Doctoral researchers from Argentina visit SWK

23 April 2024, by Andrea Lezcano Airaldi & Juan Andrés Carruthers

Doctoral fellows from Argentina undertake research stay in SWK research group at Universität Hamburg

Two doctoral students from the National University of the Northeast in Corrientes, Argentina, are currently conducting a research stay in the Department of Informatics. Andrea Lezcano Airaldi (27) and Juan Andrés Carruthers (28), are both pursuing their PhDs in Computer Science and serving as doctoral fellows at CONICET. This experience aims to enhance their research in informatics by exposing them to diverse perspectives and methodologies.

 

A Little Background

Corrientes, the capital of the province bearing the same name, is a city in northeastern Argentina known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The city blends colonial architecture with vibrant modern life and is strategically located on the shores of the Paraná River, which supports the local economy and offers numerous recreational opportunities. The presence of key educational institutions, including major universities, contributes to a rich academic environment that influences residents and students alike, promoting a diverse and dynamic academic community.

 

About CONICET

CONICET, (National Scientific and Technical Research Council), is Argentina's primary agency responsible for the promotion of science and technology. It supports an extensive network of research institutions and collaborates with universities to enhance scientific knowledge and capabilities, aiming to boost the country’s global competitiveness in these fields.

In 2021, these students became the first from the Northeast of Argentina to receive a doctoral grant in Informatics from CONICET, marking a significant milestone in the region's scientific advancement.

Academic Pursuits and Research Goals

Juan Andrés Carruthers’ work is focused on the empirical study of Software Engineering, particularly in developing a process model for constructing, maintaining, and curating software project datasets. This model aims to facilitate the generation of representative samples and enable study replication, providing researchers and practitioners with valuable tools for integrating scientific evidence in Empirical Software Engineering.

Andrea Lezcano Airaldi's research focuses on Information Visualization, specifically in developing and evaluating narrative visualizations. She is working on a quality model to assess this type of visualizations. Her work aims to understand the effectiveness and impact of visual storytelling in conveying complex data, emphasizing the role of graphics in effective communication.

Their research stay in Germany is supported through the AleARG grant program, a joint initiative between the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Argentine Ministry of Education. This program is designed to enhance academic and scientific cooperation between Germany and Argentina by facilitating the exchange of students, academics, and researchers.

The goals of their research stay include validating their respective artifacts and obtaining feedback from peers and experts. This input is intended to refine their projects and enhance the applicability and accuracy of their research outcomes.

Networking and Future Aspirations

Beyond the academic goals, a primary objective of their stay in Hamburg is to establish and strengthen collaborative ties, as it constitutes an unique opportunity to learn from diverse methodologies and viewpoints that will help enrich their own research approaches. Such interactions are valuable in forging long-term professional relationships and broadening their understanding of international research dynamics.

As their research stay progresses, the scholars anticipate that the experience will significantly impact their professional development and research capabilities. They aim to return to Argentina with new insights and strong international partnerships, further contributing to the scientific prowess of their home country.