Research Agenda

My research activity has consistently evolved since 2001 within the domains of image analysis, computer vision, and multimodal data processing, with particular emphasis on methods enabling real-time performance and natural human–computer interaction. My current agenda focuses on developing computational models and intelligent visual systems capable of interpreting visual cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and ocular movements, to support adaptive, accessible, and context-aware interaction paradigms.

My research interests are organized around three main thematic pillars:

Advanced Image and Video Processing

I investigate segmentation algorithms for still images and dynamic visual scenes, with particular attention to methods capable of supporting real-time performance and ensuring robustness across heterogeneous visual environments. These approaches are designed to meet application needs in medical imaging, biometrics, environmental monitoring, and industrial contexts.

Vision-Based Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)

My work includes the design of visual interfaces for gesture recognition, remote eye-tracking, and multimodal perception. These systems enable natural interaction within virtual and augmented environments, support assistive technologies for visually impaired users, and provide solutions for building automation, collaborative platforms, and ambient intelligence scenarios.

Intelligent Embedded and Perceptual Systems

I explore methods and prototypes for visual interaction in handheld, mobile, and wearable devices, particularly for autonomous monitoring, navigation assistance, telemedicine, and safety-critical environments. These contributions extend to applications in traffic monitoring, enhanced reality, biometric analysis, and user-adaptive control systems.

Overall, my research contributes to the broader fields of computer vision, real-time intelligent systems, assistive technologies, and interactive computing, with the ambition to design systems that bridge perception, computation, and human experience in seamless and meaningful ways.

Biography

I am an Assistant Professor (RTD-A) at the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences (MIFT), University of Messina, Italy, since 2025. I earned my Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering with honours in 2001 and received my Ph.D. in Advanced Technologies for Information Engineering in 2005, where I developed pioneering methods for image segmentation and human–machine interaction in augmented-reality environments.

From 2001 to 2011, I was a member of the VISILab research group, contributing to several research lines in computer vision, image processing, and natural interaction systems. Beyond academic research, I served for more than a decade within the University Information Centre “A. Villari”, where I handled activities related to ICT infrastructures, network systems, data platforms, digital services, and information-system governance. I also held positions of responsibility and coordination within the Centre, overseeing strategic and operational units dedicated to network services and IT management. I have been involved in several national research initiatives, including University Research Projects (PRA) and the COFIN 2004 project on real-time environmental monitoring. Within the SINAVE project, I designed and implemented a video-based eye-tracking system for analyzing the attentional behaviour of users during navigation simulations. I am also co-inventor of an industrial patent for an ocular-movement detection device developed in collaboration with the I.R.C.C.S. Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”.

Over the years, I have taught numerous courses, including Programming, Database Systems, Image Processing, Computer Architecture, Big Data technologies, and Information Systems, across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs at the University of Messina, the Kore University of Enna, and the University of Catania (Enna campus). I have authored and co-authored numerous publications in international journals and conference proceedings, and I have served as reviewer, track chair, and program-committee member in various scientific venues in the areas of human–computer interaction, real-time systems, and intelligent vision technologies. My overarching goal is to integrate advanced visual-computing methodologies with intelligent interactive systems, fostering technologies that enhance accessibility, autonomy, and natural interaction across diverse real-world contexts.