Prof. Dr. Lorena Barona López | Sensors | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lorena Barona López, EPN, Ecuador

Lorena Isabel Barona López is a researcher and professor specializing in computer science and telecommunications, currently affiliated with the Escuela Politécnica Nacional in Quito, Ecuador. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain, where she developed a situational awareness model for 5G mobile networks within the SELFNET architecture. Her academic background also includes a Master’s in Telematic Services and Networking Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic and Information Network Engineering from Escuela Politécnica Nacional. Dr. Barona’s research interests encompass 5G networks, software-defined networking (SDN), virtualization, and data analysis. She is an accredited Level 1 researcher by the Ecuadorian Secretariat for Higher Education, Science, and Technology and a member of various international research networks, including Ciencia Digital and Indra Digital Lab. With extensive teaching experience at both national and international universities, she has lectured in areas such as cybersecurity, network security, embedded systems, and system architecture. Dr. Barona also serves as the Executive Editor of the Ciencia Digital journal and has professional experience in systems administration and IT support. She is proficient in both Spanish and English and actively pursues professional development in artificial intelligence, machine learning, programming, and digital pedagogy.

Professional Profile:

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ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lorena Isabel Barona López is a distinguished academic and researcher in the fields of Computer Science, 5G networks, Data Analysis, Software-Defined Networks (SDN), and Virtualization. Her extensive research background, innovative contributions to next-generation networking technologies, and commitment to both education and scientific advancement make her an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

👩‍🎓 Education

🎓 Ph.D. in Computer Science
Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
(Nov 2013 – Sep 2017)
📘 Thesis: Modelo de Conciencia Situacional para el Análisis de Datos en Redes Móviles 5G
🔍 Research Areas: 5G, Data Analysis, SDN, Virtualization
🎓 Master’s in Telematic Services & Networking Engineering
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
(Sep 2012 – Jul 2013)
📘 Thesis: Propuesta de Escenarios Virtuales con la Herramienta VNX para Pruebas del Protocolo OpenFlow
🔍 Focus: OpenFlow, Networks, SDN, Virtualization
🎓 Bachelor’s in Electronic and Information Network Engineering
Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador
(Oct 2004 – Oct 2010)
📘 Project: IP-based Surveillance System for Condominiums in Ambato
🔍 Focus: IP, Networks

💼 Work & Teaching Experience

🧠 Researcher, GASS Group
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
(Nov 2013 – Jul 2017)
🧪 Focus on cybersecurity, 5G, and data analysis.
📝 Executive Editor, Ciencia Digital Journal
(Sep 2017 – Present)
👩‍🏫 Teaching Roles (2011–2025):
Courses in:
- Communication Systems, Embedded Systems, Cybersecurity 🔐
- Network Security, Software Engineering 💻
- Extended Databases, Operating Systems 🖥️
- MOOCs and online teaching platforms 🎓
📍 Institutions:
- Escuela Politécnica Nacional
- Universidad Internacional de la Rioja (Spain)
- Universidad Técnica de Ambato
- Universidad Metropolitana
- Universidad de las Américas
🖥️ System Administrator, COMDECSA
(May 2011 – Sep 2012)
🧪 Lab Assistant, Escuela Politécnica Nacional
(Sep 2009 – Aug 2010)

🏅 Achievements, Accreditations, and Honors

🥇 Aggregated Researcher Level 1, Ecuador’s Secretaría de Educación Superior, Ciencia y Tecnología (2018)
🌐 Member of:
- Ciencia Digital Network (2019)
- International Network Indra Digital Lab, Spain
📜 Extensive professional certifications in:
- AI & Machine Learning 🤖
- ICT in Education 💡
- Cloud Dashboards ☁️
- Programming (Python 🐍, Java ☕, R 📊)
- Educational tools and Moodle platforms 🎓
🎖️ Expert in Pedagogical Innovation: flipped classrooms, digital teaching tools, and virtual course design.

Publication Top Notes:

A Systematic Literature Review of Machine Unlearning Techniques in Neural Networks

Heterogeneity Challenges of Federated Learning for Future Wireless Communication Networks

A comparison of EMG-based hand gesture recognition systems based on supervised and reinforcement learning

Recognition of Hand Gestures Based on EMG Signals with Deep and Double-Deep Q-Networks

Hand Gesture and Arm Movement Recognition for Multimodal Control of a 3-DOF Helicopter

Hand Gesture Recognition Using EMG-IMU Signals and Deep Q-Networks

A Hand Gesture Recognition System Using EMG and Reinforcement Learning: A Q-Learning Approach

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eugénio Rocha ,University of Aveiro,Portugal

Eugénio Rocha graduated in Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) from the University of Coimbra in 1994 and earned his Master’s (1998) and PhD (2004) in Mathematics (Nonlinear Control Theory) from the University of Aveiro. He has been an Associate Professor at the University of Aveiro’s Department of Mathematics since 2004. Rocha has served as a member of the Portuguese Mathematical Society Board of Directors and the European Mathematical Society’s Committee on Electronic Publishing. His research spans theoretical and applied mathematics, including Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Functional Analysis, and Nonlinear Control Theory, with applications in various fields such as biological systems and nanotechnology. Rocha has coordinated several national and international research projects and received notable awards, including the Portuguese Scientific and Technological Innovation Prize.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award: Eugénio Alexandre Miguel Rocha

Eugénio Alexandre Miguel Rocha is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His exceptional academic qualifications, innovative research contributions, leadership roles, and significant awards reflect his outstanding impact in the field of mathematics and its applications. His broad expertise and contributions to both theoretical and applied aspects of mathematics, along with his active participation in impactful research projects, make him a distinguished candidate deserving of this recognition.

🎓Education:

Eugénio Rocha earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence from the University of Coimbra in 1994. He then pursued advanced studies at the University of Aveiro, where he completed his Master of Science in Mathematics, specializing in Nonlinear Control Theory, in 1998. Following this, he obtained his PhD in Mathematics, also in Nonlinear Control Theory, from the same institution in 2004.

🏢Work Experience:

Eugénio Rocha has been serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Aveiro since 2004. Prior to this role, he was an Assistant Professor at the same institution from January 2004 to February 2021. Additionally, he held a position as an Assistant Professor at Universidade de Aveiro from 2013 to 2019.

🏆Awards and Honors:

Eugénio Rocha was awarded the Portuguese Scientific and Technological Innovation Prize, Engo Jaime Filipe in 2019. Additionally, he received a Special Mention for the Innovation Prize in Information Technology and Communication from APDC/Siemens in 2006.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Estimating Data Complexity and Drift Through a Multiscale Generalized Impurity Approach
Title: Adaptive Framework for Maintenance Scheduling Based on Dynamic Preventive Intervals and Remaining Useful Life Estimation
Title: Robust Mortality Prediction on a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Title: The Effect of Delay Techniques on a Lassa Fever Epidemic Model
Title: Advancements in Epidemiological Modeling: Bayesian Regularization Neural Networks for Smoke Dynamics