Student Spotlight: Kiran Rokade
February 24, 2025
Kiran Rokade is a doctoral candidate in electrical and computer engineering from Mumbai, India. He earned his bachelor of technology in electrical engineering from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute in Mumbai, India and master of science in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in Chennai, India. He now studies networked game theory under the guidance of Francesca Parise at Cornell.
What is your area of research and why is it important?
My research focuses on networked game theory, a branch of mathematics that studies how decision-making individuals interact and influence each others’ decisions. Game theory helps predict outcomes in situations involving multiple participants, such as voters in a social network or price-setting sellers in a marketplace. I specifically study games where these interactions occur within a network or graph structure, like social connections or trade networks. Understanding how the network’s structure impacts the game’s outcome is crucial for improving decision-making in areas like economics, politics, and technology, making it valuable for designing fairer and more efficient systems in real-world scenarios.
What are the larger implications of this research?
My research has broad implications for understanding and improving decision-making in complex, interconnected scenarios. Networked games appear in settings like voters choosing political candidates or sellers competing in a market. By developing mathematical models, I analyze these interactions through game theory. My work helps predict outcomes of such situations by approximating solutions like Nash equilibria of these games, leveraging the structure of the underlying network. Additionally, I develop techniques to help central planners, like governments, intervene and guide outcomes. For instance, this could involve designing incentives to encourage environmentally friendly behavior or ensuring fair competition in markets, ultimately contributing to better societal, economic, and environmental outcomes.
What have you gained by participating in the NextGen Professors Program?
The NextGen Professors Program has been an invaluable resource for my academic career development. It has provided a platform to connect with peers who are also navigating the academic job market, fostering a supportive network. Through the program, I have learned about resources for preparing job applications, tools for searching for academic positions, and the expectations of the hiring process. It has also given me a space to discuss challenges in the application process and find solutions with the help of my peers. While this year’s program is still in its early stages, I look forward to gaining even more from it in the future.
How has this program been helpful in working toward your professional goals?
The NextGen Professors Program has been instrumental in helping me work toward my professional goals as I explore both academic and industry career paths. It has clarified the expectations of academic roles and provided guidance on preparing key application materials like my CV, research statement, and teaching statement. The program has streamlined the process, making it easier to navigate academic job applications. Additionally, it has offered opportunities to build long-term professional connections, which are invaluable for both career development and mentorship. This support has been crucial in shaping my understanding and readiness for potential academic career opportunities.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
Outside of my research, I enjoy playing cricket, a sport deeply popular in India and growing rapidly in the U.S. At Cornell, I’m actively involved in our cricket club, where I volunteer, organize intramural tournaments, and represent the team in competitive matches against other clubs and universities. I also enjoy playing other sports like soccer, squash, and table tennis. Beyond sports, I love traveling and experimenting in the kitchen to cook a relaxing meal, often paired with watching a good movie to unwind.
Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?
I chose Cornell for several compelling reasons. First, I was drawn to the research of Prof. Parise, whose work on game theory and networks resonated with my interests both theoretically and in terms of real-world applications. She was very approachable during my application process, making the prospect of working with her even more appealing. Additionally, Cornell’s Ivy League status and prestigious reputation, along with its strong alumni network, offered invaluable opportunities for my career. Finally, I was captivated by the charm of Ithaca—its natural beauty and the stunning seasonal changes added to the appeal of pursuing my degree here.