COSMOS director Prof. Nitin Agarwal was recently invited to speak on “Fighting Fire with Fire: Examining and Mitigating Socio-Cognitive Threats” by the Arkansas Academy of Computing (AAoC) on October 12th. At the 2024 AAoC annual meeting, he spoke about how the COSMOS team combats digital misinformation and influence campaigns using AI-powered approaches.

The Arkansas Academy of Computing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing computing and information technology (IT) in Arkansas. Its primary focus is fostering collaboration among professionals in the computing field, supporting IT education, and celebrating contributions to computing in the state. The academy recognizes individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted Arkansas’ computing landscape through its Hall of Honor.

The AAoC was established in 2006 by a group of computing and IT leaders in Arkansas. Its founders aimed to highlight the state’s growing influence in technology and computing, which had expanded significantly since the mid-20th century. Early members included academics, industry pioneers, and government officials who shaped the technological and educational landscape of Arkansas.

The organization has since grown, hosting annual events, recognizing significant achievements in the industry, and playing a role in advancing Arkansas’ computing capabilities. Its Hall of Honor inductees include distinguished professionals, entrepreneurs, and educators who have contributed to the state’s tech ecosystem.