Present position
Associate Professor of Mechanical Measurements at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Rome La Sapienza.
Qualifications
National scientific qualification to Full Professor of “Measurements”, SSD 09/E4: 09/09/2019.
Qualifying exam to professional Engineer: 04/14/2004.
Institutional Responsibilities
2023 – present: Tutor of the Sapienza “Guppo di Lavoro Qualità e Innovazione della Didattica”.
2020 - present: member of the Commission for the evaluation of the necessary requirements for enrollment in the Master's Degree Course in Biomedical Engineering.
2019 - present: Member of the Academic Committee for the Ph.D. course in “Morphogenesis & Tissue Engineering”.
2019 - present: Invited Member of the Academic Committee for the Ph.D. course in Industrial and Management Engineering.
2023 - present: Member of the faculty committee of Medicine and Surgery HT.
2016 - present: Member of the faculty committee of Clinical and Biomedical Engineering.
2017 - 2023: Member of the faculty committee of Medical Biotechnologies.
2020-2023: Elected member of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Council.
2020-2023: Elected member of the Faculty of Civil and Industrial Engineering Council.
Teaching activity
From 2022-23: Teacher for the course “Measurement for Clinical Diagnostic” for the Degree in Medicine and Surgery HT, University of Rome La Sapienza;
2017-18 - present: Teacher for the course Mechanical Measurement, for the BD in Clinical Engineering, University of Rome La Sapienza;
2017-18 - present: Teacher for the course Mechanical Bioengineering and Clinical Application, for the MD in Medical Biotechnologies, University of Rome La Sapienza;
2016-17: Teacher for the course Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering Laboratory for the MD in Biomedical Engineering, University of Rome La Sapienza.
Research
Member of the Rome Technopole - Open Lab “Advanced Materials and Systems”
Member of the interdipartimental research center: “Hydrogen research center: alternative energetic-ecological vector (Hydro-Eco)”
PhD in Cell Science and Morphogenesis at the Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University of Rome La Sapienza. Thesis: “In vitro measuring contractile properties of murine skeletal muscle and viscoelastic behaviour of tendons”, March 27, 2008. Final grade: Excellent. Supervisor: Prof. A. Musarò.
Education
PhD in Cell Science and Morphogenesis at the Department of Histology and Medical Embryology, University of Rome La Sapienza. Thesis: “In vitro measuring contractile properties of murine skeletal muscle and viscoelastic behaviour of tendons”, March 27, 2008. Final grade: Excellent. Supervisor: Prof. A. Musarò.
Master Degree (5 years) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rome La Sapienza. Thesis: “Dynamic analysis of viscoelastic properties of MLC/mIgf-1 transgenic mice Medial Collateral Ligaments", October 21, 2003. Final grade: 105/110. Supervisor: Prof. Z. Del Prete.
Financial support
2022-2025: Responsible of the research line “Testing and valorization of electrochemical storage systems”, within the research project PE 2 Partenariato Esteso NEST - Network 4 Energy Sustainable Transition, in the thematic area 2 “Scenari Energetici del Futuro - Sottotematica 2.a. Energie verdi del futuro”, Spoke 6 Energy Storage. 174.000 €.
2022-25: WP leader of the research line “Biologica tissues and advanced materials”, within the research project “Rome Technopole” Innovation Ecosystems. Spoke 2 “Technology transfer, new entrepreneurship, business incubation and acceleration. 65.000 €.
2022: CALAMITY: StruCtural heALth meAsureMent of architectural heritage through a fIber opTic sYstem. “Medie attrezzature” project, University of Rome La Sapienza, 63.876,00 €. Ruolo: I.
2022: Counteracting neuromuscular junction dismantlement as a strategy to preserve nerve-muscle communication in ALS. Academic research project, University of Rome La Sapienza. 10.000,00 €. Ruolo: I.
2022: Development and characterization of a novel patch sensor for the detection of pathological muscle tissue in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy animal model. Academic research project, University of Rome La Sapienza. 13.000,00 €. Role: PI.
2021-23: SELFIE-CHECK Check Up Automatizzato Mediante Rete Di Sensori Ed Intelligenza Artificiale. “Gruppi di ricerca 2020” - POR FESR Lazio 2014-2020, 149.677,05 €. WP responsible.
2019: Design and testing of an experimental system for assessing adherent single-cell stiffness in tension. Academic research project, University of Rome La Sapienza. 36.987,00 €. Role: PI.
2020-2021: Circadian restoration of metabolic homeostasis as a novel strategy to counteract ALS disease. Academic research project, University of Rome La Sapienza. 33.787,00 €. Role: I.
2012-2018 PECASE: Advanced Treatment of Pelvic Floor Disorders through Discoveries in Elasticity and Viscoelasticity of Uterosacral and Cardinal Ligament. NSF National Science Foundation. $ 478,277.00. Role: I.
2015-2018 UNS: Collaborative Research: Impact of Pregnancy on the Mechanics of Vaginal Tissue. NSF National Science Foundation. $250,000.00. Role: I.
2016 Sviluppo di un sistema per il monitoraggio e l’intervento di sicurezza in condizioni di funzionamento critiche delle batterie agli ioni di litio. Academic research project, University of Rome La Sapienza. 15.000€. Role: I.
2016 Jets, Waves and Diffusion in Rotating Turbulent Flows. Academic research project, University of Rome La Sapienza. 12.000€. Role: I.
2013-2016 Modulation of dystrophic microenvironment to improve stem cell-mediated therapy. TELETHON. 210.000€. Role: I.
2013-2014 Counteracting the hostile microenvironment to improve regeneration and stem cell-mediated therapy in dystrophic animal models: the role of Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Cenci-Bolognetti. 60.000€. Role: I.
2012-2015 NATURA - Nanotech Approaches for The stUdy and cuRe of Als. IIT-SAPIENZA. 5.000.000€. Role: I.
2012-2015 Role of oxidative stress in the modulation of muscle homeostasis and therapeutic approach by antioxidants delivered by targeted liposomes. FIRB Futuro In Ricerca. 1.063.421€. Role: I.
2012-19: “FAR SEAS: Hydrogen + Litium batteries propulsion system optimizzation for see vessels”. Marina Militare. Support for the RU: 800.000 €. Role: I.
2014 Progettazione e sviluppo di un sistema a basso costo per la misura dei parametri critici e il monitoraggio in esercizio delle batterie al litio. Academic research project, University of Rome La Sapienza. 10.000€. Role: I.
2012 Misura della funzionalità biomeccanica del muscolo diaframmatico in modelli murini di Sclerosi Laterale Amiotrofica. Academic research project. 15.000€. Role: I.
2011 Celle a combustibile SOFC ad alimentazione diretta con NH3: studio ed ottimizzazione del processo di reforming interno. FARI Academic research project. 7.000€. Role: I.
2010 Caratterizzazione biomeccanica e funzionale senza contatto di fibre muscolari transgeniche e di costrutti cellulari ingegnerizzati mediante precursori miogenici. Academic research project. 35.000€. Role: I.
2009-2011 Ruolo della nicchia tissutale nella rigenerazione muscolare. Academic research project. 10.000€. Role: I.
2007-2010 Muscle control of motor neuron degeneration and survival in neuromuscular diseases. TELETHON. 230.000€. Role: I.
2007-2010 Study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of sarcopenia: role of mIGF-1 and oxidative stress. Cenci-Bolognetti. 36.000€. Role: I.
2007-2011 Understanding and Combating age related muscle weakness. 7FP MYOAGE. 11.200.000€. Role: I.
2007-2010 Studio dei meccanismi molecolari della sarcopenia. Academic research project. 30.500€. Role: I.
2006-2008 Il contributo del muscolo scheletrico alla patogenesi della Sclerosi Laterale Amiotrofica. Academic research project. 20.000€. Role: I.
Fellowships
Jan 2017 - Jul 2017: Research Scholar at the Virginia Tech University (Blacksburg, VA) in Dr. Raffaella De Vita’s STRETCH laboratory.
Jul 2008 – Sep 2008: Research fellow at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Paris) in Dr. Nadine Peyrieras / Dr. Philippe Vernier’s laboratory.
Editorial Board Membership
Associate Editor of the journal: “Measurement: Energy”.
Academic Editor of the journal: “Journal of Healthcare Engineering”.
Guest Editor for the Special Issue " Thermo-Mechanical and Electrical Measurements for Energy Systems" published on Energies.
Guest Editor for the Special Issue “Modelling bone tissue mechanobiology in health and disease conditions” published on JOVE – Journal Of Visualized Experiments
Member of the Early Career Reviewer Program for NIH grant evaluation.
Guest Editor for the Special Issue: "Innovative Sensors and Biosensors for In-Vitro/In Vivo Diagnostics", published on Sensors.
Guest Editor for the Special Issue: "Novel Sensing Technologies and Biomaterials in Biological Tissues Applications", published on Sensors.
Conference activity
IEEE MeMeA 2023: Membro del “Technical Program Committee (TPC)”;
METROARCHAEO 2023: Organizer of a Special Session: “Measurement and Instrumentation for Structural Health Monitoring in Cultural Heritage Structures”
IEEE SENSORS 2023: Member of the Reviewer Board;
6th International Conference on Mechanical, Electric and Industrial Engineering (MEIE2023): Member of the Reviewer Board;
45th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society: member of the Reviewer Board (2023);
HEALTHINFO 2023: Membro del “Technical Program Committee (TPC)”;
IEEE MeMeA 2022: “Technical Program Committee (TPC) member”;
IEEE MeMeA 2022: Special Session organizer: “Innovative Biosensors And Sensor Systems For The Monitoring Of Degenerative Disease”;
IEEE MeMeA 2018: “Technical Program Committee (TPC)” member and “session chair” at the 2018 IEEE International Symposium on Medical Measurements & Applications”;
HEALTHINFO 2022: “Technical Program Committee (TPC)” member;
HEALTHINFO 2021: “Technical Program Committee (TPC)” member;
HEALTHINFO 2022: “Technical Program Committee (TPC)” member.
Reviewer activity
IEEE Transaction on Instrumentation and Medicine; Measurement; Experimental Techniques;
Journal of Hydrogen Energy; Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research;
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials; Biotechnology & Bioengineering;
International Journal of Molecular Sciences; Biotechnology Reports, Bioactive materials, Biology, Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, Acta IMEKO.
Membership
2015-present: IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society Membership;
2005-present: member of the “Interuniversity Institute of Myology”.
Certifications
AALAS learning library: Working with the IACUC (01 Feb 2017)
Virginia Tech-Specific IACUC Training: roles and responsibilities of utilizing animals in teaching and research at Virginia Tech (02 Feb 2017)
Awards
Poster winner of the Gibertini award at the VI FORUM Nazionale delle Misure, Brescia (BS), 2022: Breast cancer cell lines detection by a microwave resonant sensor. L. D’Alvia, S. Carraro, E. Urciuoli, B. Peruzzi, Z. Del Prete, E. Rizzuto;
Winner of the “Contributo premiale per i ricercatori e assegnisti di ricerca” - Obiettivo specifico f. Programma Fondo Sociale Europeo Plus (FSE+) 2021- 2027;
Paper selected as “cover story” for the issue 12 (June 2022) on Sensors: “A Novel Microwave Resonant Sensor for Measuring Cancer Cell Line Aggressiveness”, L. D’alvia, S. Carraro, B. Peruzzi, E. Urciuoli, L. Palla, Z. Del Prete, E. Rizzuto;
Proceeding winner of the “Domenico Grimaldi Best Paper Award”. The Cell-Matrix Interplay: Stiffness and Strain Homogeneity Characterization of Substrates for Adherent Cells. S. Carraro, L. Apa, E. Urciuoli, B. Peruzzi, Z. Del Prete, E. Rizzuto, at the IEEE International Symposium on Medical Measurements and Applications, MeMeA 2020;
Poster winner of the Gibertini award at the XXIII congress of the National Electric and Electronic Group, Benevento (BN), 2016: Sviluppo di una fascia toracica sensorizzata per la misura in real-time della frequenza cardiaca e respiratoria. E. Piuzzi, E. Pittella, E. Rizzuto, Z. Del Prete.¬ 19/09/16;
Poster selected as a finalist in the PhD Student Paper Competition at the Summer Bioengineering Conference in Naples, Florida, 2010: Morpho-functional interaction between muscle and tendon in hypertrophic MLC/MIGF-1 mice. E. Rizzuto, A.Musarò, A. Catizone, Z. Del Prete;
National Instruments First Prize for the best master thesis of “Build your Future 2003” Contest.
Scientific supervisor
2023-2026: Scientific supervisor of a fixed-term reasercher (italian RTD-A).
Scientific supervisor of one 2-year research fellow at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (2020-21, 2021-22).
Tutorial activity
Tutor of 1 PhD student in Morphogenesis & Tissue Engineering programme;
Tutor of 90 students for the Bachelor Degree in Clinical Engineering;
Tutor of 1 students for the Master Degree in Biomedical Engineering;
Tutor of 4 students for the Master Degree in Medical Biotechnologies;
2007-present: co-tutor of two PhD student in Morphogenesis & Tissue Engineering;
2013-present: co-tutor of two PhD student in Industrial and Management Engineering;
2006-present: co-tutor of several students for the Master Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Medical Biotechnologies;
Past academic employments
2018-2020: Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Rome La Sapienza;
2012-2018: research fellow at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMA) of the University of Rome, La Sapienza: Contraction measurement of transgenic and ex-vivo engineered muscle fibers through the motor-neuron stimulation path.
2012: collaboration with the DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology of the University of Rome, La Sapienza: Biomechanical analysis of dystrophic muscles functionality and statistical analysis of the results.
2012: collaboration with the DIMA of the University of Rome, La Sapienza: Functional measurements of murine skeletal muscle and statistical analysis of the results.
2010-12: research fellow at the DAHFMO of the University of Rome, La Sapienza: Biomechanical and phonotypical characterization of skeletal muscle from control and pathological animal model after treatment with stem cells.
2011:collaboration with the DIMA of the University of Rome, La Sapienza, Italy: Design and realization of an electronic unit for signal manipulation of ultra-thin pressure sensors.
2010:collaboration with the DAHFMO of the University of Rome, La Sapienza: Morpho-functional analysis of cachectic muscles.
2008-10: research fellow at the DAHFMO of the University of Rome, La Sapienza: Study of the molecular mechanisms involved in sarcopenia and morpho-functional characterization of engineered-muscular tissues.
2008: collaboration with the DAHFMO of the University of Rome, La Sapienza: Statistical analysis of laboratory experiments.
2007: collaboration with the DAHFMO of the University of Rome, La Sapienza, Molecular mechanism involved in muscle atrophy: role of paracrine and endocrine factors in atrophic phenotype modulation.
Other academic activities
2020 - present: Member of the DIMA Research Commission.
2020 - present: Member of the DIMA Steering Committee.
Member of the Electoral Commmission for the election of the students’ representatives in the Faculty Assemby for the years 2020 – 2022.
President of Electoral Commmission for the election of research fellows’ representatives for the DIMA Department Council for the years 2021 - 2024
Patents
Co-Inventor of the italian patent n: 102022000014269 (06/07/2022): Elettrodo Neurale interamente realizzato con polimeri soft e tecniche di Rapid Prototyping.