Personal statement
My research focuses on the design and characterization of advanced composite systems of geomaterials and synthesised hydrogels. The nano and micro scale characterization of such systems aims to understand the role of atmospheric interactions (i.e. water evaporation), stress history and groundwater chemistry on their hydro-meachnical characteristics, and thus allows for engineering of advanced porous networks with unprecedented macroscopic bulk performances. My research bridges the gap between fundamental research carried out at the scale of nano-to-micro particle interaction and engineering performance at the field scale. My vision is to establish a research group in geomechanics to pursue a new generation of “super soils” which, for instance, will have: enhanced water retention and adsorption capabilities for agriculture; enhanced mechanical strength for earth construction; self-healing potential for protection against desiccation cracking; zero water permeability for the formation of ground barriers against contaminant migration