Who am I?
I am Diego Ascânio Santos, a professor at CEFET-MG, Divinópolis campus. My background is in Computer Engineering, and I hold a master's degree in Computational Mathematical Modeling. My academic interests span across multiple fields, including electrical circuit analysis, microprocessors, and digital systems. I am passionate about applying both theoretical and practical techniques to solve complex problems in these areas.
In my teaching career, I strive to help students develop skills in understanding and analyzing both DC and AC circuits, applying techniques like Kirchhoff’s laws, Thévenin and Norton theorems, as well as exploring the intricacies of first- and second-order circuit responses. Outside of the classroom, I actively engage in open-source development, where I contribute tools and educational resources related to my areas of expertise.
I also teach computing fundamentals, including programming languages like C and Python, as well as microcontroller programming. I am always looking for new ways to engage students in the learning process, and I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of engineers. With a focus on developing new approaches to teaching and learning, I am dedicated to empowering students to explore complex concepts through real-world applications and collaborative projects.
Research Interests
- Computing Fundamentals
- Electrical Circuit Analysis
- Microprocessors
- Digital Systems
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Educational Technology
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in STEM
Current Projects
Inclusiveness in Computing at the Service of Society
Proposal for a Solution to Curb Sexual Harassment on Public Transportation in Divinópolis Developed Within an Inclusive Framework
Proposal to build an anti-harassment device for public transportation aimed at leveraging the hyperfocus of an autistic student on buses as a pedagogical tool for teaching programming. This project is developed in partnership with Dr. Thabatta Moreira Alves de Araújo and M.Sc. Anderson Ribeiro de Oliveira Santos Silva.
Game Development with Scratch, Pico8, Godot, and Unity Engine
Proposal to build electronic games to harness the hyperfocus of an autistic student on games as a pedagogical tool for teaching programming. This project is also part of the Inclusiveness in Computing at the Service of Society initiative and it is built in partnership with Dr. Thabatta Moreira Alves de Araújo.
Introduction to Programming and Robotics Course
Introductory Programming and Robotics course for elementary school students in the city of Divinópolis - MG. Developed within the Computer Department of CEFET-MG, Divinópolis campus, in partnership with the Municipal Department of Education of Divinópolis under the coordination of Dr. Thabatta Moreira Alves de Araújo.
Access Control of CEFET-MG Environments
Development (and integration) of devices for access control at CEFET-MG to manage the entry and exit of academic community members in campuses, laboratories, cafeterias, and other areas in need within CEFET-MG. A partnership with multiple campi and departments of CEFET-MG represented by Dr. Emerson de Sousa Costa, Dr. Gustavo Campos Menezes, B.Sc. Renato Stangherlin Castanheira, Dr. Sandro Renato Dias and others.