Areas of Research

I am interested in IR (Information Retrieval) and distributed databases. Specifically, my research focuses on algorithms for distributed databases, Top-k query processing, and managing data in unstructured topologies. I have compiled a short list of topics I am currently researching and a short description for each of them.

Distributed Databases

A distributed database is a database that is under the control of a central database management system in which storage devices are not all attached to a common CPU. It may be stored in multiple computers located in the same physical location, or may be dispersed over a network of interconnected computers.

Collections of data (eg. in a database) can be distributed across multiple physical locations. A distributed database is distributed into separate partitions/fragments. Each partition/fragment of a distributed database may be replicated (ie. redundant fallovers, RAID like).

Besides distributed database replication and fragmentation, there are many other distributed database design technologies. For example, local autonomy, synchronous and asynchronous distributed database technologies. These technologies' implementation can and does definitely depend on the needs of the business and the sensitivity/confidentiality of the data to be stored in the database. And hence the price the business is willing to spend on ensuring data security, consistency and integrity.
[Wikipedia]