M.Sc. Diego Ascânio Santos — DI 2 Professor at DECOMDV CEFET-MG

Who am I?

I am Diego Ascânio Santos, a professor at CEFET-MG, Divinópolis campus. My background is in Computer Engineering, I hold a master's degree in Computational Mathematical Modeling and I'm currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the same program, with an emphasis on Operations Research, expected to be completed in December 2028. My academic interests span across multiple fields, including mathematical models, operations research, computer vision, artificial intelligence, machine learning, electrical engineering, microprocessors, digital systems, educational technology, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in STEM as I am an autistic person myself.

I teach computing fundamentals, including programming languages like C and Python, as well as microcontroller programming. I am always looking for new ways to engage students in the learning process and I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of engineers.

Research Interests

Mathematical Models
Operations Research
Computing Fundamentals
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Computer Vision
Electrical Engineering
Microprocessors
Digital Systems
Educational Technology
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in STEM

Current Projects

Ongoing Ph.D. Research on Operations Research applied to Bulk Cargo Terminals

My Ph.D. research focuses on developing mathematical models and optimization algorithms to improve the efficiency of bulk cargo terminals. This includes optimizing the allocation of resources, scheduling of operations, and minimizing costs associated with cargo handling. The goal is to enhance the overall performance of bulk cargo terminals while ensuring sustainability and environmental compliance. My advisors, who I am deeply grateful for their guidance, are Dr. Gustavo Campos Menezes, Dr. Elisângela Martins de Sá and Dr. Luciano Perdigão Cota.

Introduction to Programming and Robotics Course

Introductory course for elementary school students in Divinópolis - MG. Developed at CEFET-MG with the Municipal Department of Education, coordinated by Dr. Thabatta Moreira Alves de Araújo.

Access Control of CEFET-MG Environments

Development and integration of devices for managing access to CEFET-MG facilities. In partnership with Dr. Eduardo Habib Bechelane Maia, Dr. Gustavo Campos Menezes, B.Sc. Renato Stangherlin Castanheira, Dr. Sandro Renato Dias, M.Sc. Oscar Praga de Souza and others.

Concluded Projects

Inclusiveness in Computing at the Service of Society

Proposal for a Solution to Curb Sexual Harassment on Public Transportation in Divinópolis

Proposal to build an anti-harassment device aimed at leveraging the hyperfocus of an autistic student on buses as a pedagogical tool. Developed with Dr. Thabatta Moreira Alves de Araújo and M.Sc. Anderson Ribeiro de Oliveira Santos Silva.

Game Development with Scratch, Pico8, Godot, and Unity Engine

Proposal to build games to harness the hyperfocus of an autistic student on games as a pedagogical tool. Also part of the Inclusiveness in Computing initiative, in partnership with Dr. Thabatta Moreira Alves de Araújo.