Sindura Saraswathi
PhD Student
Department of Computer Science
University of Central Florida
Bitcoin & Lightning Network Researcher
Hi, I am a PhD student at the University of Central Florida, where I research the Bitcoin Lightning Network, a second-layer protocol designed to enhance Bitcoin's scalability. I am focused on developing innovative algorithms to enhance payment delivery within the Lightning Network. I am fortunate to be advised by Dr. Christian Kümmerle. I am always eager to collaborate on research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in Bitcoin and blockchain technology.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I am a trained Indian classical singer. I enjoy solving Rubik's cubes, traveling, and playing badminton.
Research
Interests
- Bitcoin
- Lightning Network
- Non-Convex Optimization
In-progress
I am currently working on,
- Developing a new algorithm for Multi-Part Payments (MPP) within the LN
- Implementing strategies to mitigate channel liquidity uncertainty in the LN
Publications
Sindura Saraswathi, Christian Kümmerle. An Exposition of Pathfinding Strategies Within Lightning Network Clients.
Accepted at IEEE ICBC 2025.
arXiv IEEE Xplore Cite Code
Citation Information
Title:An Exposition of Pathfinding Strategies Within Lightning Network Clients
Authors:Sindura Saraswathi, Christian Kümmerle
Journal/Conference:IEEE International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (ICBC)
Year:2025
BibTeX
@INPROCEEDINGS{11114515, author={Saraswathi, Sindura and Kümmerle, Christian}, booktitle={2025 IEEE International Conference on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency (ICBC)}, title={An Exposition of Pathfinding Strategies Within Lightning Network Clients}, year={2025}, volume={}, number={}, pages={1-17}, keywords={Measurement;Shortest path problem;Costs;Scalability;Lightning;Routing;Reliability engineering;Cost function;Peer-to-peer computing;Standards;Payment Channel Network;Lightning Network;Pathfinding Strategies;Bitcoin}, doi={10.1109/ICBC64466.2025.11114515}}
Citation Information
Title:Optimal Threshold Signatures in Bitcoin
Authors:Korok Ray, Sindura Saraswathi
Journal/Conference:arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.25408
Year:2025
BibTeX
@article{ray2025optimal, title={Optimal Threshold Signatures in Bitcoin}, author={Ray, Korok and Saraswathi, Sindura}, journal={arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.25408}, year={2025} }
Industry Experience
LX Research Labs
Research Consultant Intern (June 2024 - August 2024), San Jose, USA
Conducted comprehensive Bitcoin L2 risk reviews, contributing to Bitcoin Layers' analysis. Researched and evaluated covenant-enabling opcodes (CTV, LNHANCE) and other opcodes (CAT, ZKP, CSFS) to analyze risks and use cases, supporting informed protocol development.
Academic Experience
University of Central Florida
Graduate Research Assistant (August 2025 - Present)
Developing novel algorithm for Multi-Path Pathfinding in the Lighting Network.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Graduate Research Assistant (January 2025 - June 2025)
Developing novel algorithm for Multi-Path Pathfinding in the Lighting Network.
Graduate Teaching Assistant (August 2024 - December 2024)
Teaching assistant for the course "Bitcoin: Programming the Future of Money - ITCS 4010/5010".
Graduate Research Assistant (January 2024 - June 2024)
Developed a simulation model to compare various Lightning Network implementations based on performance metrics such as reliability, fees, path length, and timelock (delay).
Research Intern (June 2023 - December 2023)
Analyzed pathfinding algorithms used in major Lightning Network implementations, including Core Lightning, Eclair, LND, and LDK.
Texas A&M University, College Station
Graduate Teaching Assistant (January 2023 - May 2023)
Teaching assistant for the course "The Bitcoin Protocol - CSCE 489".
Graduate Research Assistant (June 2022 - December 2022)
Studied finite fields, elliptic curves, scripts, transactions, and blocks to enhance understanding and programming of Bitcoin. Worked extensively with Bitcoin Core, RPC commands, and full nodes.
Education
Ph.D. in Computer Science
University of Central Florida
August 2025 - Present
Ph.D. in Computer Science
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
January 2024 - July 2025
Transferred to UCF
M.S. in Computer Engineering
Texas A&M University, College Station
January 2022 - December 2023
B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering
Visvesvaraya Technological University, India
August 2015 - July 2019
Presentations
-
TABConf 5, 2024, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
IEEE ICBC, 2025, Pisa, Italy
An Exposition of Pathfinding Strategies Within Lightning Network Clients
-
Stanford University, USA
Optimal Threshold Signatures in Bitcoin
Latest News & Updates
Stay informed about my research, publications, and upcoming events. Here's a quick update on what’s happening: