Hello there!👋

My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering and a Master’s in Mechatronics Engineering at Politecnico di Torino, Italy, followed by a Master's in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago. These experiences allowed me to explore the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and control, honing my skills in designing and integrating complex systems.

Driven by a growing fascination for autonomy and intelligent machines, I transitioned my focus toward robotics and advanced control systems. My studies not only provided me with a solid technical foundation but also instilled in me a problem-solving mindset and a passion for tackling challenging, interdisciplinary projects that push the boundaries of what machines can do.

Currently, my research focuses on the development of heterogeneous robotic systems capable of collaborating in complex and dynamic environments. In collaboration with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and within the Robotics and Motion Lab at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I work on UAV-UGV coordination strategies, routing algorithms, and physics-based simulation of multi-robot scenarios.

My work also extends to full-body torque control for legged robots, where I aim to enable agile and robust behaviors in challenging terrains. I am particularly interested in bridging high-level planning with low-level control, ensuring that teams of aerial, ground, and legged robots can operate seamlessly together to tackle real-world missions where adaptability and autonomy are key.

Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in student teams that allowed me to apply my technical skills in real-world, high-pressure environments. At Politecnico di Torino, I was part of the ICARUS Team, where we designed and built a remote-controlled aircraft for the Air Cargo Challenge 2022. My role focused on structural analysis and FEM simulations, ensuring the aircraft met strict performance and safety requirements for the competition.

Later, I joined the EDT Team at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where I served as the leader of the Computer Science division for the NASA Lunabotics Challenge 2024. Together, we developed an autonomous lunar mining robot that placed 5th in the Automation category among international competitors. These experiences not only sharpened my technical and leadership skills but also strengthened my passion for collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering projects where innovation and teamwork are key to success.

Beyond robotics, I have been a lifelong athlete, dedicating over 15 years to wrestling at both national and international levels. I was proud to represent Italy as part of the National Team and to win multiple Italian Championships throughout my career. Wrestling has taught me discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking—qualities that deeply influence how I approach engineering challenges and research problems today.

Outside the lab and the mat, I enjoy hiking, reading, and exploring new disciplines that challenge both my body and mind. I believe that stepping outside of my comfort zone—whether in sports, research, or life—is the best way to grow and keep pushing my limits.