Search 360°: From Query Understanding to LLM-Enhanced Retrieval
Hybrid event on Zoom and YouTube
If you want to join discussion remotely, you can submit questions via Zoom Q&A. The zoom link:
[https://acm-org.zoom.us/j/94932457090?pwd=SzCaJbWEJpzEpJl7wYa1aSrHa8G15r.1](https://acm-org.zoom.us/j/94932457090?pwd=SzCaJbWEJpzEpJl7wYa1aSrHa8G15r.1)
Join via YouTube:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=t15Ca-KblbE
AGENDA
6:30 pre-sign in to test and chat
**7:00** SFBayACM upcoming events, introduce the speaker
7:15 speaker presentation starts
8:15 – 8:30 finish, depending on Q&A
Join SF Bay ACM Chapter for an insightful discussion in person at VRP
**Description:**
Search systems are evolving rapidly, powered by advances in deep learning, embeddings, and now large language models. This talk offers a 360° view of modern search architectures: from query understanding and candidate generation to pre-ranking, ranking, and re-ranking. We’ll explore how hybrid retrieval (sparse + dense), multi-task learning, and LLM-assisted query understanding are redefining search quality and personalization. Attendees will gain a systems-level understanding of how each layer contributes to relevance, diversity, and user satisfaction, and where to focus next for scalable innovation.
**Audience:**
AI practitioners interested in understanding how modern search systems work end-to-end. Also suitable for product engineers and researchers. Beginner to intermediate level: designed for attendees familiar with basic ML and data concepts, but not requiring deep expertise in search or ranking systems.
**Speaker Bio:**
Gauri Sarode is a Machine Learning Engineer at foodtech where she builds large-scale personalization and search systems that shape the customer discovery experience. With an M.S. in Computer Science from New York University, Gauri combines academic depth with real-world production experience. She holds multiple certifications in Generative AI and Retrieval-Augmented Generation.
**LinkedIn:** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurisarode/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurisarode/)
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Valley Research Park is a coworking research campus of 104,000 square feet hosting 60+ life science and technology companies. VRP has over 100 dry labs, wet labs, and high power labs sized from 125-15,000 square feet. VRP manages all of the traditional office elements: break rooms, conference rooms, outdoor dining spaces, and recreational spaces.
As a plug-and-play lab space, once companies have secured their next milestone and are ready to expand, VRP has 100+ labs ready to expand into.
https://www.valleyresearchpark.com/