I have completed my PhD in the Cheriton School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, Canada, graduating in June 2012. I continue to work under the supervision of Professor Nancy Day in the Network for the Engineering of Complex Software-Intensive Systems for Automotive Systems (NECSIS) project. I am also member of the Waterloo Formal Methods (WatForm) research group. NOTE: I am currently looking for exciting opportunities; Please look at Research, Teaching, and Service for more information regarding my abilities and interests.
Thesis: "Detection of Feature Interactions in Automotive Active Safety Features". This work characterizes and detects unsafe situations, called feature interactions, that arise when active safety features, which control the vehicle's motion control systems independently from the driver's request with the intention of increasing passengers' safety, cause undesired or unexpected system behavior. For example, simultaneous requests of sharp steering and throttle could cause the vehicle to roll over. This work develops techniques and tools to find multiple feature interactions at design time. Thesis(PDF) / Abstract(PDF).
I finished my Master's Degree in the Cheriton School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo, Canada, with the topic "Verification of DFC Call Protocol Correctness Criteria". I received my B.Sc. in the Faculty of Computer Science at the University of Puebla, Mexico.
Research Interests
I am interested in software engineering, particularly the use of formal methods in the development of theories and techniques for the automated analysis and verification of critical software-intensive systems, but also program verification, modelling and model-driven engineering, static analysis, testing and system safety analysis.
Collaborations and Awards
During my PhD, I participated in a research collaboration with General Motors Canada and Critical Systems Labs, who co-sponsored an NSERC Industrial Postgraduate Scholarship (IPS) that I held during 2007 and 2008. In August 2008, the International System Safety Society selected the our collaborating Waterloo/GM (University of Waterloo and General Motors) Team as the recipient of the Scientific Research and Development of the Year Award for the work of identification and description of feature interactions as a significant source of safety risk in complex software-intensive systems. The award is presented annually to an individual or group who has made contributions to the advancement of System Safety through research and development or special initiative programs.
I also held a Cheriton Scholarship from the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science during May 2007 and April 2009, which are reserved for the School’s very top graduate students. In April 2008, Google selected me as a finalist in the Canada Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded based on the strength of candidates’ academic background and demonstrated leadership. Through the scholarship, Google hopes to encourage women to excel in computing and technology and become active role models and leaders.
Contact Information
- Permanent Address:
606-660 Dakota Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2M 3K4
- Email: aljuarez AT uwaterloo.ca
Curriculum Vitae
A PDF version of my curriculum vitae, revised on June 27, 2013.