Hello! I'm Maria

I am a PhD student in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame , where I am advised by Dr. Tim Weninger.

My research explores how autonomous agents develop human-like social behavior—how they cooperate, compete, and sometimes deceive. I use digital terrariums such as Sugarscape and Among Us. to study how these dynamics emerge, mirror human societies, and inform the safety and alignment of multi-agent systems.

Broadly, I am interested in how motivation, communication, and conflict arise in artificial societies, and what they can teach us about the social dimensions of intelligence itself. My work draws from AI safety, computational social science, and communication theory, aiming to build systems that both reflect and responsibly engage with human behavior.

Before this, I completed my B.S. in Computer Science at Seattle University in 2024.

Outside the lab, you will often find me lifting, running, swimming, or practicing yoga. I also design, knit, and sew clothing as more creative endeavors. Recently, I have been exploring Sociology and Spanish, chasing new ways to understand how people and systems express themselves.