Specifying Latent Structure Characteristics in Mixed-membership Models
Ramnath Balasubramanyan · 2013
The process of working on this PhD has been challenging on both technical and personal terms. I am deeply grateful for the extensive support and inspiration I have had the privilege of enjoying, from a whole host of people. I am greatly indebted to my advisor William Cohen, who has patiently guided over the past six years, as I frequently stumbled. While I have leaned on him technically extensively, my gratitude towards him extends far beyond guidance with technical mat-ters. Watching him frame research in a bigger context and finding connections to other areas have been valuable lessons which I’m sure will help me in my role as a researcher. I am also thankful to the other members on my thesis committee. Noah Smith’s energy and passion for research is always an inspiration. I am thankful to Steve Fienberg for thoughtful comments about the statistical validity of the ideas I’ve worked on. Padhraic Smyth has been very supportive and his comments and advice have greatly helped me shape my thesis. My wife Beena, has been a rock during this long journey through grad school. I have learnt a lot from her over the years from her about being perseverent and relentless.