of TecEd, Inc. “They gave me feedback on my research and shared advice about being a student in cybersecurity,” Douglass said.

She also took part in an exclusive Q&A session with Rob Joyce, a former cybersecurity leader at the National Security Agency and White House National Security Council. The discussion covered emerging cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and policy, offering insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

In addition to scholar-specific programming, Douglass attended sessions on topics ranging from Internet of Things security and malware analysis to cyber policy and leadership. Featured speakers included global leaders and public figures such as Jacinda Ardern, former NSA directors, and even speakers from outside traditional cybersecurity fields like Adam Savage, Hugh Jackman, and Kevin Bacon.

The experience began with a Security Scholar Welcome Event, where Douglass joined 59 students from 38 universities in a charity-focused team-building exercise. The group was welcomed by Jen Easterly, who encouraged scholars to address pressing challenges in cybersecurity and make the most of their time at the conference.

Reflecting on her experience, Douglass emphasized both the technical and professional growth she gained. “RSAC gave me the opportunity to share my work, learn from experts, and think more deeply about how research can translate into real-world impact,” she said. As she continues her research, Douglass plans to expand her detection methods and apply them to more realistic online environments, with the long-term goal of identifying and mitigating influence operations in real-world communities.


Published April 21, 2026