Prerequisites
My current research focuses mostly on algorithms for unstructured data, such as graphs and hypergraphs, computer science education, and distributed algorithms, in decreasing order of importance.
How to ask for a thesis
The process of pairing a student with their supervisor can be challenging in Trento, as well as in other Italian universities. Students request a thesis topic, and professors either propose ideas or decline, citing reasons such as being overcommitted, having too many students, or not having any available projects at the moment
Sometimes, I find myself in a position where I must decline a student’s request for supervision. During certain periods, I receive four to five requests per week, and it becomes difficult to provide the necessary level of guidance to all students. To assess if a student is the right fit for a thesis, I request that you send me an email specifying the following information:
- When you want to start
- When you want to finish (ideally)
- How many exams you need to pass in order to complete your degree
- The list of exams as output by Esse3, with the marks that you have obtained
- The grade point average (voto medio pesato)
- If you have additional experiences beside the courses at the university, add a CV
- Your personal interests in the field of computer science
I prefer to supervise theses that are either completely external (stage + thesis completed in a company) or completely internal (UniTN internship + thesis completed at DISI). This corresponds to 15 ECTS credits at the Bachelor level (approximately 2.5 months full-time, longer if part-time) and to 30 ECTS credits at the master level (approximately 5 months full-time, longer if part-time).
As for student selection, there are two options.
- Either (you have got a very good grade in ASD (28+) and you have a very good grade average (26+) and you have a passion for problem solving),
- or (you are interested in computer science education),
- or (you are interested in topics that struck my imagination). You want examples? Algorithms for origami geometry, 3D-printing of mathematical objects to teach blind people, generative (computational) art, the algorithmic beauty of plants, algorithms for chess engines — the crazier, the better.
So, don’t be shy and write me an email — you know that I will reply!
Current status
After reaching my maximum number of students in 2021 (24), I managed to reduce them slightly in 2022 (23). I’ve managed to reduce this number more in 2023 and 2024 (14). The reason for reducing the number is that I have other commitments, and having too many students means I cannot dedicate enough time to each of them. Therefore, if I decline your request, it is not because of you but because I want to maintain a decent level of support and quality.
Around September of each year, I collect requests from third-year students who want to graduate by the summer/fall of the following year. For example, in September 2023, I have collected requests for spring/summer of 2024. At the same time, I reach out to companies such as SpazioDati, U‑Hopper, Think-In, and research centers such as JRC (Varese) and FBK (Trento) and ask them to propose some ideas. Some of the theses are outsourced to them, but only if I genuinely trust the people involved.
| Forecast | Completed | |
| 2019 | 19 | |
| 2020 | 18 | |
| 2021 | 24 | |
| 2022 | 23 | |
| 2023 | 14 | |
| 2024 | 3 | 11 |
| 2025 | 11 |
How to write a thesis
When I review the thesis, I end up giving always the same suggestions. I’ve collected them in this page.