Francesco Zito

Francesco Zito, PhD

About

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." (Albert Einstein)

Postdoctoral Researcher & PhD in Computer Science

I am a Research Fellow at the University of Catania and a Computer Engineer with a PhD in Computer Science and experience in research and development. My research interest is in artificial intelligence, particularly in optimizing machine learning models and designing algorithms that learn from data to solve complex optimization problems. I also work on forecasting and data-driven applications for decision-making. I have published my work in well-known journals and international conferences.

City: Catania, Italy
Email: francesco.zito@phd.unict.it, francesco.zito@unict.it
Linkedin: zitofrancesco
Research Group Complex Intelligent Systems Research Group

Interests

Artificial Intelligence

Automated Machine Learning

High-Performance Computing

Metaheuristics

Global Optimization

Complex Networks

Time Series Forecasting

My Research

Academic Resume

Welcome to my academic resume! Here, you'll find a comprehensive overview of my educational background, research experience, publications, and professional achievements.

Experience

RESEARCH FELLOW

February 2025 - Present

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

Real-time tracking of road users through fixed cameras and mobile GNSS SDR sensors

ADJUNCT PROFESSOR

November 2024 - Present

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

Course of Principles of Computer Science and Mathematics applied to Biotechnology (Department of Biomedical and Biotechnology Sciences)

Course of Fundamentals of Computer Science (Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering)

VISITING PHD STUDENT

April 2024 - May 2024

INRIA, University of Lille, Lille, France

I have conducted research on the field of Global Optimization Problem, Hyperparameters Optimization on Machine Learning Models and High-Performance Computing.

PHD FELLOW IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

November 2021 - October 2024

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

I have conducted research in the field of artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on developing algorithms that learn from data to enhance decision-making. My key contributions include the automation of machine learning models, real-time optimization, modeling complex systems, forecasting techniques, and the integration of machine learning with metaheuristics.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

October 2022 - September 2024

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

Courses: Software Engineering, Fundamentals of Computer Science, Mathematics, Operating Systems.

RESEARCH SCHOLAR

December 2019 - march 2021

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

TALIsMAn Project, Department of Electrical Electronic and Computer Engineering

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science

November 2021 - OCT 2024

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

Thesis: In What Ways Do Data-Driven AI Algorithms Impact Complex Real-World Systems and Decision-Making?

Master of Science in Computer Engineering

October 2018 – DEC 2020

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

Thesis: Design and Validation of Virtual Gateway

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

October 2015 – October 2018

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

Volunteering

EUNICE Ambassador

June 2023 - Present

University of Catania, Catania, Italy

I have been a member of the EUNICE Student Board at the University of Catania since its establishment in 2023, where I served as one of the coordinators until July 2024.