Model-based Interactive Systems Design Professors and Supervisors in Brazil

Marco Antonio CasanovaView profile

Professor

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de JaneiroBrazil

Marco Antonio Casanova is a Full Professor at the Department of Informatics and Coordinator of the Central Planning and Evaluation Office of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). He has held significant leadership positions at PUC-Rio including Graduate Program Coordinator (2005-2007) and Director of the Department of Informatics (2007-2011). His research interests concentrate on database conceptual modeling, construction of database management systems, and applications of Large Language Models. Dr. Casanova's work focuses on technologies that facilitate the dissemination and interpretation of data on the Web, with particular emphasis on techniques for designing databases to facilitate interoperability. His academic journey began with a degree in Electronic Engineering from the Military Institute of Engineering (1974), followed by an M.Sc. in Informatics from PUC-Rio (1976), and culminated with an M.Sc. (1978) and Ph.D. (1979) in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on the intersection of Large Language Models with database technologies, particularly in developing advanced Text-to-SQL and Text-to-SPARQL systems. His research spans both theoretical database concepts and practical applications across various domains including engineering, healthcare, and cultural heritage. Dr. Casanova has been particularly active in exploring how LLMs can enhance traditional database query interfaces while addressing real-world challenges in complex database environments. Scientific Recognition: Recipient of the Scientific Merit Award from the Brazilian Computer Society (2012) CNPq Level 1B Productivity Grant recipient Dr. Casanova maintains an active research program with numerous collaborations across Brazil and internationally. His work bridges theoretical database research with practical applications, particularly in the evolving landscape of AI-enhanced database systems. He has contributed significantly to the field of semantic technologies, knowledge graphs, and natural language interfaces to databases, with a recent emphasis on leveraging Large Language Models to solve longstanding database interoperability challenges. His laboratory and research team at PUC-Rio focus on developing innovative approaches to database management that incorporate cutting-edge AI techniques while maintaining strong theoretical foundations in database systems.

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Joaquim Armando Pires JorgeView profile

Professor

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de JaneiroBrazil

Joaquim Armando Pires Jorge is a Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, where he holds the UNESCO Chair on AI & Virtual Reality. He is also an Adjunct Full Professor at Victoria University of Wellington and an Honorary Invited Professor at the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. His career spans AI, VR, and human-centered computing, with leadership roles in IEEE Computer Society, ACM/SIGGRAPH, and Eurographics. Teaching: Computer Graphics, VR, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Leadership: IEEE Computer Society Board of Governors (2023–present), ACM Europe Council (2015–2019) Research: 400+ peer-reviewed publications, focusing on VR, AI ethics, and interactive systems Jorge’s research bridges theoretical and applied computing, emphasizing ethical AI, reproducible science, and immersive technologies. His work includes foundational contributions to pseudo-haptics, gamification in education, and 3D user interfaces. He advocates for open science and global collaboration in XR (Extended Reality) development. His publications span topics like NFTs, remote assistance in MR (Mixed Reality), and gamified learning analytics, reflecting a career dedicated to innovation in graphics, interaction, and education. Notable awards include IEEE Fellow (2025), IEEE Golden Core (2024), and IFIP Silver Core (2014). He has supervised 18 doctoral theses and 70+ MSc dissertations, including Pedro Duarte Parreira’s Fraunhofer-winning MSc thesis (2016). As Editor-in-Chief of Computers & Graphics (since 2007) and IEEE Computer Society Publications Board member (2025–present), he shapes academic discourse in computing. Selected Awards IEEE Fellow (2025) Golden Core Award (2024) IFIP Silver Core (2014) Best Paper Award, IEEE CG&A (2011) Fellow, Eurographics Association (2010)

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Simone Diniz Junqueira BarbosaView profile

Associate Professor

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de JaneiroBrazil

Simone Diniz Junqueira Barbosa is an Associate Professor at the Informatics Department of Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). She leads the IDEIAS-SERG lab, focusing on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Information Visualization research. Her work spans model-based interactive systems design, visual analytics, digital storytelling, and AI techniques for improving system usability and accessibility. Her research explores: Model-based approaches for interactive systems Data science and visual analytics for complex datasets Digital storytelling techniques Accessibility and usability enhancement through AI Semiotic engineering foundations for HCI Publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on HCI methodologies, data visualization literacy, ethical AI development, and applications in legal informatics/industrial automation. Recent works focus increasingly on explainable AI, visualization cognition, and ethical ML practices. Awards & Honors: IFIP TC13 Pioneer Award (2019) Outstanding HCI Career Award (Brazilian Computer Society, 2020) Selo de Inovação SBC Innovation Award (2022) IFIP Fellow Award (2024) She has advised over 45 graduate students (PhD/MSc) and coordinates multiple labs including DasLab, ExACTa, and Americanas Futuro Lab. Funded projects include CNPq, FAPERJ, Microsoft Research, and Petrobras collaborations focusing on HCI innovations and data visualization tools. Leads the IDEIAS-SERG research group merging semiotic engineering with interaction design. Serves on steering committees for ACM CHI and IFIP TC13, previously co-edited ACM Interactions Magazine (2016-2019).

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Dora IzzoView profile

Associate Professor

Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)Brazil

Dora Izzo serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Physics at the Institute of Physics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Her academic foundation includes a PhD in Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1990), establishing her expertise in theoretical condensed matter physics. Education: PhD in Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1990 Research Focus: Dr. Izzo specializes in the statistical mechanics of macromolecules , investigating thermodynamic behaviors across nonpolar systems (governed by entropic/short-range interactions) and polar systems (requiring long-range electrostatic analysis). Her methodologies integrate equations of state , mean-field approximations , and scaling theories to model phenomena like homopolymer solubilization, block copolymer micellization, and polyelectrolyte rheology. This work bridges theoretical frameworks with experimental observations in macromolecular thermodynamics. Publication Trends: Her recent research examines solubilization mechanisms in diblock copolymer systems and anomalous viscosity in polyelectrolyte chains. These studies reveal consistent emphasis on phase behavior and flow properties of macromolecular solutions, with applications spanning industrial processes like paint formulation and polymer material design. Professional Engagement: Based in Room A-319/7 at UFRJ's Institute of Physics, she maintains active roles in research and teaching while contributing to Brazil's academic physics community through institutional channels like LATTES CV and Vitae platforms.

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