About Me

Associate Professor at EPITA

Professional Background

I am an Associate Professor (Enseignant-Chercheur) at EPITA Research Laboratory (LRE) in Lyon, France. My research focuses on Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) and Scientific Discovery, with particular emphasis on the intersection of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), Reinforcement Learning, and Continual Learning. I develop interpretable AI methods that bridge the gap between model performance and human understanding, enabling trustworthy AI systems for scientific applications.

I completed my PhD in Artificial Intelligence under the supervision of Prof. Roberto Capobianco at Sapienza University of Rome. My PhD project focused on developing model-specific XAI methods using a topology-based approach to identify and learn data representations that provide human-interpretable explanations of neural network predictions. I hold an M.Sc. degree in AI & Robotics and a B.Sc. degree in Computer and Control Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome.

I have strong background in the application of AI to chemistry and drug discovery, gained through my visiting scholar experience at the University of North Carolina and collaborations with the Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology Department at Sapienza University of Rome. Beyond research, I provide consulting services and technical guidance to companies and institutions seeking to implement AI and machine learning solutions responsibly.

Current Position

Associate Professor (Enseignant-Chercheur) - EPITA Research Laboratory (LRE)

Location

Rome, Italy

Education

PhD in Artificial Intelligence

Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

2019 - 2023

M.Sc. in AI and Robotics

Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

2017 - 2019

B.Sc. in Computer and Control Engineering

Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

2014 - 2017

Research Interests

Explainable AI (XAI)
Scientific Discovery
Graph Neural Networks
Reinforcement Learning
Continual Learning
Trustworthy AI

Professional Experience

Associate Professor (Enseignant-Chercheur)

Apr 2026 - Present

EPITA Research Laboratory (LRE), EPITA, Lyon, France

Research on Explainable Artificial Intelligence on Graph Neural Networks. Associate Professor at EPITA School of Engineering with focus on teaching Deep Learning and cutting-edge AI research.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Jan 2026 - Mar 2026

EPITA Research Laboratory (LRE), EPITA, Lyon, France

Research on Explainable Artificial Intelligence on Graph Neural Networks. Associate Professor at EPITA School of Engineering with focus on teaching Deep Learning and cutting-edge AI research.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Nov 2024 - Dec 2025

Laboratoire d'Informatique en Images et Systèmes d'Information (LIRIS), INSA Lyon, France

Research on Explainable Artificial Intelligence with focus on Graph Neural Networks interpretability and self-explainable models.

Deep Learning Adjunct Professor

Sep 2025 - Present

EPITA Lyon, France

External Professor of the Deep Learning Course in the Master's Degree program. Teaching advanced topics in neural networks and deep learning methodologies.

AI Consultant

Nov 2021 - Present

Self Employed

Artificial Intelligence consulting services for private clients and companies. Specializing in machine learning implementation, AI strategy, and technical guidance.

Machine Learning Engineer

2016 - Present

Rome Center for Molecular Design, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Participation with the research group developing web applications and machine learning models for pharmaceutical chemistry applications and drug design.

Visiting Scholar

2019

Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA

Application of Machine Learning to pharmaceutical chemistry for drug discovery. Research on AI-driven molecular design and compound prediction.

High School Teacher (Mathematics)

2021

Enrico Fermi High School, Italy

Mathematics substitute teacher, teaching high school level mathematics and problem-solving skills.

Junior Scholarship Holder

2019

Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Analysis of scientific production and research metrics through Google Scholar and Scopus databases.