About
Background, technical expertise, and professional trajectory.
- Current position: DPhil candidate, Oxford Thermofluids Institute (Sponsored by Rolls-Royce)
- Academic background: Oxford (DPhil), Cambridge (MRes), Cagliari (MSc/BSc, 110/110 cum laude)
- Core competencies: High-speed aerothermal testing, high-fidelity CFD, operational leadership
Engineering & research
Research focuses on the intersection of aerodynamics, heat transfer, and energy systems. Recent work at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, integrates high-fidelity simulation, experimental validation, and data-driven modelling to quantify high-pressure turbine component deterioration.
Technical execution spans the entire testing lifecycle: from 1D system models and 3D CFD/FEA predictions to bespoke hardware design, neural-network surrogates, and rigorous transient rig commissioning.
Key focus areas
- Aerodynamics (high-speed compressible flows)
- Thermal management & cooling infrastructure
- Aerothermal hardware & system design
- Data-driven models & machine learning
Technical expertise
Capabilities matrix: core competencies across computation, experiment and software.
Computational
- CFD (RANS/URANS) & CHT
- Thermal & structural FEA
- Design for additive manufacturing (DfAM)
- Mesoscale wind modelling (WRF-ARW)
- Progressive composite damage modelling
- Low-order network & cycle analysis
Experimental
- Transient high-speed wind tunnels
- Infrared thermography (HTC mapping)
- Multi-hole pneumatic probing
- Optical metrology (Structured-light 3D)
- High-frequency DAQ & signal conditioning
- Destructive materials testing (Instron)
Software & code
- Python (PyTorch, SciPy, Pandas)
- C++ (Finite volume OOP solvers)
- ANSYS (CFX, Mechanical, SpaceClaim)
- OpenFOAM & TURBOSTREAM
- MATLAB (Monte Carlo uncertainty)
- SolidWorks & Siemens NX
Professional trajectory
Academic and technical training spans multiple engineering domains across European institutions. Experience encompasses experimental laboratories, numerical modelling groups, and fast-paced operational environments.
This multidisciplinary exposure drives a highly pragmatic approach to engineering: rigorous in physical fundamentals, whilst acutely aware of programmatic timelines, capital resource constraints, and operational safety.
Education
University of Oxford
2021 — Present
DPhil in Engineering Science
Focus: Experimental aerodynamics and heat transfer. Multi-year campaign validating RANS solvers against engine-scale ECAT facility data for Rolls-Royce.
University of Cambridge
2020 — 2021
MRes in Future Propulsion & Power
Whittle Laboratory
Focus: Redesign of transonic compressor stator utilizing 3D CFD and ML surrogates. Developed finite volume solver from first principles.
University of Cagliari
2013 — 2020
MSc & BSc in Mechanical Engineering
110/110 cum laude
Thesis focused on DMLS cooled housings and composite structural damage modelling (Tsai-Hill criteria).
Venture leadership
Beyond enterprise management, I am an active competitor in hydrofoil kitesurfing (2012 IKA World Championships). Operating at racing speeds on foil sections provides a physical grounding for Lift/Drag characterisation and cavitation limits modelled in the lab.
Credentials
- Co-Founder, KiteGeneration & Punta Trettu Kite Center
- VDWS International & FIV Sailing Instructor
- BLSD & Lifeguard certified
Academic mentorship
Advanced STEM coaching and admissions preparation for engineering programmes at Oxford, Cambridge, and competitive quantitative institutions.
- Oxbridge admissions (interviews & statements)
- British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) marker
- University thermofluids & heat transfer
Location
United Kingdom & EU
Citizenship
Italian
Languages
Italian, English, Spanish
Available for technically rigorous R&D and institutional collaboration.