PhD RA on Designing Web3-based Data Infrastructure

PhD research assistants with full scholarship are available in the research area of computer networking and network security. This PhD candidate will focus on increasing the efficiency and resilience of Web3-based Data Infrastructure, while collaborating with Intel and Notre Dame.


This research initiative aims to create a decentralized zero-trust data infrastructure based on web 3.0 and blockchain principles. In this system, each data owner has the full control of his/her own data, and can grant/revoke the read/write access to anyone without a broker. All the data revisions and access records will be traceable and auditable. 


Personal data, such as health IoT data, nowadays is possessed by service providers’ central data centers, and individuals do not have ultimate control over the data they produce. This is a growing concern due to the sensitive nature of such user-generated data. The proposed Web 3.0-based data infrastructure is an evolution of the current centralized data ecosystem, aiming to address some of its limitations and challenges. This project aims to build a zero-trust and traceable data-sharing ecosystem Web3DB, where data ownership and control are returned to the individuals who generate the data. In Web3DB, the data owners will be able to define the data access and sharing policy that will be enforced in a zero-trust manner, i.e., without relying on central coordinators or infrastructure. During such access control, users’ identities and credentials will always remain encrypted for their privacy. Access and usage of individuals’ data will be logged securely such that only the data owners can monitor the access and usage of their data. About the faculty advisor:


Dr. Haijian Sun is an Assistant Professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Georgia. His current research interests include vehicular communication, wireless communication for 5G and beyond, machine learning at the edge, cyber security, IoT communications, wireless systems, and optimization analysis. 


Dr. WenZhan Song is the Endowed Chair Professor of Computer Engineering and Founding Director of the Center for Cyber-Physical Systems. He is a leading expert on sensor data analytics and security, sensor networks and data infrastructures and received numerous important honors and awards, including NSF CAREER award 2010, Mark Weiser Best Paper Award 2020, and multiple Research Excellence awards. 
 Desired Background and Expertise:


Prospective students with a background in computer science, math and engineering are encouraged to apply. Previous research experience in areas related to network security and distributed systems is preferred. High GPA and previous R&D experiences on computer networking and network security are the plus.

Application Procedure:


Graduate student application: apply to the Ph.D. in Engineering (Electrical and Computer Engineering Emphasis) in the college of engineering. More information about the application procedure, eligibility requirements, deadlines and assistantships can be found at the graduate admission website. Please do not hesitate to reach out by emailing your CV to Prof. Song wsong@uga.edu.
 
About UGA


The University of Georgia, founded in 1785, is the flagship university of the State of Georgia in the USA. It is consistently ranked top 50 among all U.S. universities and top 20 among all U.S. public universities according to the U.S. News & World Report rankings.