Educational Background

University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

• Ph.D. in Industrial & Management Systems Engineering  (2009)

 Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech), Melbourne, FL

• M.S. in Engineering Management (2002)
• M.S. in Computer Info. Systems, College of Engineering (2000)
• B.S. in Civil Engineering (1998)

Professional Experience

• Professor, tenured (2024 - present)
  Department of Mathematics and Systems Engineering 
  Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
  
• Program Chair of Systems Engineering (07/2023 - present)
  Department of Mathematics and Systems Engineering 
  Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
• Program Chair of Systems Engineering (01/2023 - 07/2023)
  Department of Computer Engineering and Sciences
  Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
• Associate Professor, tenured (2014 - 2024)
  Department of Computer Engineering and Sciences
  Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
• Assistant Professor (2009 - 2014)
  Department of Engineering Systems
  Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
• Adjunct Professor (Summer 2009)
  Department of Computer Information Systems 
  Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL
• Software/Systems Engineer (2005 - 2009)
  Northrop Grumman Corporation, Integrated Systems - Melbourne, FL
• Graduate Research Assistant (2004 - 2005)
  Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), University of South Florida - Tampa, FL
• NSF Graduate Research Fellow (2002 - 2004)
  National Science Foundation (NSF) STARS Program, University of South Florida - Tampa, FL
• Software Engineer (1999 - 2002)
  Harris Corporation - Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD), Palm Bay, Florida

Current Courses

• *SYS 5350 - Discrete-Event Simulation for Systems Analysis
• *SYS 5365 - Decision-Making and Risk Analysis
• *ENM 5200 - Project Engineering
• *SYS 5380 - Systems Engineering Design Project
• SYS 5315 - Model-Based Systems Engineering
• SYS 5495 - Special Topics in Model-Based Systems Engineering
• ORP 5050 - Discrete System Simulation
• HCD 6860 - Modeling and Simulation
• CSE 4410 - Introduction to Software Project Management
• SYS 6010 - Advanced Topics in Decisions and Risk Analysis 
• SYS 6020 - Advanced Topics in Systems Modeling and Analysis

   * Courses developed and taught also for professional/industry students at corporate sites   

Selected Publications

Book Chapters:

• Otero, L.D., "Software Design Management, Leadership, and Ethics", Software Engineering Design: Theory and Practice, CRC Press / Taylor and Francis, June 2012.

Technical Reports:

• Otero, L.D., Peter, A., and Moyou, M., "Remote Sensing with Mobile LiDAR and Imaging Sensors for Railroad Bridge Inspections" TRB Safety IDEA Program, August 2016, http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/IDEA/FinalReports/Safety/Safety26.pdf
• Otero, L.D., Gagliardo, N., Dalli, D., Huang, W.H., and Cosentino, P., "Proof of Concept for Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for High Mast Pole and Bridge Inspections", FDOT Research Center, June 2015. http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/173156.aspx

Magazine Articles:

• Otero, L.D. “On Driving Digital Transformation Through Model-Based Systems Engineering,” Florida Tech Magazine – Fall 2023, Vol. 32, Issue 2, October, 2023. (pg.12-13: https://www.fit.edu/media/site-specific/wwwfitedu/florida-tech-magazine/documents/FTM-FALL23.pdf)
• Otero, L.D., "Engineering Small Unmanned Aerial Systems for Bridge Inspections", Roads & Bridges Magazine, May 9, 2016. (https://www.roadsbridges.com/nooks-crannies)
• Otero, L.D. “Bridging the Safety Gap,” Forward Florida Magazine, January 15, 2014. (https://forwardflorida.com/florida-transportation/bridging-safety-gap/)

Selected Peer-Reviewed Journals:

• Camacho-Ortiz, A., Otero, L.D., Avendano, J., and Gaal, M.A., "Understanding the Effectiveness of Modern Technologies Compared to Traditional Training Methods of E-Learning on Content Retention and Satisfaction", submitted to Distance Education journal, 2023. (Impact Factor: 7.3)
• Kiser, L. and Otero, L.D., “Causal Model Framework for Nuclear Power Plant Licensing Process,” Progress in Nuclear Energy journal (accepted on March, 2024, in press)
• Kiser, L. and Otero, L.D., “Multi-Criteria Decision Model for Selection of Nuclear Power Plant Type,” Progress in Nuclear Energy journal, Vol. 159, May 2023. (DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2023.104647) (Impact Factor: 2.461)
• Ortega, L., Otero, L.D., Solomon, M., Otero, C.E., and Fabregas, A., “Deep Learning Models for Visibility Forecasting using Climatological Data", International Journal of Forecasting, Vol. 39, Issue 2, April-June 2023 (available online June 2022). (DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ijforecast.2022.03.009) (Impact Factor: 7.022)
• Ortega, L., Otero, L.D. and Otero, C.E., “Fuzzy Inference System Framework to Prioritize the Deployment of Resources in Low Visibility Traffic Conditions”, IEEE Access Journal, Nov. 2019 (DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2956918) (Impact Factor: 4.098)
• Olasupo, T.O., Otero, C.E., Otero, L.D., Olasupo, K., and Kostanic, I., “Path loss models for low-power, low-data rate sensor nodes for smart car parking systems”, IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems, Vol. 19, No. 6, pp. 1774-1783, 2018. (DOI: 10.1109/TITS.2017.2741467) (Impact Factor: 9.551)
• McDougall, J.A. and Otero, L.D., “Optimal transfer point locations in two-stage distribution systems”, IEEE Access Journal, Vol. 6, 1974-1984, 2017. (DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2017.2781187) (Impact Factor: 4.098)
• Ejnioui, A., Otero, L.D., Otero, C.E., “Skill Assessment in Software Projects by Grey Possibility Degree,” International Journal of Computational Systems Engineering, 1 (3), 200-210, 2013. (DOI: 10.1504/IJCSYSE.2013.052590)
• Ejnioui, A., Otero, C.E., Otero, L.D., “Prioritization of Software Requirements Using Grey Relational Analysis,” Special Issue: Advanced Software Engineering and Its Applications, International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 47 (2-3), 100-109, 2013. (DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.2013.054344)
• Otero, C.E., Ejnioui, A., Otero, L.D., Qureshi, A. “A Modified Desirability-Based Prioritization Technique for Software Requirements,” ARPN Journal of Systems and Software, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 113 – 118, Mar. 2012. (ISSN: 2222-9833)
• Otero, L.D., Centeno, G., Otero, C.E., Ruiz-Torres, A.J., “A Fuzzy Goal Programming Model for the Software Engineering Resource Assignment Problem”, Journal of Multicriteria Decision-Making, Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 313 – 337, 2012. (DOI: 10.1504/ IJMCDM.2012.050675)
• Otero, L.D., Centeno, G, Otero, C.E., Reeves, K., “A DEA-Tobit Analysis to Understand the Role of Experience and Task Factors in the Efficiency of Software Engineers,” IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Vol. 59, No. 3, pp. 391 – 400, 2012 (DOI: 10.1109/TEM.2010.2101078) (Impact Factor: 8.702)
• Ruiz-Torres, A.J., Ablanedo-Rosas, J.H., and Otero, L.D., "Scheduling with Multiple Tasks Per Job – The Case of Quality Control Laboratories in the Pharmaceutical Industry," International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 691-705, February 2012 (DOI: 10.1080/00207543.2010.543173) (Impact Factor: 9.018)
• Otero, L.D. and Otero, C.E., “A Fuzzy Expert System Architecture for Capability Assessments in Software Engineering Environments,” Expert Systems with Applications: An International Journal, Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 654 – 662, Jan. 2012 (DOI: 10.1016/ j.eswa.2011.07.057) (Impact Factor: 8.665)
• Otero, C.E., Kostanic, I., Otero, L.D., Meredith, S.L., Whitt, M., “Analysis of Stochastic WSN Deployments using Vertical Variance Trimming and the Analytic Hierarchy Process,” International Journal of Ad Hoc, Sensor, and Ubiquitous Computing, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 169-190, Mar, 2011. (DOI: 10.5121/ijasuc.2011.2114)
• Otero, C.E., Kostanic, I., Otero, L.D., Meredith, S.L., “Characterization of User-Perceived Quality of Service (QoS) in Mobile Devices using Network Pairwise Comparisons,” International Journal of Wireless & Mobile Networks, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 142-154, Aug. 2010. (DOI: 10.5121/ijwmn.2010.2310)
• Otero, C.E., Shaw, W.H., Kostanic, I., Otero, L.D., “Multi-Response Optimization of Stochastic WSN Deployments using Response Surface Methodology and Desirability Functions,” IEEE Systems Journal, Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 39-48, Mar. 2010. (DOI: 10.1109/JSYST.2009.2039737) (Impact Factor: 4.802)
• Otero, C.E., Kostanic, I., Otero, L.D., “Development of a Simulator for Stochastic Deployment of Wireless Sensor Networks,” Journal of Networks, Vol. 4, No. 8, pp. 754-762, Oct. 2009. (DOI: 10.4304/jnw.4.8.754-762)
• Otero, L.D., Centeno, G., Ruiz-Torres, A., Otero, C.E., “A Systematic Approach for Resource Allocation in Software Projects,” Computer and Industrial Engineering, Vol. 56, Issue 4, pp. 1333-1339, May 2009. (DOI: 10.1016/j.cie.2008.08.002) (Impact Factor: 7.180) 

Selected Peer-Reviewed Conferences:

• Sonawane, P.A. and Otero, L.D., "Analyzing the Impact of Reusable Rocket Launch System Failures on Large-Scale Space Missions: A Simulation-Based Approach", IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, April 2024 (in press).
• Holliday, N. and Otero, L.D., "A Simulation Model for the Optimization of Crew Transport Vessels to Service Offshore Wind Farms", IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, April 2023 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon53073.2023.10131051).
• Camacho-Ortiz, A., Otero, L.D., Avendano, J., and Gaal M.A., "Understanding the Effectiveness of Modern Technologies on Training Retention and Satisfaction", IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, April 2023 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon53073.2023.10131103).
• Cristello, G. and Otero, L.D., "'Development of Simulation Framework for Impact Analysis of Launch Delays on Lunar Base Station", IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, April 2022 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon53536.2022.9773891).
• Kitmanyen, V., Ghunaim, H., Momose, K., and Otero, L.D., “Crew-Passenger Ratio Implications on Commercial Spaceflight Design & Survivability: A Discrete Event Simulation Framework”, 51^st International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES), April 2022.
• Avendano, J., Otero, L.D., and Otero, C., "Application of Statistical Machine Learning Algorithms for Classification of Bridge Deformation Data Sets", IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, April 2021 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon48628.2021.9447056).
• Nieves-Acaron, D., Luchterhand, B., Aravamudan, A., Elliott, D., Wyatt, S., Otero, C., Otero, L.D., Smith, A., and Peter, A., "ACE: An ATAK Plugin for Enhanced Acoustic Situational Awareness at the Edge", Military Communications Conference (MILCOM) 2021 (in press)
• S. Wyatt, D. Elliot, A. Aravamudan, C. E. Otero, L. D. Otero, G. C. Anagnostopoulos, A. O. Smith, A. M. Peter, W. Jones, S. Leung, and E. Lam, “Environmental sound classification with tiny transformers in noisy edge environments,” in 7th IEEE World Forum on Internet of Things, WF-IoT 2021, New Orleans, LA, USA, June 14- July 16, 2021. IEEE, 2021 (in press)
• Kiser, L. and Otero, L.D., "Using AHP to Choose Optimal Nuclear Power Plant Design", IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, March 2021 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon48628.2021.9447095)
• Avendano, J., Otero, L.D., and Otero, C., "Optimization of Sensor Placement in a Bridge Structural Health Monitoring System", IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, March 2021 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon48628.2021.9447077)
• Ortega, L., Otero, L.D., Otero, C.E., and Fabregas, A., “Visibility Forecasting with Deep Learning”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, August 2020 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon47679.2020.9275833)
• Ortega, L., Otero, L.D., and Otero, C.E., “Application of Machine Learning Algorithms for Visibility Classification”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, Orlando, Florida, Apr. 2019 (DOI: 10.1109/SYSCON.2019.8836910)
• Avendano, J.C., Otero, L.D., and Otero, C.E., “Computational Sensor Placement Model for Development of a Cost-Effective, Multi-Sensor Structural Health Monitoring System for Cantilevered Traffic Signal Structures”, IEEE Southeastern Conference (SoutheastCon) Proceedings, Huntsville, Alabama, Apr. 2019 (accepted in press)
• Eierle, A., Otero, L.D., and Ortega, L., “Simulation Model and Comparative Analysis for Production Resources in a Modified Assembly Process”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, Orlando, Florida, Apr. 2019 (DOI: 10.1109/SYSCON.2019.8836925)
• Otero, L.D., Moyou, M., Peter, A., and Otero, C.E., “Towards a Remote Sensing System for Railroad Bridge Inspections: A Concrete Crack Detection Component”, IEEE Southeastern Conference (SoutheastCon) Proceedings, 2018. (DOI: 10.1109/SECON.2018.8478856)
• Dalli, D., Otero, L.D., and Moyou, M., “Preliminary Design of sUAS Deployment and Transportation System”, IEEE Southeastern Conference (SoutheastCon) Proceedings, 2018. (DOI: DOI: 10.1109/SECON.2018.8479198)
• Huang, W.H., Otero, L.D., Otero, C.E., and Moyou, M., “Impact of Camera Vibration Frequencies on Image Noise for Unmanned Aerial System Applications”, IEEE Southeastern Conference (SoutheastCon) Proceedings, 2018. (DOI: 10.1109/SECON.2018.8479208)
• Otero, L.D., Moyou, M., Peter, A., Dalli, D., and Gagliardo, N., “Initial Proof of Concept on the Use of 3D Models to Identify Structural Deviations of Bridge Components”, IEEE Southeastern Conference (SoutheastCon) Proceedings, 2018. (DOI: 10.1109/SECON.2018.8478987)
• Otero, L.D., Gagliardo, N., Dalli, D., and Moore, J., “Interdisciplinary systems engineering and aeronautics science effort to enhance sUAS training program for undergraduate students”, IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE) Proceedings, 2016
• Otero, L.D., Gagliardo, N., Dalli, D., and Otero, C.E., “Preliminary proof of concept for using sUAS to inspect HML systems”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, 2016. (DOI: 10.1109/SYSCON.2016.7490533)
• Otero, L.D., Gagliardo, N., Dalli, D., and Otero, C.E., “Preliminary sUAV component evaluation for inspecting transportation infrastructure systems”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, 2016. (DOI: 10.1109/SYSCON.2016.7490638)
• Jerue, M., Otero, L.D., Fabregas, A., “A systems analysis framework to optimize the utilization of electric vehicles at military facilities”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, 2015. (DOI: 10.1109/SYSCON.2015.7116835)
• Modi, D., Fabregas, A., and Otero, L.D., “Requirements and decision model for a taxiway route support system”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, 2015 (DOI: 10.1109/SYSCON.2015.7116748)
• McDougall, J.A., Otero, L.D., Avendano, J., and Ejnioui, A., “System Analysis Methods in Emergency Systems”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, 2013 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon.2013.6549978)
• Avendano, J., Otero, L.D., Cosentino, P., “Towards the Development of a Complex Structural Inspection System Using Small-Scale Aerial Vehicles and Image Processing”, IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon) Proceedings, 2013 (DOI: 10.1109/SysCon.2013.6549916)
• Venugopal, V., Otero, L.D., Otero, C.E., “A Simulation Model for Evaluating Resource Policies in a Major Emergency Department,” IEEE SoutheastCon Proceedings, 2012. (DOI: 10.1109/SECon.2012.6196951)
• Otero, L.D., Otero, C.E., and Arrasmith, W., "Performance Evaluation of Personnel Assignments in Software Engineering", Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Software Engineering Research and Practice, 2010.
• Otero, L.D., Otero, C.E., and Centeno, G., "A Multi-Objective Model for Resource Assignments in Software Engineering", Proceedings of the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 2010.
• Otero, L.D. and Otero, C.E., "Decision Framework for Capability Evaluations of Software Engineers using Imprecise Parameters", Proceedings of the International Conference on Genetic and Evolutionary Methods (GEM'10), 2010. 

Research

Expertise and Interests:

• Model-Based Systems Engineering
• Data Analytics for Various Domains (e.g., transportation, manufacturing, defense) 
• Performance Analysis/Improvement of Mission Critical Systems
• Transportation Systems Engineering
  • On-Demand Structural Inspections of Bridges
  • Remote Sensing with Mobile LiDAR and Imaging Sensors on UAV platforms for Railroad Bridge Inspections

Selected Research Grants & Contracts