39th Cycle Research Projects
ANESE GIOVANNI - Development of tether-in-space technology for propellant- less propulsion and artificial gravity
Email: giovanni.anese@studenti.unipd.it
Office collocation: secondo piano ufficio 074, DII (corpo E, ex Fisica Tecnica), Via Venezia 1
External links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovanni-anese-216334248
BECCARELLI JOEL - Machine Learning Algorithms For efficient data analysis of Solar System Bodies
Email: joel.beccarelli@phd.unipd.it
Office collocation: Vicolo dell’osservatorio 3, Specola, Sezione INAF\OAPD
External links: Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joel-beccarelli-13b38815a
Background:
I began my university journey by studying Astronomy for my Bachelor's degree, and continued on to pursue a Master's degree in Astrophysics and Cosmology, both of which were undertaken at the Università degli Studi di Padova. Prior to being awarded a PhD scholarship at CISAS in October 2024, I held a scholarship for 5 months at INAF\OAPD. During this period, I developed a strong interest in planetary bodies such as planets, asteroids, and comets, particularly focusing on their mineralogy and studying their spectra to gather information about their history and nature. This interest is closely connected to the unresolved question of the origin of life, which is a topic I am deeply passionate about.
Sintesi del progetto di ricerca:
My PhD project will be devoted to the use and development of machine learning algorithm in order to efficiently analyze and process planetary bodies data acquired from ground-based telescopes and/or space probes instruments.
CIARLANTINI SABRINA - Sensori monolitici a pixel attivi per strumentazione per nano/cubesat
e-mail: sabrina.ciarlantini@phd.unipd.it
Office collocation: Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Via Marzolo 8, stanza 381
Sintesi del progetto di ricerca:
The topic of my Ph.D. research project is the development and implementation of Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) for nanosat and CubeSat instrumentation. Nanosatellites orbiting around Earth provide information of the surface of our planet useful to monitor a wide range of processes and consequently, several different types of sensors are mounted on them, among which pixel sensors are present. In the research world pixel sensors of various flavors are in general employed as particle detectors: MAPS are state-of-the-art pixel detectors, developed to instrument the tracking systems of high energy physics experiments. They offer high signal-to-noise ratio, robustness for space applications, and the contained costs. The goal of the project is to define a set of technical specifications that MAPS must fulfill to be used in experimental activities on nanosats, and more in general in currently used space detector systems.
ENZO SAMUELE - Progettazione di infrastrutture per l'implementazione e l'esercizio di architetture di esplorazione sostenibile e per l'esplorazione Robotica
e-mail: samuele.enzo@phd.unipd.it
external links: http://www.linkedin.com/in/samuele-enzo-5535331b6
Background:
Obtained a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Padova. Member (2019-2020) and later Head (2020-2021) of the Aerodynamics Department for the Formula Student Team "RaceUp," Electric Division. Since 2021, member of the Alba CubeSat UNIPD Student Team, working on the Impact Sensor Payload and on team management.
Sintesi del progetto di ricerca:
The research focuses on assessing the feasibility of a manned mission for solar exploration of celestial bodies, utilizing systems capable of generating artificial gravity through tether technology. This includes the development of a scaled technology demonstrator to test the system. Additionally, the study examines how tethers degrade due to collisions with space debris, and proposes experiments and technology demonstrations aimed at ensuring the sustainability of future space exploration. The project also explores the creation of a business model and conducts a feasibility study for an in-orbit technology demonstration service.
IMPERATRICE MARTINA - Integrated navigation and docking systems for small satellites
Email: martina.imperatrice@phd.unipd.it
Office collocation: Building: 00140 (Ex Meccanica) - Floor: 03 - Room: 045
external links: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-imperatrice
MELCHIORI GIACOMO - Analoghi planetari lunari e marziani: caratterizzazione geologica in supporto alla futura esplorazione planetaria
e-mail: giacomo.melchiori@phd.unipd.it
external links:
www.linkedin.com/in/giacomo-melchiori-20101a17a
www.researchgate.net/profile/Giacomo-Melchiori
Background:
I am a geologist, graduated from the University of Padova, with a strong interest in space
activities and, in particular, in the geology of other celestial bodies. In fact, the three-year
thesis involved the production of a geo-stratigraphic map of a portion of the Crommelin
crater (Mars), while the master's thesis allowed the structural analysis of the faults present in
an area of the Oceanus Procellarum (Moon).
Sintesi del progetto di ricerca:
The research project focuses on the geological characterization of Lunar and Martian analogue sites; the term “analogue” is used to describe objects having chemical and/or physical properties like extraterrestrial objects. A special attention is reserved to the so-called ISRU (In Situ Resources Utilization); ISRU is the term used to refer to consumables for autonomous or human activities from raw materials found in situ on other planetary bodies, with products such as O2 and H20 for life support and H2 and O2 for fuel and propellant. In this framework, it becomes essential to build an accurate knowledge on composition, availability, and distribution of resources.
The aim of this project is to create an extensive database of morphological and
compositional characteristics of selected analogue sites in order to define what are the aspects which make an area promising from the point of view of ISRU.
In the end, the most ambitious goal is to help space exploration in terms of habitability to sustain the human presence on the Moon, opening new and sustainable perspectives for space exploration.
RECABARREN VERGARA LUIS MATIAS - Design and performance optimization of the Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory at the PeV scale
Email: luismatias.recabarrenvergara@studenti.unipd.it
Office collocation: Edificio Paolotti (via Belzoni 7), sala P3A
external links: www.linkedin.com/in/luismrecabarren
Background: I completed a B.Sc. in Physics with a major in Astronomy, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics. During my academic training, my research initially focused on mathematical physics, specifically on developing new integration techniques for evaluating Feynman diagram integrals. Later, I shifted toward astroparticle physics, where I studied the gamma-ray spectrum of Hawking radiation from evaporating primordial black holes.
Research project summary: My current research focuses on astroparticle physics, a field at the intersection of high-energy physics and astronomy. In particular, I am working on the design and performance assessment of the Southern Wide-field Gamma-ray Observatory (SWGO) https://www.swgo.org/SWGOWiki/doku.php , with an emphasis on its capabilities in the TeV-PeV energy range. In addition, I am testing the SWGO Instrument Response Functions (IRFs) by exploring the observational prospects for fundamental physics phenomena such as Lorentz invariance violation and primordial black hole evaporation.
VALENTI CHIARA - Development and performance analysis of techniques for mandibular movement measurement
Email: chiara.valenti.1@studenti.unipd.it
External links: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58494594100 ; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7728-9135
Background: "I graduated in Dentistry from the University of Perugia. After graduation, I was awarded a one-year research scholarship on issues related to social vulnerability, and I further developed my clinical and research skills in oral health management. I am currently completing the final year of my three-year residency programme in Paediatric Dentistry. My main research interests for many years have included the anatomy and biomechanics of the stomatognathic system in gnathology, with a particular focus on craniomandibular disorders, and measuring techniques in clinical diagnostics. My PhD project, entitled “Development and Performance Analysis of Techniques for Mandibular Movement Measurement”, aims to develop and validate innovative methodologies for the analysis of mandibular dynamics, contributing to a deeper understanding of alterations in dysfunctional patients".
Research project summary: This project aims to design and validate a prototype device for recording mandibular movements, assess its measurement uncertainty in both in vitro and in vivo conditions, and evaluate its potential for accurately identifying dysfunctions associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The project also aims to improve individual and public health by enabling early diagnosis and personalised rehabilitation of dysfunctional patients. It introduces an innovative, compact, economical and portable system that provides objective and reproducible data, reducing subjectivity and diagnostic delays, while supporting standardised clinical and rehabilitation protocols.The scalable technology is designed to be implemented in both public and private healthcare settings. Its portability and affordability make it suitable for use in remote or resource-limited environments, improving global access to precision diagnostics and promoting health equity by promoting a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare.
