Hi!
I'm an undergraduate quantum and cybersecurity researcher at RPI with a background in software development and security. Here you can find more information about my research and relevant experience.

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 about how quantum can be used with machine learning and applied to practical areas like 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 hardware, meaning that there is potential for exponential quantum speedup in current ML intrusion detection operations as quantum computers become more powerful.

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:

  Mongoose (AI Resume Enhancer App) The Porch (Home Decor Business Site) Tree Light Project (EE LED Project)

Welcome to my art corner ☺
In my free time I take on commissions and fun art projects. I particularly love to create colorful and captivating portraits, experimenting primarily with acrylic and water-soluable oil paint and colored pencil. Please contact me if you are interested in a commission!

Commission Info

• 8"x10" canvas, 0.75" depth (other sizing available!)
• $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 central 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 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.