• Hometown: Savigliano, Italy
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Dr. Venanzio Cichella
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date? I am currently pursuing a BSE in Mechanical Engineering and I will graduate in May 2020.
• Please describe your research: My research focuses on the development, implementation and testing of control strategies to enable safe operations during cooperative autonomous scenarios.
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? In the past years, there has been a fast growing interest in multi-vehicle cooperative missions as they offer many advantages. We work on the implementation of algorithms that allow a safe execution of these missions even in the presence of communication faults, obstacles and complex environments.
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? I started working in research at the beginning of my third year of undergraduate.
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Through research I am able to apply the skills I learned in the classroom to cutting-edge engineering applications. My involvement in research impacted me very positively as a student and inspired me to continue my education.
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? After graduation I will be pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Iowa.

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