Â鶹´«Ã½

Dr. Anindya Bijoy Das, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Akron (UA), has received a $128,479 National Science Foundation (NSF) award as part of a $288,944 collaborative project titled Funded through NSF’s Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS), the project supports research to improve the speed and reliability of large-scale matrix computations performed across distributed cloud computing systems. The proposal is a collaboration with Dr. Aditya Ramamoorthy of Iowa State University.

Large-scale matrix computations power modern technologies such as deep learning models, large language models and scientific computing. When these computations are distributed across large clusters, however, slow or failed processors — known as “stragglers” — can significantly delay results. Das’ research focuses on coded computation, which uses principles from coding theory to introduce redundancy into distributed tasks so computations can be completed even if some workers are slow or fail. His team will develop approaches tailored for sparse input matrices and design strategies that better leverage partial work completed by slower nodes, improving overall system efficiency.

“This project aims to make distributed computing systems more resilient and efficient, particularly for applications that rely on massive data and complex models,” said Das. “By addressing practical limitations in current coded computation methods, we hope to enable faster and more reliable large-scale computing.”

In addition to advancing foundational research, the project will provide training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in cloud computing platforms. Outreach efforts will include mathematics tutoring in local schools and the development of K-12 computer science modules, broadening participation in STEM fields.

“This NSF award highlights Dr. Das’ leadership in distributed computation and information theory,” said Dr. Yilmaz Sozer, chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “His work strengthens UA’s research in advanced computing systems while creating meaningful educational and outreach opportunities.”

About Dr. Anindya Bijoy Das

Das is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UA. Prior to joining the University, he was a postdoctoral researcher at Purdue University. He earned his Ph.D. and M.Eng. in electrical engineering from Iowa State University and his B.S. in electrical and electronic engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

His research interests include federated learning, artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, coded and distributed computation, information theory and biomedical signal processing. He has published in leading journals such as IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications, IEEE Transactions on Networking and IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing. In 2022, he received the Karas Award from Iowa State University for an outstanding dissertation in mathematical and physical sciences and engineering.

RELATED CONTENT:

• research at our college

Media contact: media@uakron.edu