Professor Eric Balkanski’s research lies at the intersection of algorithms and machine learning. He is interested in developing novel optimization frameworks that are motivated by applications in machine learning. In particular, his research focuses on data-driven algorithm design, combinatorial optimization, and mechanism design. He develops novel models and algorithmic machinery to address modern challenges of decision-making. For example, he has been working on exponentially faster algorithms for submodular optimization, with applications in data summarization, recommendation systems, and network analysis.

Professor Balkanski received his PhD in Computer Science from Harvard University. He is the recipient of an ACM SIGecom Doctoral Dissertation Honorable Mention Award, a Google PhD fellowship, a Smith Family Graduate Science and Engineering Fellowship, a Best Paper Award at the 18th Conference on Implementation and Application of Automata in 2013, and is also an Andrew Carnegie Society Scholar. He co-founded Robust Intelligence, an AI security startup.