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 machine learning, network measurement, and data-driven policymaking.

Research

My research focuses on enabling data-driven policymaking to achieve universal access to high-quality, affordable broadband networks. A central challenge in this space is the persistent disparity in internet access across communities — disparities that inform critical policy actions such as subsidy programs, rate regulations, and infrastructure funding decisions. However, a significant gap exists between the broadband data currently available to policymakers and the precise, reliable data they actually need. Existing datasets are often sparse, noisy, or based on self-reported information, leading to flawed funding allocations that disproportionately affect underserved areas.

To address this, my work centers on building a sustainable, open digital infrastructure capable of bridging this data gap. It requires validated data systems that make digital infrastructure measurable, accountable, and intelligently operable. My goal is not only to produce more accurate data, but to establish independent broadband data ecosystems that can credibly inform billion-dollar investment decisions and support regulatory accountability - ensuring that policy interventions are built upon fine-grained and verifiable data.

Fellowships

• The National GEM Consortium Ph.D. Science and Engineering Fellowship (April 2025 - Present)
• UC Santa Barbara Computer Science Summer Fellowship (June 2024)