Valentina Franzoni | Complex networks | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Valentina Franzoni | Complex networks | Best Researcher Award

professorĀ at University of Perugia, Italy

Dr. Valentina Franzoni is a tenure-track professor at the University of Perugia, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Affective Computing, and Human-Computer Interaction. With a PhD in Computer Engineering from La Sapienza University of Rome, she leads research in Affective Computing and Ethics for AI, contributing to multidisciplinary projects and initiatives such as the EmoRe team and KITlab. She also teaches at Hong Kong Baptist University and collaborates with Gumilyov Eurasian University. An accomplished researcher with 72 publications and over 979 citations, Dr. Franzoni is a keynote speaker, organizer of international conferences, and a senior IEEE member with a strong interdisciplinary background in psychology, philosophy, and ethics.

Publication profile

Education and Specializations

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering (La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy) Thesis: ā€œA Unifying Approach to Semantic and Topological Similarity in Information Networksā€ Supervisors: Marco Schaerf, Daniele Nardi. Masterā€™s Degree in Computer Science (University of Perugia, Italy, with honors, 110/110 cum laude) Thesis: ā€œSemantic Proximity Measures for the Webā€. Bachelorā€™s Degree in Computer Science (University of Perugia, Italy) Thesis: ā€œWeb Usability on the Nintendo Wii Platformā€. Liberal Studies Diploma (Liceo Classico ā€œAnnibale Mariottiā€, Perugia, Italy)

Professional Experience

Tenure-Track Professor (University of Perugia, Italy) Courses: Artificial Intelligence, Affective Computing, Human-Computer Interaction. Responsibilities: Leads research on Affective Computing and Ethics for AI (EmoRe), coordinates data analysis in multidisciplinary projects, involved in communication and outreach, and setting up a university spin-off in AI and Affective Computing.. Lecturer (Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong) Courses: E-Business Technology, Electronic Transformation in Business Agreement Duration: 2021-2024 External Teacher and Consultant (Gumilyov Eurasian University, Kazakhstan) Roles: Advisor to Ph.D. candidates Coordinator and Senior Visiting Research Assistant (Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong) Roles: Coordinator of HKBU-Unipg summer exchange programme (2012-2017), Senior Visiting Research Assistant (2012, 2016)

Research and Grants

Current Projects: Work Package Coordinator for the ā€œ1.1 Organoidsā€ project on data analysis and bioinformatics.. Leader of Affective Computing and Emotion Recognition research group at University of Perugia.. Past Grants:. Funding for e-learning research (PRIN ā€œPHRAMEā€ project) Scholarships for various international conferences and summer schools. Research grants for projects on e-learning and semantic annotation

Academic and Professional Activities

Conferences and Workshops: Organizer and keynote speaker at various events related to AI, affective computing, and ethics. Publications: Articles: 72 indexed in international journals and conference proceedings Book Chapters: 2 scientific, 1 educational Citations: Over 979; H-index: 20 (Scopus, July 2024) Editorial and Review Roles: Guest editor, reviewer for scientific journals, senior IEEE member

Educational and Training Activities

Courses: Attended various summer schools and training in Open Science, Reasoning Web, Mathematics, and more.. Additional Education: Courses in theology, philosophy, and psychology from Theological Institute of Assisi and University of Perugia.

Graduate and PhD Thesis Supervision šŸŽ“

Zhanerke Musekenova: Intelligent document management system (2020). Gaukhar Baltabayeva: Intelligent video surveillance system (2020). Giulio Biondi: Meta-Correlations for Link Prediction (2021). Andrea Migni: Intelligent search on didactic-scientific repositories (May 2019). Giulio Biondi: Semantic and topological proximity in link prediction (April 2017). Gianluca Curto: Randomized Walk Generation Strategies for Recommendation Systems (July 2016). Paolo Mengoni: Semantic Proximity Measures in Collaborative Networks (February 2014). Marco Mencacci: Randomized Paths in Collaborative Networks (February 2014). Fabrizio Piccinato: Visual Interfaces for E-learning Platforms (May 2014). Fabiana Zollo: Automated Classification on the book social network Zazie (May 2013). Sabrina Manni: Information Security in Cloud Computing (May 2013)

Awards and Acknowledgements šŸ†

  • Best Paper Award
    • Title: ā€œSemantic Similarity Measures for Topological Link Predictionā€
    • Event: International Conference of Computer Science and Its Applications (ICCSA)
    • Date: July 1-4, 2020
    • Location: Cagliari, Italy
  • Leadership Certificate
    • Event: 19th International Conference on Computational Science and Applications (ICCSA) and associated workshops (ACER-EMORE and IWCES)
    • Date: July 1-5, 2019
    • Location: Saint Petersburg, Russia
    • Recognition: Outstanding contribution
  • Certificate for Workshop Organizers
    • Event: Affective Computing and Emotion Recognition (ACER)
    • Affiliation: IEEE/WIC/ACM WI 2017
    • Date: 2017
    • Location: Leipzig University
  • Leadership Certificate
    • Event: 17th International Conference on Computational Science and Applications (ICCSA) and associated workshops (EMORE and IWCES)
    • Date: July 3-6, 2017
    • Location: Trieste, Italy
    • Recognition: Outstanding contribution
  • Award for Excellent Contribution
    • Recognition: 5-years coordination of the HKBU-UNIPG International Exchange Programme
    • Date: 2016
    • Affiliation: University of Perugia and Hong Kong Baptist University
  • FSE Awards 2014, III Prize
    • Category: Young researchers and mobility
    • Project: Por Umbria FSE “iLearn: usability metrics and developing protocols for e-learning on innovative mobile devices”
    • Region: Umbria
  • Award for Outstanding Coordination
    • Event: HKBU-UNIPG International Exchange Programme
    • Date: 2014
    • Affiliation: University of Perugia and Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Award for Outstanding Coordination
    • Event: HKBU-UNIPG International Exchange Programme
    • Date: 2013
    • Affiliation: University of Perugia and Hong Kong Baptist University

 

Publication

  1. A deep learning semantic approach to emotion recognition using the IBM Watson Bluemix Alchemy language
    Journal: Computational Science and Its Applications ā€“ ICCSA 2017: 17th International
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 51
    Contributors: G Biondi, V Franzoni, V Poggioni

 

  1. Context-based image semantic similarity
    Conference: 2015 12th International Conference on Fuzzy Systems and Knowledge Discovery
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 48
    Contributors: V Franzoni, A Milani, S Pallottelli, CHC Leung, Y Li

 

  1. Web-based similarity for emotion recognition in web objects
    Conference: Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Utility and Cloud
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 47
    Contributors: G Biondi, V Franzoni, Y Li, A Milani

 

  1. PMING distance: a collaborative semantic proximity measure
    Conference: 2012 IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conferences on Web Intelligence and
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 47
    Contributors: V Franzoni, A Milani

 

  1. Artificial Intelligence Visual Metaphors in E-Learning Interfaces for Learning Analytics
    Journal: Applied Sciences
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 44
    Contributors: V Franzoni, A Milani, P Mengoni, F Piccinato
  1. Semantic context extraction from collaborative networks
    Conference: Computer Supported Cooperative Work in Design (CSCWD), 2015 IEEE 19th
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 31
    Contributors: V Franzoni, A Milani

 

  1. Multi-path traces in semantic graphs for latent knowledge elicitation
    Conference: Natural Computation (ICNC), 2015 11th International Conference
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 28
    Contributors: V Franzoni, A Milani, S Pallottelli

 

  1. Semantic Heuristic Search in Collaborative Networks: Measures and Contexts
    Conference: 2014 IEEE/WIC/ACM International Joint Conferences on Web Intelligence (WI)
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 28
    Contributors: Franzoni V., Mencacci M., Mengoni P., Milani A.

 

  1. Heuristics for semantic path search in Wikipedia
    Conference: International Conference on Computational Science and Its Applications
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 27
    Contributors: V Franzoni, M Mencacci, P Mengoni, A Milani

Conclusion šŸ“

The candidate demonstrates outstanding qualifications for the Best Researcher Award, with a distinguished educational background, extensive professional experience, and a significant record of research achievements. Their leadership in research and contributions to the academic community are commendable. To further strengthen their profile, focusing on expanding their research scope, increasing collaborations, and enhancing public outreach would be beneficial. Overall, their accomplishments and ongoing contributions position them as a leading candidate for the award.

Ehsan Pashanejad | spatial analysis | Young Scientist Award

Ā Mr. Ehsan Pashanejad | spatial analysis | Young Scientist Award

Ā Mr. The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Canada

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ”¬ As part of the NSERCResNet strategic network, I am immersed in modeling the intricate interactions among multiple ecosystem services across the Canadian Prairies for my PhD program. My MSc research delved into various aspects of ecosystem change impacts, vulnerability, community resilience, and the interactions between human and natural systems. I’ve conducted hydrological ecosystem service mapping for local climate change adaptation and mitigation planning in the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, as part of the UBC sustainability scholar program. Proficient in mapping and modeling ecosystem services, environmental complexities, and geospatial analysis, I’ve contributed to strategic spatial planning and decision-making processes on both small and large scales in Iran and Canada. Moreover, I’ve collaborated with federal government agencies like Parks Canada, where I conducted climate change vulnerability assessments for species at risk in Wood Buffalo National Park.

 

Profile

Orcid

Scholar

Education šŸ“ššŸŽ“

PhD in Earth and Environmental Sciences University of British Columbia, Okanagan (UBCO), CanadaPh.D. Project: Modeling the interactions of Ecosystem Services Supply Using a Spatial System Framework across the Canadian PrairieThesis Supervisor: Prof. Lael Parrott. M.Sc. in Geography and Spatial PlanningTarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Thesis Title: Impact Assessment of Urmia Lake Ecosystem Changes on Spatial Organization in the Eastern Region Thesis Supervisor: Dr. Mojtaba Rafieian. Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in Geography and Urban PlanningUniversity of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Graduation Project: Sustainable Urban Development in Azarshahr County Supervisor: Prof. Mohammadreza Pourmohammadi

Awards, Honours, Grants šŸ†šŸ’°

2023: Young Scientist Summer Program Participant at the International Institute for Advanced System Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria2020: Graduate Deans Entrance Scholarship from the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Canada2020: Graduate Research Assistantship funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERCResNet)2018: Travel Grant to Potsdam Summer School, Germany2017: Top Book Award in Tenth Harakat National Festival, Tehran, Iran2015-2016: Winner of 5 awards from the Iranian Elite Foundation, Iran

Research Experience šŸ“šŸ”

September 2020 – 2023 (current):Expected completion year: 2024Position: Graduate Research Assistant, University of British Columbia (UBC), Okanagan Campus Responsibilities: Ecosystem Service Supply Modeling and Mapping Sep 2013 – Jan 2016:Position: Climate Change Research Assistant, Parks Canada, Vancouver, Canada Responsibilities: Conducted Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for species at Risk in Wood Buffalo National Park Worked with Nature Serve Sep 2008 – Jul 2012:Position: Research Assistant at Geography and Planning Lab, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran Responsibilities: Conducted Environmental Vulnerability Assessment Studied Rural Community Resilience Engaged in GIS-based MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision Making)2017-2018:Position: Research Assistantship at Geographical Research Centre, University of Tabriz Responsibilities: Explored Regional Resilience and Environmental Changes Studied Environmental Vulnerability

Teaching Experience šŸ“ššŸ‘Øā€šŸ«

Jan 2021 – Present: Position: Teaching Assistant at The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus Courses: GEOG 109 (Earth Systems: Landscape Dynamics)GEOG 108 (Earth Systems: Weather, Climate, and Life)GISC 381 (Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science)

Work Experience šŸ’¼šŸŒ

May 2022 – Aug 2022:Position: Graduate Research Assistant, UBC, Okanagan Campus Responsibilities: Conducted Hydrological Ecosystem Service Mapping in the Comox Valley for local climate change mitigation plan Aug 2017 – Sep 2020:Position: Spatial Planner at Management and Planning Organization of East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz, Iran Responsibilities: Preparing and Monitoring of Strategic Spatial Plan of East-Azerbaijan Province Apr 2018 – 2020:Position: Spatial Planner and GIS Expert at Apadana Economic Development Planners Engineer Consulting (BETA), Tehran, Iran Responsibilities: Part-time Collaboration with the West-Azerbaijan Province Strategic Spatial Plan Apr 2017 – Nov 2017:Position: Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Project at Dadeh Pardazaneh Makan Mabna (DPMM) Consulting Engineer Responsibilities: Collaboration with The University of Tabriz, Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) Project of East-Azerbaijan Management and Planning Organization

Seminars and Conferences Attended šŸŽ“šŸŒ

International Conference on Geographic Environmental Impacts of Urmia Lake Conditions University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran, 23-24 Nov 2016The Conference on Political Reordering of Space and Optimal Governance of Tehran City Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, Feb 2016The Conference on Decentralization and Reordering of the Capital in Iran Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran, Feb 2015

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Spatial Assessment of the Relationship between Environmental Vulnerability and Rural Community Resilience in East-Azerbaijan Province
    • Authors: E Pashanejad-Silab, M Rafieian, M Pourtaheri
    • Journal: Journal of Research and Rural Planning
    • Year: 2017

 

  • VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF URMIA LAKE CRISIS IN THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR AND RURAL COMMUNITY RESILIENCE CHALLENGES
    • Authors: E PASHANEJAD SILAB, M RAFIEIAN, S SHAYAN
    • Journal: GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
    • Year: 2017

 

  • The application of semantic modelling to map pollination service provisioning at large landscape scales
    • Authors: E Pashanejad, H Thierry, BE Robinson, L Parrott
    • Journal: Ecological Modelling
    • Year: 2023

 

  • Vulnerability Spheres identification of Urmia Lake Ecosystem changes on Eastern Spatial Organization
    • Authors: E Pashanzhad- Silab, M Rafieian, S Shayan
    • Journal: The Journal of Spatial Planning
    • Year: 2016

 

  • A Functional Connectivity Approach for Exploring Interactions of Multiple Ecosystem Services in the Context of Agricultural Landscapes
    • Authors: E Pashanejad, A Kharrazi, ZMF Araujo-Gutierrez, B Robinson, B Fath, …
    • Journal: Available at SSRN
    • Year: Not specified