Dr. Maria Balcan

Biography

Maria Balcan is a professor in the Machine Learning Department at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research focuses on fundamental questions in Machine Learning, Algorithmic Game Theory, and Algorithms. She develops deep connections between these areas, utilizing insights to address central challenges in innovative ways. Her work in Algorithmic Game Theory extends beyond traditional analyses of complex systems, incorporating machine learning methods to explore information-gathering dynamics and improve auction design. Balcan's research showcases applications of machine learning in automating aspects of auction design and tackling problems related to market analysis while ensuring near-optimal revenue guarantees. In addition, she is working on creating general techniques that influence behavior in complex adaptive systems, with the aim of promoting globally beneficial outcomes. Balcan is also focused on designing algorithms for optimization problems that maintain strong formal guarantees under natural stability assumptions, demonstrating that real-world instances can exhibit regularities that differ from worst-case scenarios.

Research Interests