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. Currently, I am leading the development of an AI-based querying system that mimics human interactions with ISPs’ web portals.