Hi! I'm an undergraduate researcher at RPI passionate about quantum research and particularly how it can be leveraged in the realm of cybersecurity. As a published co-author with national conference experience, I love learning about other research and sharing my own, and I am eager to explore more early quantum applications.

My current work explores the use of quantum machine learning for advanced network intrusion detection on noisy quantum hardware. See below for more info, with a journal article coming soon.

I have also researched CTF development and the ethical use of generative AI for cybersecurity training and pedagogy, which you can view more about below!

Research

Quantum Machine Learning Kernels for Network Intrusion Detection in the NISQ Era

• Cotrupi, Mary L. and Brian R. Callahan, Forthcoming. "Towards Practical Quantum Kernels for Network Intrusion Detection." Proceedings of the First AAAI Symposium on Quantum Information & Machine Learning (QIML). AAAI Fall 2025 Symposium, Arlington, VA. Nov. 6-8, 2025.
• This research was super fun. I got to learn all about how quantum is being researched and used for machine learning applications, particularly in cybersecurity and network intrusion detection. The project revealed that quantum kernels can be used to detect advanced network attacks without being completely corrupted by noise and error from the hardware, meaning that as quantum computers become more powerful, there is potential for quantum integration to cause speedup in current ML intrusion detection processes.

Ethics of Generative AI through Cybersecurity Training

• Callahan, Brian, Quinn Colognato, and Mary Cotrupi. 2024. “Generative AI for Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Skills, Strategies, and Accountabilities.” BSides St. Pete Conference, FL. Sep. 14, 2024
• Studied the ethical use of generative AI in cybersecurity awareness training by comparing training modules developed by prompt engineers, cybersecurity experts, and hybrid roles. Delivered modules to RPI students and analyzed outcomes.

Augmented Reality Cybersecurity CTF Pedagogy

• Callahan, Brian Robert, Sanya Joseph, Shoshana Sugerman, Quinn Colognato, Mary Cotrupi, et al. "RC3TF, an Augmented Reality CTF: A case study in improving cybersecurity pedagogy for the undergraduate research laboratory." Proceedings of the 20th Annual Symposium on Information Assurance (ASIA). University at Albany. Albany, NY. Jun. 3-4, 2025
• Developed AR-based CTF challenges on topics such as steganography, DNS poisoning, and MFA bypass attacks to support hands-on cybersecurity learning through an interactive AR web app.
• www.academia.edu

Projects:

I specialize in creating vibrant and captivating paintings of any subject. I love experimenting with color using primarily acrylic and water-soluable oil paints, especially with human and animal portraits. Each piece is crafted with love and careful attention to detail based on the provided reference image(s).

Commission Info

• 8"x10" canvas, 0.75" depth (custom sizing available--see below)
• $70 starting price
• Choice of oil, acrylic, or mixed media

The client may request a custom canvas size. Price will depend on said size and complexity of the piece. Large works require a 25% upfront fee.

Please contact marycotrupi@gmail.com for additional questions or more info!

Hi!

I'm Mary Cotrupi - a junior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) from Moultonborough, New Hampshire pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Information Technology & Web Science.

This website is for both my passions in computer science and art. For more information on my work and research experience in primarily cybersecurity and quantum computing, please visit the work tab on the home page. For art or commission-related inquries, please see the art tab.

The code for my website can be viewed at https://github.com/cotrum.