Candidates

Giulia BENEDUCE

Start date: 1 November 2025
Curriculum: Political and economic geography of infrastructures
Biographic profile
Giulia Beneduce holds a high school leaving qualification in classical studies and a French baccalauréat. She recently graduated in Law from University Niccolò Cusano, with a thesis focused on mobbing, mainly on the protection of workers’ rights. She is now a student of the PhD Program of “Territory, Innovation and Sustainability” with a research project concerning the topic of smart cities and data protection. She also started a legal practice as a trainee lawyer in a law firm specialised in civil law.
Research
Giulia Beneduce’s research focuses on the topic of smart cities, a new model of urban development in which digital technologies are integrated into city management to make urban areas more efficient, sustainable, and liveable. The process of data collection through smart networks, sensors and digital platforms raises important ethical and legal issues, especially regarding the protection of personal data and the safeguarding of privacy. The aim of the research is to critically examine how Italian smart cities collect, manage, and protect citizens’ data, and to assess how these practices can contribute to the creation of truly sustainable and inclusive cities.  The aim of the project is to analyse data collection and management models in the city of Naples, to assess the consistency of these models with GDPR principles and to provide an updated overview of data governance practices in Italy.
Supervisor: Professor Maria Paola Pagnini, Professor Marco Mazzarino

Sara BERTOLINI

Start date: 1 November 2025
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Sara Bertolini holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Padova. She conducted research in the field of circular bioeconomy and sustainable biomass management, participating in some projects at the Fondazione Edmund Mach (San Michele all’ Adige – Trento). Her work focused on biological treatment processes, such as anaerobic digestion and composting, as well the recovery and valorisation of agricultural by-products for energy and soil amendments production. Her research activities included experimental trials, process monitoring, and preliminary studies on soil-plant-amendment interactions in the context of sustainable agriculture. Moreover, she explored potential small-scale scenarios for the local bioeconomy, aiming to identify strategies for resource optimization and sustainable by-product utilization. Her academic and professional experience developed within multidisciplinary research environments, contributing to collaborative initiatives to advance sustainable resource management and circular economy practices in the agri-environmental sector.
Research
The aim her PhD study is to apply a comparative approach based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of the residues generated during the production and processing of “Trentingrana” cheese. The current residue management system of the dairy will be compared with different treatment options, ranging from well-established technologies with a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to more innovative solutions (low TRL). The analysis aims to identify technologies that can minimize environmental impacts while simultaneously maximizing economic benefits and recovering by-products, including nutrients, value-added compounds, and energy. The study involves the development of a territory-specific environmental and economic inventory database, which is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the assessment. The comparison of different technologies will also highlight the advantages and limitations of each approach supporting optimal by-product management and maximizing residue recovery, particularly in mountain areas where resources and infrastructures may be limited. This methodological framework could be applied to other local agri-food supply chains, serving as a reference for sustainable residue management with the dual objective of improving resource efficiency and reducing management costs.
Supervisor: Professor Lidia Lombardi

Francesco BIONDI

Start date: 1 November 2025
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Francesco Biondi received his MSc degree in Civil Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome, with a thesis entitled “A Numerical Model for the Simulation of the Interaction Between Wave Motion and an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) Device”. His master’s thesis focused on the development of a numerical model for simulating the interaction between wave motion and an Oscillating Water Column (OWC) system, with particular emphasis on the numerical reproduction of wave–structure interaction processes.

He has further enhanced his academic profile through a research fellowship within the PRIN-funded project entitled “Management and Monitoring of Small Inland Reservoirs through Remote Sensing Techniques,” part of the SIGHTING – Small Reservoirs Restoration: Green–Blue Infrastructures to Enhance Rural Area Resilience to Climate Change project, carried out at Niccolò Cusano University. Following this research experience, he subsequently began his Ph.D. in Territory, Innovation and Sustainability (XLI Cycle) at the University of Rome Niccolò Cusano.
Research
His current research focuses on the integration of remote sensing techniques and hydraulic simulation models as operational tools for the monitoring and sustainable management of inland water bodies. His methodological approach is based on the synergistic use of satellite-derived data and hydrodynamic modelling to overcome the limitations of in situ sampling and laboratory-based experimental hydraulic studies. Research interests include remote sensing applications in hydrology, hydrodynamic modelling, and monitoring of water bodies. In particular, remote sensing provides essential datasets for the calibration and validation of hydrodynamic/hydrological models, enabling the identification and mapping of water body geometry, flood inundation mapping, bathymetric profile derivation for shallow water, soil characterization, water quality assessment, and shoreline change detection. The goal of this PhD project is to build an integrated hydrodynamic model driven by satellite-based data processing. This methodology provides a low-cost and timely solution with high spatial resolution.
Supervisor: Professor Silvia Di Francesco, Professor Francesca Giannone

Maro KALDES NASHAAT

Start date: 1 November 2025
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Maro Nashaat Kaldes holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (Excellent) from the Higher Institute of Engineering & Technology (2017) and an M.Sc. in Structural Engineering from Benha University (2024), both in Egypt. He has worked as a civil engineer at the Holding Company for Silos & Storage since 2017 (to present, 2025), where he has been involved in the structural design, assessment, and maintenance of industrial storage facilities. He has strong professional proficiency in structural analysis and design tools—ABAQUS, ETABS, SAP2000, and OpenSees—applied to detailed finite-element simulations and simplified modelling approaches.
Research
Maro Nashaat Kaldes’s research investigates the multi-hazard vulnerability of reinforced concrete buildings subjected to the combined effects of earthquakes and coastal flooding. Using a probabilistic, integrated multi-hazard modelling framework, the study characterizes the nonlinear structural response of reinforced concrete systems under interacting seismic and flood-induced actions, identifies critical failure modes that single-hazard assessments may miss, and derives fragility curves and vulnerability functions to quantify damage states and expected losses. The research critically evaluates current design and retrofitting practices and proposes risk-informed strategies to enhance resilience. Ultimately, it aims to support safer, more resilient territories by providing actionable vulnerability and fragility indicators to guide design codes, retrofitting priorities, and disaster-risk management policies.
Supervisor: Professor Maria Zucconi

Anna TOMEI

Start date: 1 November 2025
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Anna Tomei holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree with honours in Environmental and Land Engineering from Sapienza University of Rome. She also completed a Level I Master’s degree in Teaching Methodologies and Multimedia Teaching for Active Learning and a Level II Master’s degree in Environmental Safety: Innovative Technologies, Drones, and Geomatics for Environmental and Land Protection. Her professional experience has consistently been in the environmental sector, working with both private companies and public authorities. Over time, she has specialized in the remediation of contaminated sites and, more broadly, in waste management. She currently works as a technical civil servant at the Italian Ministry of the Environment. Both her academic background and professional experience have led her to develop a strong interest in assessing the environmental impacts of human activities.
Research
Anna Tomei’s research focuses on the comparative analysis of waste recovery processes, with the aim of identifying the most environmentally sustainable technologies for the treatment and reuse of sewage sludge. Her work is grounded in a Life Cycle Thinking approach and is based on the rigorous application of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which is used to quantify and evaluate the environmental performance of different recovery scenarios throughout their entire life cycle.
Supervisor: Professor Lidia Lombardi

Alessandro BONIFAZI

Start date: 1 November 2024
Curriculum: Political and economic geography of infrastructures
Biographic profile
Alessandro Bonifazi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation from Roma Tre University and a Master’s degree in Interpreting and Translation from UNINT University of Rome. He also earned a Double Master’s Degree in Economics and International Management (International Relations) from UNINT and in Economics for International Business from UNWE (University of National and World Economy, Sofia). Additionally, he completed a Level 1 Master’s in Logistics and Transport at Università Niccolò Cusano and a Level 2 Master’s in International Relations and Scenarios at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. He has gained professional experience at Portmobility Ltd, CONFITARMA (Italian Shipowners’ Confederation), and the Regional Council of Lazio as an external collaborator. He also undertook internships at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Italy and Inlingua Ltd.
Research
Alessandro Bonifazi’s research explores the intersection of logistics and geopolitics, analysing the role of transport corridors in shaping international trade and economic connectivity. The study examines Israel’s position within the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), evaluating its logistical significance and the broader geopolitical dynamics associated with emerging trade routes. By assessing the structural and functional aspects of IMEC, the research highlights its potential as a strategic corridor within the evolving global transport landscape. Additionally, the study evaluates IMEC’s role in regional and global trade integration, analysing the interconnected economic, political, and infrastructural dynamics that influence its positioning within international transport networks, with particular attention to the dynamic role of its key logistical hubs in facilitating trade flows and strategic connectivity.
Supervisor: Professor Maria Paola Pagnini, Professor Maria Prezioso

Alba BRUNO

Start date: 1 November 2024
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Alba Bruno is a Ph.D student in “Territory, Innovation and Sustainability” at University of Rome “Niccolò Cusano” – Cycle XL. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Biodiversity and Environmental Protection, both pursued at Roma Tre University. The degrees provided her with an education not only in zoology and botany, but also in data analysis and management. Personal interest then led her to supplement her academic knowledge with other subjects, such as programming and the study of Life Cycle Assessment. During her university years, she worked in the field of science dissemination and environmental education, providing services as a nature guide for public and non-public organisations, or offering lessons or training activities for all ages, in school or non-school contexts.
Research
Her background is in environmental sciences, with a strong interest in the balance between ecosystems/environment and industries/production sectors. Her research activities focus on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), Social Life Cycle Assessment (s-LCA) and their integration in Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) models. She is interested in Multi Criteria Decision Analysis for LCSA. Her research interests regard both methodological studies and application on industries, products and services. Another area of activities is the application of the previously mentioned assessment models in biological studies.
Supervisor: Professor Tamara Menichini, Professor Luca Silvestri

Chiara DE FABRIZIO

Start date: 1 November 2024
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Chiara De Fabrizio has obtained a Master’s Degree in Building Engineering-Architecture at the University of Calabria – Unical, with a thesis dedicated to the survey, restoration and reuse of a 16th century fortified farmhouse. During her academic career, she studied issues related to architectural recovery, traditional and innovative building techniques, and eco-sustainable materials, developing a design approach focused on the fusion between past and innovation. Through study and research experiences, she has acquired skills in architectural survey, structural analysis of historical buildings and design of restoration works compatible with the original context, with particular attention to the relationship between architecture and territory.
Research
Since 2024, Chiara De Fabrizio has been a Ph.D. student in “Territory, Innovation and Sustainability” at University of Rome “Niccolò Cusano” (Cycle XL). Her current research interests regard satellite remote sensing for earth observation with special focus on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors. Spaceborne remote sensing is a reliable system to monitor the Earth’s surface with high temporal resolution over large areas and, thanks to interferometric and differential techniques, remote sensed SAR data are a useful tool for mapping and monitoring the Earth’s surface in response to natural events such as floods or subsidence.
Supervisor: Professor Francesca Giannone

Michel EMI MARITATO

Start date: 1 November 2024
Curriculum: Political and Economic Geography of Infrastructures
Biographic profile
Michel Emi Maritato is a journalist and economic critic, writer and professor with a multifaceted profile that ranges from geopolitics to academic research. With a solid background in economics and international public debt, Maritato has focused his activities on issues of social, financial and geopolitical relevance, contributing to the public debate through publications, journalistic interventions and associative commitment. He holds a degree in Economics and a master’s degree, studying issues such as money laundering and anti-money laundering, bank usury and the geopolitical implications of criminal economies. He has developed an interdisciplinary perspective, studying the interaction between global finance and political strategies in international theaters, with particular attention to crisis areas and the Middle East. He has collaborated with national newspapers including Il Sole 24 Ore, column (Maritato24), analyzing economic and political scenarios with a focus on global power dynamics (geotransport, geostrategy). He has studied issues related to financial geopolitics, investigating the role of central banks, cryptocurrencies and new emerging economies in international relations. Maritato has also studied the role of Italy in Euro-Mediterranean contexts, highlighting the weight of energy policies, trade routes and national security strategies. He has addressed issues such as migratory pressure and the relationship between finance and international terrorism, participating in conferences and institutional debates. Author of essays and books on economics, criminology and geopolitics, Maritato has analyzed the evolution of the banking system and the implications of monetary digitalization on global markets. He has conducted research on transnational organized crime, examining the link between illicit finance and power politics, with a particular focus on Italian mafias and international cartels. He has also explored the concept of “economic warfare”, analyzing how sanctions, trade tariffs and monetary strategies have become instruments of conflict between States. His work has contributed to delineating the challenges of economic sovereignty and asymmetric threats in the new geopolitical balances, considering him one of the leading experts on real resources deriving from the printing of money. Maritato has received numerous awards for his cultural and journalistic work, including the Kouros Prize for Culture in 2016.
Research
The concept in my research project of “smart city” has emerged as a transformative vision to address contemporary urban challenges, including traffic congestion, air pollution and lack of equitable access to transport services. The research project aims to investigate how the application of smart technologies in Italy can contribute to solving critical issues related to urban mobility, with particular attention to traffic and public transport disruptions. Italian cities, with their rich history and complex urban fabric, face significant challenges in terms of mobility. Traffic congestion not only causes delays and inefficiencies, but also contributes to air and noise pollution, with negative impacts on public health and the environment. The application of smart technologies, such as traffic sensors, shared mobility platforms and intelligent traffic management systems, potentially offers solutions to these issues. Smart cities represent an effective solution; thanks to the integration of innovative digital solutions, they can offer new opportunities to optimize traffic flows, improve the efficiency of public transport and promote more sustainable forms of mobility. The aim of this project is to understand how smart technologies can be used to make cities more liveable and accessible, reducing environmental impact and improving the quality of life of citizens. To do so, a very complex context was chosen, Rome in view of the Jubilee 2025.
Supervisor: Professor Maria Paola Pagnini, Professor Maria Prezioso

Valerio Maria TULLI

Start date: 1 November 2024
Curriculum: Political and Economic Geography of Infrastructures
Biographic profile
Graduated with honours in Law in 2022 from Niccolò Cusano University of Rome, presenting a thesis in Medieval and Modern History of Law. He further specialised in institutional studies, earning with distinction a second-level Master’s degree in Parliamentary Institutions “Mario Galizia” at Sapienza University of Rome, supervised by Prof. On. Luciano Violante, with research on submarine infrastructure security. He also attended the III edition of the Advanced School of Political Education at the Luigi Sturzo Institute. Concurrently, he collaborated with the III Department of the Italian Navy General Staff, acquiring substantial experience in strategic and international security sectors. Initially admitted to the PhD in “History and Culture of Europe” at Sapienza University under Prof. Francesca Russo, he is currently pursuing a PhD in “Territory, Innovation and Sustainability” at Niccolò Cusano University, specialising in infrastructure geopolitics and geoeconomics.
Research
The research critically examines the strategic concept of the Enlarged Mediterranean, initially conceived within Italian military doctrine as a defensive framework aimed at protecting national maritime interests abroad and now embedded in broader political and institutional discourse. The study pursues two primary objectives: firstly, to assess whether this concept is exclusively Italian or shared among other international actors through comparative strategic analysis; secondly, to explore how future technological advancements – such as the potential shift from submarine data cables to satellite networks – might reshape maritime geopolitical dynamics, thereby redefining the Mediterranean itself. Within this context, the research also investigates the emergence of the Global Mediterranean concept, evaluating whether it constitutes an extension, evolution, or fundamental re-conceptualisation of the original paradigm.
Supervisor: Professor Maria Paola Pagnini, Professor Maria Prezioso

Lisa FERRI

Start date: 1 November 2023
Curriculum: Political and economic geography of infrastructures
Biographic profile
Lisa Ferri is graduated in ‘Film, Television and Multimedia Production’ and in ‘Economics: Management and Business Professions’ and has a solid academic background that integrates skills in filmmaking with a solid economic foundation. Her studies include a master’s degree in marketing management, further consolidating her interdisciplinary skills. As the author of three literary works, including ‘Production Studies’, ‘Social Television’ and ‘The Film Room’, Lisa has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to contributing to the academic debate in the audiovisual field. Her publications reflect a critical and innovative approach to the study of content production and distribution, highlighting her passion and expertise in the field
Research
The PhD project ‘Cinema and Infrastructure: An Integrated Vision for Innovation and Sustainable Growth in Italy’ aims to transform disused or undervalued places into vibrant cultural spaces using cinema as a key tool. By selecting various locations, such as abandoned newsstands and disused railway yards, the project actively involves local communities in the choice of films to be screened, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations between the film industry, local authorities and cultural institutions. Objectives include analysing the social and economic impact of screenings, enhancing the local cultural heritage and diversifying the economy through film tourism itineraries. Aligned with national objectives, the project contributes to the ecological transition and digitalisation of the Italian economy, providing opportunities for the economic growth of local communities and promoting sustainable tourism. In conclusion, the project aims to enhance geo-economic and social infrastructures through cinema, promoting the participation of local communities and enhancing the Italian cultural heritage.
Supervisor: Professor Maria Paola Pagnini

Maria Domenica INTINI

Start date: 1 November 2023
Curriculum: Political and economic geography of infrastructures
Biographic profile
Maria Domenica Intini completed her university career in Economics Sciences at Niccolò Cusano University.  The Bachelor’s thesis was in Development Geography entitled “Female migration: Double discrimination and possible integration”. The Master’s thesis was in Economic Geography entitled “The concept of women’s freedom, health and sex education in society”.  For her Master’s she spent 4 months, in the framework Erasmus+ project, at Gender Studies department of Universidad de La Laguna (Tenerife). Her main interests are gender geography, urban studies and migration.
Research
Since 2023 Maria Domenica Intini is a PhD student of the PhD Course in “Territory, Innovation and Sustainability”. Her research project moves in the framework of urban geography and includes different aspects connected to gender studies, marginalization and security. The project is mainly focused on the idea of a “neutral”, sustainable and non-exclusive city. The research will include theoretical and applicative aspects. Regarding the theoretical part, the research aims to problematize concepts as neutrality, sustainability and inclusion, and the relative interaction, in the urban space. Following, the research aims to propose how urban infrastructure and mobility can create more sustainable and non-exclusive dynamics for urban space.  The research is based on how it is possible to create a neutral city that does not penalize any of its inhabitants.
Supervisor: Professor Daniele Paragano

Tejas Singri KRISHNAMURTHY

Start date: 1 November 2023
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Tejas Singri Krishnamurthy was born in Bangalore, India, often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India. His formative years have been greatly influenced by the city’s thriving startup culture and technological advancements. He has nurtured a deep interest in martial arts and percussion instruments, culminating in the achievement of a black belt in Taekwondo with multiple state and national medals and awards. This journey spanning 14 years has instilled in him invaluable qualities such as discipline. He has completed his Bachelors in Industrial Engineering and Management from Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Bangalore. After his bachelor’s, he started his professional journey in a mobility startup as a Business Strategy Associate for 3 years to be a part in solving the last-mile commute problems in Bangalore and other metropolitan cities. His role encompassed market analysis, competitor analysis, pricing strategy, and related areas which helped the company make strategical decisions.  He has Master’s in Transport Systems Engineering from the prestigious Sapienza University of Rome which is one of the oldest Universities of Italy. During his Master’s he had the opportunity to be part of CTLup (Centro di Ricerca per il Trasporto e la Logistica) for more than a year working on multiple national and European projects mainly concerning road safety. In addition to his academic credentials and strategic acumen, he is also a certified drone pilot. This certification underscores his adaptability and proficiency in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to augment his problem-solving capabilities.
Research
His research relates to long-distance goods mobility. The choice of this thematic area is motivated by the gap currently existing between the development of methods and models for the simulation of passenger mobility and the development related to goods mobility. There is a need of capacity building, specifically for technical personnel of public administrations, at national and regional levels, that his project contributes to fulfil. To this aim, his research is supported by the administration of the Lazio region. The specific area of investigation relates to the supply of road, rail, maritime and intermodal transport services. Both the knowledge of the phenomenon and the estimation of the costs paid by the shippers for the services are priority research objectives. The products of his research will be essential inputs to the development of models able to simulate choices of buy and sell markets and transport modal chains by the manufacturing industry.
Supervisor: Professor Paolo Delle Site

Antonio COSMA

Start date: 1 November 2022
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
He graduated in Management Engineering with a specialization in “Integrated Logistics” from the University of Calabria. His main research activities focus on Industry 4.0, supply chain optimization, and production planning. He has approximately six years of experience as a research fellow both at the University of Calabria and at the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, with specific themes related to supply chain resources optimization, development of Industry 4.0 technologies, and cloud computing.
Research
For his doctoral research, he is interested in understanding the indirect effects of Policy 4.0 on the missions 2 and 3 of the triple bottom line. He intends to investigate how Industry 4.0 can enhance environmental sustainability in terms of energy efficiency, reduction of material and resource waste, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, he will explore how Industry 4.0 can improve social sustainability through the creation of sustainable jobs, enhancement of working conditions, and the development of new skills. In both cases, he will assess potential developments in sustainable production and social innovation models.
Supervisor: Professor Luca Silvestri

Stefania Roberta MICCOLI

Start date: 1 November 2022
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
Stefania Roberta Miccoli, was born and grown up in Apulia, the land of sun, sea and olive trees. Tireless and curious traveller, in love with mountains, sea and fashion, cat lady and, especially, future mom. She achieved a high school leaving qualification in Classical studies, a Conservatory Diploma in Piano, a Master Degree in Economics and management, a First Master in Counselling, another one in Teaching, psychological, anthropological methodologies and design theory and methods: a polyhedric profile arising from dedication in constantly infusing new sap into her life and seizing opportunity to deepen and extend her knowledge and skills. Graduated at the LUM Jean Monnet University of Casamassima in Bari (Apulia, Italy), from here on, she started to take an interest in research and academic fields, then carrying out teaching activities and scientific publications on human resource management, business organisation and finance. Since, 2014, she works in education and training field as designer, counsellor and trainer involved in designing, coordinating and organizing training activities for students, practitioners and public and private companies.
Research
Since 2022 Stefania Roberta Miccoli is a PhD student of the PhD Course in “Territory, Innovation and Sustainability” – XXXVIII cycle, passionate about the following search fields: corporate sustainability, innovation of organizational processes, gender studies, organisation and business management, human resources. Moved by a strong sensitivity towards the theme of gender equality, she investigates the enhancement of gender diversity as an economic, social and environmental driver for sustainable development. In particular, her research project focuses on the analysis of the relationship between women and sustainable development – as intended by the UN 2030 Agenda – at the macro (i.e., gender diversity in community life) and micro levels (i.e., gender diversity in business organizational processes). In fact, despite the evidence showing the benefits that derive from the increased presence and enhancement of women in the economy and in society, the topic still appears little debated and a gap between male and female gender – that merits attention – persists.
Supervisor: Professor Tamara Menichini

Janak PARMAR

Start date: 1 February 2022
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
He has completed Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and Master’s in Highway Transportation Engineering from the MS University of Baroda. He was affiliated as Trainee Scientist at CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi during his master’s thesis work. His research interests revolve around transportation demand and behaviour modeling by developing and applying econometric and machine learning models. More info
Research
For his doctoral research, he is interested in understanding traveller’s psychology in adoption of shared e-mobility system and to support city authorities in policy-level decisions. His primary aim is to understand travellers’ choice decisions under uncertainty (e.g., travel time, vehicle-availability) considering both quantitative and qualitative data. He is aiming to integrate machine learning approach with discrete choice models to enhance the predictive ability of the traditional behaviour models.
Supervisor: Professor Paolo Delle Site

Gennaro SALIERNO

Start date: 1 February 2022
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Management Engineering from the University of Naples “Parthenope”. He has a I level University Master in Management Entertainment from “Alma Mater Studiorium” of Bologna. He has a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rome “Niccolò Cusano”. To date he collaborates for the teaching activities of the Business Management course of the Bachelor’s Industrial Engineering Course at University of Rome “Niccolò Cusano”. He also collaborates for Dissemination and Exploitation activities for the European Project “Reflective”, funded by the Horizon 2020. 
Research
His current research interests regard corporate sustainability, sustainability reporting and SDGs. His research activities are focused on structuring innovative approaches to perform Materiality Analysis in sustainability reporting and prioritize SDGs, according to the recent developments of GRI guidelines. The research proposal is based on Content Analysis applied to sustainability reports and Multicriteria Decision Methods (MCDM) integrated with fuzzy logic.
Supervisor: Professor Tamara Menichini

Qing ZHANG

Start date: 1 February 2022
Curriculum: Sustainable Innovation Engineering and Territory
Biographic profile
He graduated in 2005 in Traffic and Transportation, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. Holds a Master in Railway and Guided Transport System, Ecole National des Ponts et Chausées ParisTech, France, and a PhD in Infrastructure and Transport curriculum Transport System, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy. Participated in the following research projects: Lazio’s Regional Mobility Transport Logistics Plan, Sapienza Sustainable University Mobility Plan, European Project OPTIMISM (Optimising Passenger Transport Information to Materialize Insights for Sustainable Mobility), ‘TramFret’ project in the mission of ‘Freight Transport in urban zones’ at RATP of Paris.
Research
His research centers on estimating freight transport demand to support long-distance freight mobility modeling within a broader initiative aimed at developing a decision-support system for Italian public administrations at national and regional levels. The primary objective is to devise a non-survey-based methodology that minimizes resource and time requirements while ensuring consistency with official statistical sources. This approach estimates goods transport demand indirectly through trade flow analysis. Specifically, regional input–output tables are derived from national accounts to quantify local trade patterns. The resulting demand estimates subsequently serve as inputs for a spatial interaction model that simulates the distribution of trade flows across origin–destination pairs.

Supervisor: Professor Paolo Delle Site

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