Fernando Otero

Senior Lecturer
Telephone
+44 (0)1227 827943
 Fernando Otero

About

Fernando has extensive research experience in machine learning and data mining, including the evaluation and interpretation of classification models. His research interests involve the design of new machine learning algorithms that create interpretable models and data pre-processing methods for feature selection and construction. His  recent work has focused on machine learning techniques that incorporate domain knowledge to extract knowledge that is both accurate and useful for the user. He also has expertise in optimising the creation of machine learning models using computational intelligence techniques.

Fernando received his PhD in 2010 from the University of Kent, working on ant colony optimisation (ACO) algorithms for data mining, in particular the creation of ACO algorithms for the bioinformatics problem of predicting protein functions. He was a Post-Doctoral Research Associate working on the EPSRC-funded project "Refactoring and Neutrality in Genetic Programming" (EP/H020217/1) at the University of Kent (2010-2012) and obtained his BSc in Computer Science from Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Parana (Brazil) in 2002.

Research interests

Fernando belongs to the following research groups:

Fernando's main research interests include:

  • Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery, in particular classification and regression – focusing on the creation of interpretable models – and more recently clustering
  • Bio-inspired algorithms, mainly ant colony optimization and genetic programming
  • Application of data mining algorithms in bioinformatics (e.g., protein function prediction) and financial forecasting
  • Large-scale data mining ("Big Data")

Fernando is always happy to discuss research ideas with potential research students and postdocs. In terms of funding, the School of Computing runs an annual PhD scholarship competition. The University has also put together a useful list of funding opportunities for postdoctoral research.

Teaching

Current Modules

I teach on (or am otherwise involved with) the following modules:

Past Modules

Professional

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

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