Derek Cole Aguiar

Derek Aguiar is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science & Engineering Department at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on integrating probabilistic machine learning with graph-theoretic algorithms to analyze genomics and genetic data for complex disease studies. He is also engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations in computational immunology, history education via AI, and STEM outreach for high schoolers.

• B.S. in Computer Engineering and Computer Science from University of Rhode Island
• Ph.D. in Computer Science from Brown University (advised by Sorin Istrail)
• Postdoctoral work at Princeton University (with Barbara Engelhardt)

His research interests span:

• Probabilistic and Bayesian machine learning
• Combinatorial algorithms and graph theory
• Computational genomics and transcriptomics
• AI-driven immunology and population genetics
• Polyploid haplotype assembly
• Identity-by-descent tract inference

Key scientific awards include:

• NSF CAREER Award
• NIH Grant ($200k, 4 years)
• Bushnell Performing Arts Center Foundation Grant

His software tools include:

• HapCompass: Haplotype assembly algorithms
• BIISQ: Isoform discovery from RNA-seq
• DELISHUS: Deletion polymorphism detection
• Tractatus: IBD tract inference
• CYRENE: cis-Regulatory genome browser

He mentors PhD students and high schoolers through programs like Explore Engineering and Advanced Research Mentorship. Current projects include modeling genetic variation in cardiovascular disease and AI-based historical education tools.