Mariano's work involves looking at how artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) can be used to improve computer-mediated learning and testing, from mining datasets and building models to supporting colleagues in the adoption of new technology. Mariano is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of Cambridge, where he was a Research Associate as part of the ALTA Institute before joining the ARG group at the British Council. He has a PhD in computer science from the University of Cambridge and has worked extensively on NLP for language learning and assessment, including grammatical error correction, automatic error typing, system evaluation, automatic cloze test generation and item calibration. Mariano has published many scientific papers in top-tier NLP conferences, given talks and tutorials in different venues around the world and is a regular reviewer for workshops, journals and conferences in his field.