I'm João Ventura, Ph.D., a software engineer and computer science professor based in Portugal. Currently, I work at the Polytechnic University of Setúbal, where I teach the Operating Systems and Computer Security courses and coordinate the Cloud and Cybersecurity program (CTeSP).

I hold a PhD in Computer Science from Universidade Nova de Lisboa, where I have published work on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Text-Mining. Some of my technical interests include Python, systems architecture, and the inner workings of modern language models.

My current research explores the intersection of large language models with symbolic systems, focusing on their application to Human-AI decision-making processes. Most of my current work is dedicated to pairing high-precision deterministic tools with generative AI, in order to generate structured qualitative interpretations and simulate scenarios to assist individuals in strategic, long-term life decisions.

I'm also an amateur musician (bass, trombone and piano) and a paraglider pilot with a personal record of 123 km in a cross-country unpowered flight.