Nick Koudas

Department of Computer Science

University of Toronto

Biography

As a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto, my research program is dedicated to addressing fundamental challenges in large-scale data management. My work focuses on the intersection of data systems, big data analysis, data science, and applied machine learning. The primary objective of my research is to architect and implement next-generation systems and algorithms capable of efficiently processing and extracting insights from massive and heterogeneous datasets. A central theme within my research group is the deep integration of machine learning techniques as core primitives within these scalable data platforms, enabling them to analyze vast data collections with unprecedented intelligence and capability.

I hold a PhD from the University of Toronto, an MSc from the University of Maryland at College Park, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Patras in Greece.

My research contributions have been recognized with several best paper awards at premier international forums. In 2011, the University of Toronto honored my work by naming me Inventor of the Year (1st Prize). A comprehensive list of my recent publications is available for review.

I am passionate about translating academic research into impactful, real-world applications through entrepreneurship. This interest has led me to co-found several data analytics companies, including Sysomos (now part of the Meltwater Group) and Aislelabs (acquired by Constellation Software). Currently, I am a co-founder at Workorb and serve as an advisor to the innovative team at mapintent.

Research Projects

PERC: Precision Engine for Recall and Comprehension

We are building a system to execute arbitrary natural language questions on top of unstructured document collections with one hundred percent recall and high precision.

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SVQ: Streaming Video Queries

We are building a system to execute interactive queries on streaming video. We are investigating query semantics, formulation and interactive query execution utilizing video content and image analysis primitives.

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Reliable Text to SQL

Generating Text to SQL Reliably. Instead of generating SQL in an end to end fashion, we abstain and seek human assistance. Achieve perfect scores in common benchmarks with humans in the loop.

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Courses Taught

CSC2508: Advanced Data Systems

Graduate course focusing on topics related to vector data management, neural information retrieval, embeddings and unstructured data query processing.

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CSC43: Introduction to Databases

Introduction to database design. Entity relationship models, relational algebra, normalization theory, SQL and embedded SQL, implementation of relational database operators.

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CSCD43: Database Systems Technology

The technology behind data systems: storage systems, buffer management, physical database design, indexing and searching, query optimization, transaction management.

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