Curriculum

Curriculum

PERSONAL INFORMATION
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6368-8733
Date of birth: June 24th, 1980
Nationality: Italian
 
CURRENT POSITION
Nov 2016-present    Associate Professor in Mathematical Physics,
Field: 01/A4 – Mathematical Physics
Department of Mathematical, Computer, Physical and Earth Sciences
University of Messina, Italy.
 
MAIN RESEARCH INTERESTS
His scientific activity develops along two topics.
i) Modeling magnetization dynamics in ferromagnets and antiferromagnets at mesoscale.
During the first year of his PhD course, he focused on the optimization of some Preisach-based models of scalar hysteresis, with the main aim of providing a more accurate description of hysteresis loops. Then, he started investigating numerically and analytically the generalized Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation, that is a nonlinear parabolic PDE describing magnetization dynamics driven by magnetic fields and electric currents. In this context, he has been investigating the phenomena leading to either magnetization reversal or persistent precession. In this latter case, particular emphasis has been given to the calculation of the key features of the excited spin-wave modes as well as of the conditions determining their propagating or standing character. He has been also tackling the study of domain-wall propagation, by deducing analytically the expressions of the characteristic parameters involved into the observed dynamical regimes and has been contributing in elucidating the role played by crystal disorder and spin-orbit-torque (Rashba and Spin-Hall) effects. Recently, he also focused on the role played by magnetoelastic interactions in complex hybrid structures, including ferromagnets and antiferromagnets as magnetostrictive layers. Particular emphasis was here given to the role played by the crystal symmetry of the materials under investigation.
ii)         Pattern formation and stability in complex systems.
Since 2012, he has been investigating self-organization phenomena occurring in hyperbolic reaction-diffusion-advection systems that are deduced within the framework of Extended Thermodynamics Theory. On the one hand, emphasis is given in elucidating how hyperbolicity affects wave (Turing-Hopf) and Turing instability thresholds. To inspect the behavior of the emerging stationary or oscillatory patterns, he has applied both linear and multiple-scale weakly nonlinear analysis to determine the (Stuart-Landau or Ginzburg-Landau) equations which rule the spatiotemporal evolution of pattern amplitude close to criticality. This has allowed to establish the functional dependence of the coefficients involved in such equations on the inertial times, revealing some intriguing consequences and richer dynamical scenarios with respect to the parabolic counterpart. On the other hand, by means of a thorough comparison between analytical predictions and numerical simulations, he proved that inertia, apart from enlarging the region of the parameter plane where wave instability occurs, may also modulate the key features of the coherent structures, solution of the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation. Indeed, it was proven that inertial effects play a role, not only during transient regime from the spatially-homogeneous steady state toward the patterned state, but also in altering the amplitude, the wavelength, the angular frequency, and even the stability of the phase-winding solutions. The use of a hyperbolic framework has been successfully applied to different fields, ranging from biology (spread of epidemics and prey-predator dynamics) to ecology (desertification of arid environments). Recently, he has also started the study of some applications to chemistry, with particular emphasis on hyperbolic models for corrosion of the bottom part of fuel tanks.
He has published 79 articles in peer-reviewed international journals and 3 book chapters, leading to:
-1608 citations and an H-index of 20 (source Scopus);
-2099 citations and H-index of 22 (source Google scholar).
He has also given 11 invited talks in international conferences.
 
EDUCATION
Mar 2008        Ph.D. in “Advanced Technologies for Optoelectronics, Photonics and Electromagnetic modeling”, with the dissertation titled “Macromagnetic Modeling of Scalar Hysteresis and Micromagnetic Modeling of Magnetization Dynamics Driven by Spin-Polarized Current in Spintronic Devices”, UNIME, Italy.
Apr 2004         M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering (cum laude), UNIME, Italy.
 
PREVIOUS POSITIONS
2012 - 2016    Researcher in Mathematical Physics (SSD MAT/07, SC 01/A4), University of Messina, Italy.
2011                Post-doctoral Fellow, University of Messina, Italy.
2009 – 2010   Post-doctoral Fellow, University of Ferrara, Italy.
2009               Post-doctoral Fellow, CNISM, Ferrara, Italy.
2007                Research Grant, University of Salamanca, Spain.
2006                Research Grant, Oakland University, Michigan, USA.
2006                Research Grant, University of Salamanca, Spain.
 
MAIN FUNDED PROJECTS
2021-2024      Participant of the project MISE PON “Imprese e Competività” 2014 – 2020 FESR and Coordinator of the WP “modelling and optimization of the behavior of electric engines with low-magnetic signature” for the project entitled:
                        “Development of Ahead Systems and Processes for Highly Advanced Technologies for low magnetic signature and highly efficient electromagnetic shielded vessels” (DAS PHANTOMSHIFFE).
                        Partners: Intermarine s.p.a., Carmec Logistica.
                        Amount funded: € 3.839.287,50.
2019-2022      Participant of the project PON R&I 2014-2020
                        "TecHnology And materials for safe Low consumption And low life cycle cost veSSels And craft" (THALASSA).
                        Partners: NAVTEC, Roma La Sapienza, Udine, CALEF, Colorificio Atria s.r.l., Azimut Benetti s.p.a.
                         Amount funded: € 9.663.046,74.
2019-2021      Research Unit Leader of the National Project MIUR PRIN 2017
                        "Multiscale phenomena in Continuum Mechanics: singular limits, off-equilibrium and transitions "
                        Project code: 2017YBKNCE.
                        Partners: University of Palermo, Catania, Parma. Amount funded: € 270.000.
2016                PI of the “Young Researchers Project”, INdAM - GNFM
                        "Emerging behavior and self-organization in hyperbolic reaction-diffusion systems with applications to biology and ecology”.
                        Partners: University of Palermo, Catania, Napoli, Bologna, Ferrara. Amount funded: € 6.000.
2015-2017      Participant of the project SAF€RA
                        “Smart PRocess INdustry CranEs" (SPRINCE).
                        Partners: University of Belgrado, Brno. Amount funded: € 98.000.
2014                PI of the “Young Researchers Project”, INdAM - GNFM
                        "Mathematical models of interest in biology, ecology and fluid dynamics: qualitative analysis, stability analysis and search of exact solutions.
                        Partner: University of Catania and Padova. Amount funded: € 4.000.
2012-2015      Participant of the MIUR-PRIN project 2010-2011
                        "Control of magnetization dynamics in magnetic nanostructures for ICT applications"
                        Project code: 2010ECA8P3.
                        Partners: University of Naples, Torino, Perugia and INRIM. Amount funded: € 1.357.440.
2011                Foreign collaborator, project funded by Ministerio de Cienca y Tecnologia, Junta de Castilla y          Leon (Spain).
                        "Simulación avanzada de la dinámica inducida por corrientes de espín de configuraciones magnéticas no homogéneas en dispositivos nano-espintrónicos" (“advanced simulations of magnetization dynamics driven by spin-                              polarized-currents in spintronic nanodevices”).
                        Project code: MAT2011-28532-C03-01.
2011                Participant of the “Young Researchers Project”, INdAM - GNFM
                        “Models in extended thermodynamics and stability of reaction-diffusion-systems and fluid-dynamics”.
                        Partners: University of Padova, Catania. Amount funded: € 2.500.
2006                Foreign collaborator, project funded by National Science Foundation (USA)
                        “Nano-Sized Microwave Devices Based on Spin Transfer Effect: Tunable Oscillator, Frequency-Selective Diode, Spin-Torque Transistor”
                        Partners: Oakland University, Rochester (USA), US Army
 
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
2005-present           Supervised more than 20 Master’s students in Civil, Electronic and Industrial Engineering
2009-present           Supervised 2 PhD Students in “Advanced Technologies for Optoelectronics, Photonics and Electromagnetic modeling”
2019-present           Supervising 2 PhD Students in “Mathematics and Computational Sciences”.
2021-present           Supervising 2 Post-doctoral fellow students
 
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
- 2022-present         “Pattern dynamics in hyperbolic reaction-advection-diffusion systems”, PhD course in “Mathematics and Computational Sciences”, Universities of Palermo, Messina, Catania.
- 2021-present         “Mathematics and Statistics”, PhD course in “Bioengineering applied to medical sciences”, University of Messina.
- 2020-present         "Calculus B", bachelor's degree in Computer Science (teaching in English language)
- 2017-present         “Applied Mathematics”, bachelor’s degree in “Science and Technology of Navigation”
- 2017-present         “Mathematical Physics for Engineering”, bachelor’s degree in “Civil and Construction Engineering”
- 2014-present         “Mathematical models and methods in biology and ecology”, master’s degree in “Biology and Ecology of Marine Environments” (both in Italian and English languages)
- 2014-2016              “Statistical models and methods”, bachelor’s degree in “Computer Science”
- 2012-2014              “Applied Mathematics” (Lagrangian Mechanics and EDPs), master’s degree in “Electronic Engineering”
- 2011-2012              “Mathematical Methods for Engineering”, bachelor’s degree in “Electronic Engineering”
- 2011                       “Fundamentals of Mathematics”, 2nd-level master degree in “Earthquake Engineering”
- 2011-2013              “Industrial Mathematics” (Lagrangian Mechanics and EDPs), master’s degree in “Materials Engineering”
- 2009                       Series of seminars for PhD students in Physics (University of Ferrara, Italy) “Spin-wave dynamics induced by spin-polarized currents in magnetic heterostructures. Mathematical models and physical interpretation.”
- 2006                       “Micromagnetic modelling of processes induced by spin polarized currents in point-contact geometries”, Lecture given at the NATO-ASI School “Magnetic Nanostructures for Micro-Electromechanical Systems and Spintronic Applications”, Catona (Italy)
 
ORGANIZATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND PARTICIPATION IN SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
2022                Member of the organizing/scientific committee of the Workshop “Evolution in discrete and continuous mechanics: stability, transients, and asymptotics”, Bressanone, 1-3 April 2022
2020-present  Member of the Editorial Board of the international journal “Mathematics”, MDPI
2018-present Member of the Editorial Board of the international journal “Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society”, Hindawi Publishing Corporation
2017                General Chairman of the School and Research Workshop on “Mathematical Modelling of self-organizations in medicine, biology and ecology” (M.M.SE.OR.2017), Giardini Naxos, Messina, Italy, 18-21 September 2017.
2012                Member of the organizing committee of the “Study days on models of continuum dynamics” (in honor of G. Grioli, in the occasion of his 100-th birthday), Messina, Italy, 13-14 April 2012
2013                General co-Chairman and member of the scientific committee of the international conference “Hysteresis Modelling and Micromagnetics (HMM 2013)”, Taormina, Messina, Italy, 13-15  May 2013.
2017                Member of the international steering committee of the international conference “Applied Mathematics, Modelling and Statistics Application” (AMMSA 2017), Beijing (China), 21-22 May 2017
2006                Member of the organizing/scientific committee of the NATO-ASI (Advanced Study Institute) school “Magnetic Nanostructures for Micro-Electromechanical Systems and Spintronic Applications”, 2-15 July 2006, Reggio Calabria, classified as “Priority Topic” for the year  2006.           
 
INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
2017-present Member of the PhD School in “Mathematics and Computational Sciences”, Universities of Palermo, Catania and Messina, Italy.
 
NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC QUALIFICATION
2018                Achievement of the National Scientific Qualification (ASN) as Full Professor for the Field 01/A4 “Mathematical Physics”.
 
MEMBERSHIPS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES
Since 2022      Member of the Italian Mathematical Union (UMI)
2018-present   Associate Member of the Academy “Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, Classe di Scienze Fisiche, Matematiche e Naturali”, Messina
2016-present   Member of European Society for Mathematical and Theoretical Biology (ESMTB)
2009-present   Member of the National Group for Mathematical Physics (G.N.F.M.) of INdAM
 
PATENTS
2008                Research grant for the development of the patent no. PCTI2007/000071 for the design of the device “acoustic-tactile mouse”. Funded by: Mediavoice s.r.l.
2020                Member of the inventor team of the OSAS Mandibular Advancing Device (MAD), no. 24885, dated: 04/03/2020 (University of Messina).