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Ayush Sekhari
Hi, this is Ayush Sekhari. I am a postdoctoral associate at MIT, where I have the privilege of being advised by Prof. Alexander (Sasha) Rakhlin. My research focuses on theoretical foundations of Machine Learning (ML), with the goal of making ML systems more efficient, reliable, and secure. I am dedicated to building a future where ML systems are not only smarter and faster but also safer and more adaptive to the ever-evolving complexities of real life.

I completed my Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell University, where I had the privilege of working with Prof. Karthik Sridharan and Prof. Robert D. Kleinberg. Before that, I completed my undergraduate studies in Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), where I was awarded the President’s Gold Medal. Between my time at IIT Kanpur and Cornell, I spent a year at Google Research as part of the inaugural Brain Residency Program .

Research Highlights and Selected Papers

Machine Unlearning: I have developed foundational techniques and efficient methods for securely removing data from ML models post-deployment, ensuring privacy and compliance with evolving data regulations and operational needs. Interactive Learning: I have created theoretically rigorous and practical algorithms for learning in dynamic, real-world environments. This includes new algorithmic frameworks for Reinforcement Learning (RL) and imitation learning. Stochastic Optimization: I have advanced our understanding of first-order methods and developed new optimal algorithms for learning in large-scale, complex, non-convex models that are central to modern ML.

Recent News



Publications and Preprints

Publications

In keeping with the convention in mathematical sciences, authors are listed alphabetically by their last name in papers denoted with (α-β) above my name.

Invited Talks

Invited Talks

Teaching

Teaching Assistant at Cornell University

Teaching Assistant at IIT Kanpur

Misc

How to reach me?

Please feel free to reach out if you think that we have any shared interests. The best way to reach me is via email at sekhari [at] mit [dot] edu.

Useful Links

  • "You and Your Research", Richard Hamming (June 6, 1995).
  • "How to Have a Bad Career in Research/Academia", a talk by David Patterson.
  • "Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams", a talk by Randy Pausch at CMU.
  • Witty Quotes by J. Michael Steele.
  • Arxiv Latex Cleaner.
  • Personal Interests

    Outside my research activies, I find joy in indoor climbing, experimenting with plant-based cooking, and consuming an absurd amount of chocolate.

    A Fascinating Art

    In 1989, Keith Haring created a print series titled The Story of Red and Blue, where he depicted characters inspired by both well-known children's stories and more mysterious sources. Throughout the series, the red and blue hues alternate, eventually merging within a human hand, symbolizing unity and conveying a message of hope and optimism. I find this artwork incredibly captivating and hope you enjoy it as well.


    Professional Service

    Learning Theory Alliance

    I am a part of the Learning Theory Alliance (LetAll) organizing committee.

    Our mission is to develop a strong, supportive learning theory community and ensure its healthy growth by fostering inclusive community engagement and encouraging active contributions from researchers at all stages of their careers.

    Please feel free to contact us for any questions / feedback / suggesions regarding LetAll. We would love to hear from you.

    Other Professional Activities

    PC Member

      • Algorithmic Learning Theory (ALT) 2024
      • Conference on Learning Theory (COLT) 2019-22 (Junior PC Member)

    Reviewing

      • Journals: Journal of Complexity 2021, JMLR (2020-22)
      • Conferences: NeurIPS (2019-22), ALT (2020-22), ICLR 2019, AISTATS 2019, ICML (2019-21), ISIT 2020, ITCS 2020, FORC 2021

    Contact

    The best way to reach me is via email.

    sekhari [at] mit [dot] edu
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