Laasya Koduru

About me

I am a Computer Science Ph.D. student at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), co-advised by Professor Arpit Gupta and Professor Elizabeth Belding.

Interests

My interests lie at the intersection of data-driven policymaking, networking, machine learning, and systems.

Research

My research is focused on enabling data-driven policymaking to achieve universal access to high-quality and affordable broadband networks. This involves addressing the disparities in internet access and digital equity, which inform policy actions like subsidy programs, rate regulations, and infrastructure funding. However, a significant gap exists between the broadband data currently used for policy decisions and the precise data needed. Often, these datasets are sparse, noisy, or based on unreliable self-reported information, leading to potentially flawed funding decisions that disproportionately affect underserved areas. To address this, there is an urgent need to develop a sustainable, open digital infrastructure to bridge this data gap and provide accurate data for effective policymaking.

Awards

The National GEM Consortium Ph.D. Science and Engineering Fellowship, April 2025
UC Santa Barbara Computer Science Summer Fellowship Award, June 2024