The Department of Computing Sciences at the University of Hartford is proud to announce its selection as a formal institutional partner in the UR2PhD program, a national initiative spearheaded by the Computing Research Association.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in our department’s commitment to fostering high-impact research opportunities and strengthening the pipeline from undergraduate studies to doctoral excellence. By joining this prestigious network, the university aligns itself with national efforts to increase the visibility and accessibility of research careers for all students within the computing disciplines.
Ahmed Bensaoud, an Assistant Professor within the Department of Computing Sciences, has been appointed as the program’s Local Coordinator. In this role, Dr. Bensaoud will leverage his extensive expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity to manage participant recruitment and provide essential training for aspiring researchers. His leadership will ensure that our students receive the structural support and professional mentorship required to navigate the complexities of academic research and graduate school applications.
The UR2PhD program will utilize the advanced technical infrastructure of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture to provide students with a rigorous research environment. Participants will have access to specialized computing resources, including the high-performance GPU clusters and the specialized Internet of Things and Cybersecurity laboratories located within the Hursey Center. These facilities will enable student researchers to engage in sophisticated projects ranging from machine learning security to ethical AI development under the guidance of experienced faculty mentors.
This initiative represents a vital component of the university’s broader strategy to integrate research into the undergraduate experience. By providing students with early exposure to scholarly inquiry and the technical tools necessary for success, the department aims to inspire the next generation of computing professionals and researchers. We encourage all faculty and students to support Dr. Bensaoud and the Department of Computing Sciences as we begin this transformative partnership with the Computing Research Association.