Blockchain Prediction Platform and DeFi Applications

There are 2 projects under consideration- the first one is well underway.

1. Blockchain Expert Prediction market on Ethereum platform with an alpha trial in Fall 2021. Develop a new decentralized prediction market that can be used to elicit opinions of university researchers on socially important issues It uses smart contracts and web3.js (or web3.py) for the frontend and backend. It will be initially deployed to predict sports events by students in a number of programs. DSI scholars will assist in creation of the platform and analyzing data.
2. Prediction of credit-worthiness on DeFi platforms. A new project under consideration. It will look at the transactions of various DeFi platforms including Compound and and create metrics for credit reputation of accounts from publicly available data on Ethereum and other DeFi platforms.

Faculty Advisor

• Professor: Siddhartha Dalal
• Center/Lab: Statistics
• Location: Lewisohn 502 E
• Research in Machine Learning and Blockchains. Published more than 150 publications/patents/monographs.

Project Timeline

• Earliest starting date: 9/25/21
• End date: 5/31/22
• Number of hours per week of research expected during Fall 2021: ~12
• Number of hours per week of research expected during Summer 2022: ~20

Candidate requirements

• Skill sets: Required:
  • Java, Javascript, web3.js, and Python
  • Familiar with common algorithms and data structures Nice-to-have
  • Understanding of Blockchain, smart contracts and cryptocurrency methodology
  • Blockchain programming frameworks including Solidity, Truffle, Ganache
  • Decentralized storage such as IPFS
  • Front end programming in HTML, CSS, Javascript, Node.js, React.js
• Student eligibility: freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, master’s
• International students on F1 or J1 visa: eligible
• Academic Credit Possible: Yes