Research overview

 

I have currently a research position ("assegno di ricerca") at the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies (ISTC), Italian National Research Council (CNR). I am member of the Laboratory of Autonomous Robotics and Artificial Life (LARAL) at the ISTC, and of the Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (CCNL), at the University of Padova.

I have a degree in Philosophy and a Ph.D in Cognitive Neurosciences. In the past years, I worked in important institutes and research centres, among them the Institute of Psychology of the Italian National Research Council, the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, the University of Padova, the University of Milano-Bicocca and the Carnegie-Mellon University.

My research activity concentrates on Computational Neurosciences and Artificial Life, and their applications in several domains, like e-Learning, Videogames, Serious Games.
I am author of important scientific publications on brain modularity and its evolution, on computational models of neuropsichological syndromes like neglect, on the role of action and perception in object categorization. Moreover, I am expert of Artificial Intelligence techniques, like Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms, and I developed several applicative software packages, that use such techniques.

Currently, I am involved in the SiSiNe project, that aims at the creation of a technology platform for teaching negotiation using Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games and Artificial Life techniques. Moreover, I am also member of the SynapThink team, that aims at applying Artificial Life technologies and Neuroscience knowledge to the development of various business and gaming applications.

Current position

Research Position. Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council.

Fields of  interest

• Neural Networks & Artificial Life methodologies and techniques
• Computational models of neuropsichological syndromes
• Modularity
• Action and perception in object categorization
• Artificial intelligence in videogames
• New tools for e-Learning