I am a plasma astrophysicist investigating some of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe by performing supercomputer simulations and analytic calculations. I am currently working in New York City as an associate research scientist in the Department of Astronomy and the Department of Physics at Columbia University, where I’m exploring the plasma processes underpinning the generation of high energy particles from various astrophysical sources such as the Sun, neutron stars, and black holes. Prior to moving to NYC, I was a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Astrophysical Sciences of Princeton University and a long term visitor in the Theory Department of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.

I grew up and had my early education in Meduno (Italy), a small town of about 1500 inhabitants right at the foot of the Dolomites (lower Alps). After completing high school in the close town (about 50 km away) of Udine, I enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Milan, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a master’s degree in space engineering. Eventually, after working on controlled thermonuclear fusion at CNR (National Research Council) and on cosmic rays at the INFN (National Institute for Nuclear Physics), I enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where I obtained my PhD in plasma physics.

My work explored a range of problems across different spatiotemporal scales, from nuclear fusion experiments to astrophysical plasmas. In particular, my research has led to significant progress in various frontier topics in plasma physics and astrophysics, including particle acceleration, magnetic reconnection, plasma turbulence, and relativistic plasmas around black holes (for more details about my research, please check out my publications).

I love sharing new ideas and working together with colleagues and students. I have deep faith in the democratic nature of the scientific enterprise, and firmly believe that the best science stems from enabling everyone to participate and contribute to it. I particularly enjoy communicating and involving the general public with the latest scientific developments and advancements. By doing so, in conjunction with my research, I seek to contribute to public policy, to furthering the public’s understanding and appreciation of science, and paving the way toward a more just and equitable society.

If you wish to find out more about my work, feel free to contact me through the channels indicated here.