Current Position
- From January 23, 2023 – Present: Junior Assistant Professor (RTDA) at the University of Bologna – Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN). Research Project: "Innovative Metallic Materials for Structural Lightweighting." This research activity is part of the PNRR National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST) project – Spoke 11 Innovative Materials and Lightweighting. Scientific Lead: Prof. Lorella Ceschini.
Education
- March 16, 2021: PhD in Mechanics and Advanced Engineering Sciences (DIMSAI) - XXXIII Cycle at the University of Bologna, Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN). Thesis Title: "Additive Manufacturing by LPBF and WAAM of metals: correlation between production process, microstructure and mechanical properties." Supervisor: Prof. Lorella Ceschini. Overall Grade: Excellent.
- September 2016: Professional Engineer Qualification Section A, Industrial Sector, obtained in the first session of 2016 at the University of Bologna.
- March 16, 2016: Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bologna. Specialization: "Industrial Design and Automation." Experimental Thesis: "Tribological study of coatings for sliding components in hydraulic motors: laboratory-scale and bench tests." Supervisor: Prof. Lorella Ceschini.
- March 25, 2013: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bologna. Experimental Thesis: "Influence of solidification defects on the fatigue behavior of A356 alloy." Supervisor: Prof. Lorella Ceschini.
- Attended 19 post-graduate Courses, Study Days, Workshops, and Summer Schools between 2016 and 2021.
Research Activities
National Scientific Habilitation (ASN) for Associate Professor (Professore di Seconda Fascia) in the competitive sector (settore concorsuale) ex 09/A3 (now Gruppo Scientifico Disciplinare 09/IIND-03), obtained in May 2022 with unanimous judgment from the commission. The commission also assessed the research fields and activities as consistent with the scientific-disciplinary sector IIND-03/C – Metallurgy.
Member (2016 – Present) of the Metallurgy Research Group at the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna (Prof. L. Ceschini, Prof. C. Martini, Prof. A. Morri), engaging in national and international collaborations. The research focuses on microstructural aspects and their relationship with the production process, including heat or surface modification treatments, and their effects on static mechanical properties, fatigue, and wear behavior. Of particular interest are additively manufactured metallic materials, specifically those produced by direct energy deposition (Wire-and-Arc Additive Manufacturing, WAAM) and powder bed fusion (Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion, PBF-LB).
Research Grants
- November 1, 2021 – January 22, 2023: Research Grant Project Title: "Powder bed fusion of aluminum alloys (Al-Si-Mg) for automotive applications: correlation between process parameters, heat treatment, and tensile/fatigue behavior." University of Bologna, Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN). Supervisor: Prof. Lorella Ceschini.
- November 1, 2020 – October 31, 2021: Research Grant Project Title: "Microstructural, mechanical, and topographical characterization of alloys for electrical applications produced with additive powder bed technology." Research activity within the POR-FESR Emilia Romagna 2014-2020 project (Call 2018): Additive manufacturing and Cyber-physical technologies for future MEChatronics (ACMEC). University of Bologna, Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research - Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI-MAM). Supervisor: Prof. Lorella Ceschini.
- October 1, 2016 – October 31, 2017: Research Grant Project Title: "Tribological and microstructural characterization of metallic alloys with and without surface modification treatments." Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research - Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI-MAM). Supervisors: Prof. Lorella Ceschini (Oct 1, 2016 – Dec 4, 2016), Prof. Carla Martini (Dec 5, 2016 – Oct 31, 2017).
National and International Collaborations
- British University in Egypt (BUE): Participation in research activities with Prof. Iman El-Mahallawi and Prof. Mohamed Zaky Ahmed within the Mobility Project Italy - Egypt M02115: "Modification of the aluminium pistons’ crown by means of nanoparticle addition and friction stir processing."
- Jönköping University (Sweden), Department of Materials and Manufacturing, School of Engineering: Collaboration on microstructural, micromechanical, and tribological characterization of coatings obtained by different anodization methods on aluminum alloy.
- University of Padua (Italy), Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), Metallurgy Group (Prof. Manuele Dabalà): Collaboration on microstructural, micromechanical, and tribological characterization of coatings obtained by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on magnesium and aluminum alloy substrates, functionalized with particle additions.
- University of Brescia (Italy), Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (DIMI), Metallurgy Group (Prof. Annalisa Pola): Collaboration on microstructural and mechanical characterization of secondary Al alloys produced by conventional foundry techniques within the Spoke 11 Innovative Materials and Lightweighting project.
- University of Bologna (Italy), Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering (DICAM), Structural Engineering Group (Prof. Tomaso Trombetti, Prof. Michele Palermo): Collaboration on microstructural and mechanical characterization of metallic materials (Al-Mg alloy, austenitic stainless steel 304L, structural steel) produced by additive manufacturing (wire-and-arc additive manufacturing).
- University of Bologna (Italy), Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), Laser Group (Prof. Alessandro Fortunato, Dr. Erica Liverani): Collaboration on microstructural, mechanical characterization, and heat treatment optimization of metallic materials (AlSi7 and CoCrMo alloy) produced by additive manufacturing (laser powder bed fusion).
- Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy), Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) (Prof. Mariangela Lombardi): Collaboration on lightweight alloys (Al and Ti) processed with additive technologies within the Spoke 11 Innovative Materials and Lightweighting project.
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering: Collaboration on the characterization of an additively manufactured tool steel.
- Cambridge Nanolythic Ltd (Haverhill, UK): Collaboration on the study of the tribological behavior of lightweight alloys modified by high-voltage electrolytic oxidation.
Project Coordination and Participation
Since 2017 – Present: Participation in 3 competitive projects (2 national, 1 international) and coordination of the ALCOM research project, funded within the Closed Call of the PNRR National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST), involving public and private entities nationwide. Participation in 4 industrial research activities in collaboration with prominent local companies.
Coordination of Competitive Projects
- 2023 – ALCOM - ALuminium alloy COmponents produced by additive Manufacturing: improvement of performance by multilayer coatings. Project funded under the Closed Call (1st ed.) of the National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST). Scientific Lead: Lavinia Tonelli. Participating Institutions: University of Bologna, University of Brescia, Polytechnic University of Turin, Ferrari S.p.A.
Participation in Competitive Projects
- 2023 – Present: Researcher (RTDA) in the Spoke 11 Innovative Materials and Lightweighting Research Project Part of the PNRR National Centre for Sustainable Mobility (MOST).
- 2021 – Participation in the European AGRIAM Project Part of the 3DP Pan EU 2020 platform for small and medium-sized enterprises, coordinated by Moses Productos SL (Spain) with collaboration from the University of Bologna and the Tecos Research Center (Slovenia).
- 2020 – Research Fellow in the ACMEC Research Project Funded by European Regional Development Funds POR-FESR Emilia-Romagna 2014-2020 (Call 2018). The project involved collaboration between the University of Bologna (lead), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (INTERMECH-MO.RE.), Romagna Tech S.C.P.A., and companies G.D. S.p.A. and Marchesini Group S.p.A. Technical Lead: Prof. Andrea Tilli.
Participation in Industrial Research Projects
- 2021 – Research Project with Marchesini SpA: Title: "Microstructural and tribological study of materials and surface coatings/treatments for the rod-cylinder system in dosing syringes for pharmaceutical and/or food applications." Scientific Lead for DIN - University of Bologna: Prof. Carla Martini.
- 2020 – Research Project with Ducati Motor Holding SpA: Title: "Optimization of Selective Laser Melting and heat treatment of AlSi10Mg alloy, mechanical and microstructural characterization, and subsequent fabrication of vehicle components with design for additive manufacturing techniques." Scientific Lead for DIN - University of Bologna: Prof. Lorella Ceschini.
- 2017 – Research Project with SACMI Imola: Title: "Characterization of tool steels and optimization of heat treatment and eventual surface modifications for increased mechanical performance and corrosion resistance." Scientific Lead for CIRI-MAM - University of Bologna: Prof. Lorella Ceschini.
- 2017 – Scientific Consultancy Agreement with Marposs SpA: Title: "Study of components for 'touch' products from a tribological, electrical, and deformational-strength perspective." Scientific Lead for CIRI-MAM - University of Bologna: Prof. Carla Martini.
Scientific Output
- Conference Participations: Speaker at 14 National and International Conferences, Workshops, and Seminars continuously from 2016 to present, including: 6 International Conferences, 4 National Conferences, 3 National Workshops, and 1 National Seminar, for a total of 18 contributions presented.
- Publications: Author of 45 publications, including 36 in Scopus and/or WOS indexed Journals, 2 in Scopus indexed International Conference Proceedings, and 7 in non-Scopus indexed Conference Proceedings, from 2016 to present.
- Authored Textbook: "Laboratorio tecnologico. Teoria e pratica" for the first two years of Professional Institutes, published by Cappelli Editore (ISBN 978-88-37914-26-4; 384 pages).
Teaching Activities
Since 2016, I have carried out teaching activities for the University of Bologna, including supplementary teaching and tutoring, as well as leading modules or courses relevant to the SSD IIND-03/C – Metallurgy. I have also supervised as co-supervisor for over 50 Bachelor's and Master's theses. Additionally, from 2019 to present, I have conducted 10 extra-institutional training activities aimed at graduates, primarily focused on the metallurgical aspects of additively manufactured metallic alloys.
University Course Leadership
- A.Y. 2023-2024: "METALLURGIA T" [code 29773] – 6 CFU Bachelor's Degree in Energy Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna.
- A.Y. 2023-2024: Lecturer for Second Level Master's Degree – Sustainable and Integrated Mobility in Urban Regions (SIMUR) University of Bologna. Modules M9_1 and M9_2 (Metallic Materials for Lightweighting).
- A.Y. 2022-2023: "METALLURGIA APPLICATA M" [code 66182] - [Module 2] – 3 CFU Master's Degree in Industrial Chemistry, Department of Industrial Chemistry "Toso Montanari", University of Bologna.
- A.Y. 2021-2022: Lecturer for PhD Students – PhD Program in Mechanics and Advanced Engineering Sciences (DIMSAI) Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna. Lecture: "Metallurgical aspects of additively manufactured metals: feedstock, microstructure, post-process heat treatments and mechanical properties" within the course "Additive Manufacturing: from the design to the final component."
University Tutoring Activities
- A.Y. 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023: Teaching Tutor (30 h per academic year) for "Metallurgia T" [code 73628] - Prof. Lorella Ceschini. Department of Industrial Engineering (DIN), University of Bologna.
- A.Y. 2017-2018: Teaching Tutor (10 h) for "Scienza Dei Metalli E Tecnologia Dei Materiali Con Laboratorio" [code 67064] - Module 2: Materials Science Laboratory - Prof. Carla Martini. School of Sciences, University of Bologna.
Thesis Supervision
- Co-supervisor for 20 experimental Master's theses for Mechanical and Energy Engineering programs at the University of Bologna and for 36 Bachelor's theses, primarily experimental, for Mechanical, Energy, Chemical, and Biochemical Engineering programs at the University of Bologna.
Extra-Institutional Teaching Activities
- July 2, 2024: Lecture: "CoCr alloys for biomedical applications" within the "Summer School on Metal Additive Manufacturing" organized by AIM (Italian Metallurgy Association) and COMET (Coordination of University Research and Teaching in Metallurgy).
- November 25, 2022: Lecture: "Plasma Anodization of A357 aluminum alloy produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF): microstructure and tribological behavior" within the Study Day "Technological challenges in surface modification of additive manufactured parts" organized by AIM (Italian Metallurgy Association).
- May 24, 2022: Lecture: "Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)" within the "Additive Metallurgy" course organized by AIM (Italian Metallurgy Association).
- November 18, 2021: Lecture: "ElectroChemical Oxidation (ECO): an eco-friendly treatment for improving the tribological behavior of Al alloys" within the Study Day "Green Economy and environmental aspects for the coatings industry" organized by AIM (Italian Metallurgy Association).
- November 14 & 17, 2020: Lecture: "Additive manufacturing of metallic alloys" within the "Metallurgia 1" course organized by the University of Bologna and G.D. SpA.
- September – October 2020: Lectures related to "UF5 Powders," "UF6 Quality of SLM manufactured components," and "UF7 Post-process treatments" within the "Advanced Training Course for Additive Manufacturing Specialist Mechanical Designer" organized by Adecco Formazione S.r.l. and the University of Bologna.
- July 20, 2020: Lecture: "Additive manufacturing of metallic alloys" within the "Metallurgia 1" course organized by the University of Bologna and G.D. SpA.
- January 27, 2020: Lecture on "AM processes and microstructures: LBM of CoCr alloys" within the "Winter School on Additive Manufacturing" organized by AIM (Italian Metallurgy Association).
- November 22, 2019: Lecture: "Additive manufacturing of metallic alloys" within the "Metallurgia 1" course organized by the University of Bologna and G.D. SpA.
- September 17, 2019: Lecture on "CoCr Alloys" within the "Additive Metallurgy" course organized by AIM (Italian Metallurgy Association).
Awards and Recognitions
Winner of 1 international award (Jacquet Lucas Award for Excellence in Metallography conferred by the International Metallographic Society - IMS - and ASM International), 1 national award (Aldo Daccò award conferred by the Italian Metallurgy Association - AIM), and recipient of 2 international honorable mentions and 1 national honorable mention.
- November 2022: Honorable Mention for Doctoral Thesis and Finalist in the "Claudio Bonivento Award for Scientific Research and Technological Innovation - 14th Edition" awarded by Lions Club Bologna. The thesis ranked among the six finalists from all technological PhD theses discussed at the University of Bologna in cycles 33 and 34.
- June 2021: Micrograph selected as "Image of the Month" by International Metallographic Society (IMS) and ASM International.
- January 2021: Aldo Daccò Award 2020 – Awarded by the Italian Metallurgy Association (AIM) for the paper: "From powder to heat treatment: a comprehensive microstructure-driven process optimization for the powder bed fusion of the AlSi7Mg0.6."
- October 2020: First place in "Class 1 – Light Microscopy" of the "2020 International Metallographic Contest" and "Best in Show 2020 Jacquet Lucas Award" awarded by International Metallographic Society (IMS) and ASM International for the poster: "Revealing the hierarchical microstructure of innovative additively manufactured metal parts with conventional light microscopy."
- October 2020: Honorable mention for the micrograph "Porosity above the sea of melt pool of additively manufactured CoCr alloy" presented for "Class 4 – Artistic Microscopy" of the "2020 International Metallographic Contest" organized by International Metallographic Society (IMS) and ASM International.