Focusing on the intersection of data and privacy

Computer science PhD candidate Narges Alipourjeddi was inspired to focus her research on data privacy because she felt concerned about the amount of information she was giving up in her day-to-day life. “Whenever I shared my information, it made me nervous. So, I am trying to work to make it a better situation, so whenever I share my information, I feel safe,” she says.

Alipourjeddi works in the intersection of data privacy and data analysis. She uses topological data analysis, which borrows techniques from the mathematical field dealing with geometric objects, to find hidden structures within complex and unstructured data sets. “My goal is to minimize the privacy risk and maximize the information analysis we get from the data,” she says. Working with her supervisor, computer science professor Ali Miri, Alipourjeddi says she is motivated to explore how to innovate methods of preserving privacy, since there is much to learn from data but equally valid concerns about how to keep information confidential. That’s especially the case when data is complex or unstructured as it is in the era of big data. “I want to contribute to developing a secure and efficient privacy solution that balances privacy and utility.” 

At TMU, Alipourjeddi says she has found support both for her research and as a student. “The master’s degree was a great experience, which made me want to continue my PhD at TMU. I appreciated the great location, the friendly, welcoming environment, and also the focus on applied research,” she says, adding that she equally takes the opportunity to contribute to conferences and networking groups to share her ideas. She has contributed to TMU’s community by mentoring undergraduate students through TMU’s Bridging Divides program and helped organize a mathematics conference during her master’s studies. 

With her work, she aspires to develop the next generation of privacy solutions so that people like her can use devices without feeling like they are giving up their privacy and security. “The traditional method doesn't work well, so we have to work on new methods to keep data private, especially individual data.”

Alipourjeddi aspires to develop the next generation of privacy apps so she can make others feel safer in their everyday interactions.