FERNANDO LUCATELLI NUNES

Ph.D. in Mathematics Ph.D. in Computer Science

My research profile is deliberately balanced between mathematics and computer science, with each informing and shaping the other. In computer science, I work in programming language semantics and formal methods, with a particular focus on the use of mathematical structure as a foundation for the design of reliable and principled computational systems. My research addresses the semantic analysis of expressive programming languages and the development of correctness-by-construction methods for program transformation.

Alongside this, I maintain an active research programme in mathematics, centred on the theory and applications of low- and higher-dimensional generalised categorical structures, often developed through the lens of two- and three-dimensional universal algebra. This mathematical work is often intertwined with my research in programming languages: it provides the structural tools required for semantic modelling, while questions arising from programming language semantics, in turn, inform and motivate new research directions in mathematics.

I am particularly interested in research that combines theoretical depth with practical impact. My work is driven both by foundational questions in mathematics and theoretical computer science, and by concrete challenges arising in the semantics and implementation of modern programming languages. From this perspective, putting theory into practice is not an afterthought, but a disciplined way of arriving at principled solutions with lasting relevance.

I am always open to discussions and potential collaborations, especially with prospective PhD students and researchers interested in (generalised) categorical structures, programming language theory, formal methods, or closely related areas. If any of this resonates with you, feel free to get in touch.