Laura de Oliveira Fernandes Moraes

Academic Trajectory: Professor Laura Moraes is a recent PhD graduate, having completed her doctorate in February 2021 in the Systems and Computer Engineering Program (PESC) at UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro), one of the country’s leading institutions in computing, classified as level 7 (top rated) by CAPES. Her trajectory includes a degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering and a master’s degree, also from PESC. In addition, she expanded her training through international experiences, including participation in the “Data Science for Social Good” program at Nova School of Business and Economics in Portugal and at the University of Albany in the United States. These experiences enriched her perspective on how data science can be applied to solve social and educational problems.

Scientific Contribution: Professor Moraes developed software, used by more than 5,000 UFRJ students since 2018, to facilitate programming learning. This software generated a series of subsequent research projects, including an award-winning paper recognized as “Best Paper” at the Workshop on Informatics in Education (WIE) in 2023. These results highlight the relevance of her research at the intersection of education and technology, with both academic and practical impact.

Contribution to the PPGI: Since joining the PPGI-UNIRIO, Professor Moraes has made significant contributions to strengthening research and academic training. She is active on program committees of major conferences, such as ICALT and AI4ED-AAAI, and served as the program committee coordinator for the 2024 Brazilian Symposium on Informatics in Education (SBIE), held in Rio de Janeiro. Her involvement in these events enhances PPGI-UNIRIO’s visibility on the national and international stages.

Multidisciplinary Collaborations: Professor Moraes has expanded her partnerships to include projects across diverse areas, including a collaboration with the UNIRIO Music Department on the digital transformation of an electroacoustic music catalog. These initiatives demonstrate her ability to apply data science knowledge in varied contexts, broadening the impact of her research.

Researcher Training: Despite having been at PPGI-UNIRIO for only a short time, Professor Moraes already co-supervises master’s and undergraduate research students. It is noteworthy that she has already completed her first two master’s supervisions (in 2024), reinforcing her commitment to the training of new researchers. Her approach encourages autonomy and the critical application of acquired knowledge. She dedicates herself to supervising master’s students, in addition to supervising several final-year projects and undergraduate research fellows.

Main qualities highlighted by Professor Laura Moraes:

1. Innovation in Research:

• • Development of technological solutions with educational and social applications.
  • Integration of theoretical and practical perspectives to solve complex problems.

2. International Connection:

• • Participation in international programs and collaborations.
  • Joint publications with researchers from foreign institutions.

3. Multidisciplinary Collaborations:

• • Ability to apply data science in areas such as music and education.
  • Expanding academic impact to non-traditional contexts.

Plans for 2025-2028:

1. Strengthening Scientific Production:

• • Publication of articles in high-impact international journals.
  • Increased participation in global conferences.

2. Expansion of International Collaborations:

• • Reconnection with existing partnerships and exploration of new opportunities.
  • Promotion of PPGI-UNIRIO’s internationalization through global networks.

3. Focus on Multidisciplinary Projects:

• • Integration of new fields of application and data science.
  • Development of solutions that connect education, technology, and the arts.