Sonia Maria Valladares Rodriguez

Sonia Maria Valladares Rodriguez is a tenured professor at the Department of Electronics and Computing, affiliated with the Higher Polytechnic School of Engineering at the University of Santiago. Her research focuses on developing technological solutions for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases using AI, machine learning, and gamification. She leads the GSI Group (Intelligent Systems Group) and has conducted pioneering work in cognitive assessment via conversational agents, virtual reality, and wearable devices.

Education: PhD in Computer Science from the University of Vigo (2019), thesis titled 'Early detection of cognitive impairment using gamification techniques, machine learning and ICT tools' under Dr. Manuel J. Fernández Iglesias and Dr. Luis E. Anido Rifón.

Research Interests: Cognitive neuroscience applications, AI-driven diagnostic tools, serious games for healthcare, and technology transfer to vulnerable populations. Notable projects include the Panoramix e-health platform and the Ludus (Lucus) digital memory test.

Grants/Projects: Principal Investigator in EU-funded DEEPINVENTHEI and regional initiatives. Active in translating research into social impact through intergenerational service-learning programs and deep-technology entrepreneurship support.

Labs/Teams: Directs the GSI Group, collaborating on projects like conversational agent frameworks and FHIR-integrated diagnostic systems. Her work bridges computer science with geriatric care and active aging initiatives.