Distributed Computing Column 87 Distributed and Algorithmic Thinking across Domains

Abstract

Overview. One of the goals of the column is to stimulate and publicise results by the younger generation of Distributed Computing researchers. In this spirit, this month we go into more depth into one of the two theses highlighted by the Doctoral Dissertation Award, by Dr. Siddartha Jayanti. (Unfortunately, the other 2023 recipient, Dr. Dean Leitersdorf, could not contribute this time, due to outside constraints.) Dr. Siddartha Jayanti's thesis comprises novel results in the scope of distributed and concurrent synchronization. The thesis, and Siddartha's work in general, is remarkable for both its depth and breadth: as you can see in the overview, the work incorporates technical results spanning from multi-processor synchronization to finding equilibria in multiplayer games! Another remarkable aspect is Siddartha's commitment to broadening participation in STEM, specifically to expanding science availability by writing what appears to be the first research paper in the Telugu language. It is also worth noting that Siddartha is part of the second generation of Distributed Computing researchers from his family. (As readers probably know, his father is Prof. Prasad Jayanti.) The strength and diversity of the 2023 awarded theses, together with the fact that PODC has received a record number of submissions this year, suggest that the future is bright for our area.