Scientific Board
Romania
Biography
Nicolae Crainic graduated in Materials Science and Engineering in 1982, from Materials Science and Engineering Faculty at the University Politehnica of Bucharest, Romania, received a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering in 1998, and is an Associate Professor, in the Department of Mechanical Machines, Technology and Transportation, Mechanical Faculty, Politehnica University of Timisoara and a member of National Center for Engineering of Systems with Complex Fluids (NCESCF) with field of interest as polymer matrix nanocomposites materials, Casting Design and Solidification of Materials, Materials and Proceedings for Moulding.
Italy
Biography
Prof. Orchidea Maria Lecian graduated and defended her PhD thesis at Sapienza University of Rome and ICRA, Italy. She was postdoctoral Fellow at IHES (France), Max Plank Institute- Golm (Germany), and Sapienza University of Rome. She was invited in intensive-research programmes, such as at The Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences.She received the SAIA-NS'P International Researcher's Fellowship and was there appointed Erasmus Lecturer. She was Visiting Professor at Kursk State University (Russia). She was Assistant Professor and is now Associate Professor at Sapienza University of Rome. She has been serving several International Journals with editorial positions. She has participated in several National Conferences and International ones. She is member of several research consortia. She is author of research papers, review papers, conference-proceeding papers and three books.
GNC and Flight SW in Avio
Italy
Biography
Irene Cruciani graduated from the Sapienza University of Rome in Aerospace Engineering, where she subsequently also obtained a PhD. After a brief experience in Turin in the Alenia Aeronautical Research team, she joined AVIO in 2004, following the development of the Vega and Vega-C launchers, within the Guidance, Navigation and Control team, with increasing responsibilities. You participated in the FPSA program, the flight SW developed by AVIO and successfully used on Vega flights, reused on Vega-C and on future launchers in development. She currently holds the role of Head of the Flight Mechanics, GNC and Software team, a team that deals with the definition of the trajectory, algorithms and flight SW of all launch systems (both those currently in development and those in production).
Brazil
Biography
- Doctorate in Electronic and Computer - ITA, (Technological Institute of Aeronautics), Brazil (2014) - Master's Degree in Electronic and Computer Engineering - ITA (Technological Institute of Aeronautics ), Brazil (2010) - Master Business Administration in Strategic Business Management - FACENS University Center, Brazil (2022) - Post graduation, Microelectronics, Design MOS Transistors - UNICAMP (State University of Campinas), Brazil (2010) - Bachelors. Electronic Engineering – ITA (Technological Institute of Aeronautics), Brazil (2004) - Course in Training Course for Aviation Officers (CFOAV) from the Brazilian Air Force Academy - AFA, in 1993
USA
Biography
TransHumanist|TransCerebralist|Entrepreneur|Cannabis Researcher|Nano-Tech|SynBio|Space-Science|AstroSynBioFuturist|Techno-progressive activist|Patented Inventor|Solutionist In 1978 Mr. Lardieri started his medical career & has held various positions. In 1992 he accepted a position as a Research Assistant on a Genetic Epidemiology study. As the Research Assistant for this study he interviewed, traced family history & collected tumor samples for 3500 patients & family members. He co-authored several papers in reference to Epidemiology in relations to Ashkenazi Jews & Genetics for the p53 gene. In 1994 he accepted a position as a Site Coordinator in a major New Jersey teaching medical center. In this position as a Site Coordinator he worked with many oncologists, oncology nurses/pharmacists, international researchers & was part of a team responsible for randomizing several thousand patients to cancer clinical trials. In 1997 Mr. Lardieri advanced his medical career into the Pharmaceutical industry. He started out as a Data Manager performing quality control/quality assurance, & query resolution on clinical trial databases in several of New Jersey's top 5 pharmaceutical companies. During his career as a pharmaceutical consultant and permanent employee he became a Certified Project Manager/Six-Sigma Green Belt and served in the capacity as Project Manager conducting Global Clinical Cancer Trials. Mr. Lardieri also gained valuable experience as a consultant/permanent employee working for several N.J CRO’s. Mr. Lardieri was a co-lead Project Manager for a Japanese pharma. comp. led to the approval of a drug for breast cancer. In 2015 Mr. Lardieri entered into the cannabis space to advocate for social justice & cannabis research. In 2018 Mr. Lardieri founded THCBD LLC and was the visionary in establishing an incubator for cannabis advocacy, research, & mentorship. Since 2015 Mr. Lardieri has attended hundreds of cannabis events, spoken on TV, radio, been featured in several cannabis publications, has written several articles, spoken on issues of cannabis social justice, advocacy & cannabis research in reference to dosing/standardization/process improvement/nano-technology/synthetic-biology. 2018 - Founder - SpaceVitae - AeroSpace Science - BioTech. 2019 - 100 most influential people in New Jersey in the cannabis space. The Insider 100. 2019 - NASA Blue-Sky presentation. 2021 - COSPAR-Committee on Space Research. 2021 - 100 most influential people in New Jersey in the cannabis space. The Insider 100. 2021 - MAB member top scoring Cultivation Lic. NJ
USA
Biography
I have a passion for design, aviation and sustainability. Working at the cutting edge of drone technology has allowed me to collaborate with some of the greatest minds pushing our technology landscape forward. I have developed both small and large scale, high performance systems, proved them in world level competitions, and applied these breakthroughs to both consumer and defense eVTOL platforms. As a Systems Architect, I have specialist knowledge in high voltage electric aircraft powertrain design and operations, flight control computer tuning and optimization, as well as airframe and systems bench testing, flight testing and performance optimization. Through many years of working with dangerous battery systems I have pioneered the use of fast charge, high energy capacitors instead of batteries. As a result, I have successfully flown drones using only capacitors with no backup battery, the outcome being sustainable, high-energy capacitor based energy solutions for the eVTOL and electric transport markets.
UK
Biography
Set up/Substantial Contribution to many Aerospace Engineering Degree Programmes MSc Aerospace Engineering (University of Hertfordshire) BEng Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies (University of Hertfordshire) BSc Aerospace Technology with Pilot Studies (University of Hertfordshire) MSc Unmanned Aerospace Systems (Emirates Aviation University UAE) Current Research Projects • 50KW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (funded by Innovate UK)- Prototype Built • Propeller trailing edge noise reduction via the aid of serrated geometries. • Development of Data Logging System using SWIFT, on Apple IoS • Cost Estimation in the preliminary design stage for General Aviation Aircraft . Reduced order Feedback in robust control schemes for small unmanned systems . Weight estimation of commercial aircraft in preliminary design phase . Use of PEM fuel Cells in UAS propulsion systems at high altitudes
Egypt
Biography
I am an Aerospace Engineer graduated from Cairo University, Aeronautics and Aerospace department. Started my career in space at the Egyptian Space Program. My first project was the first Egyptian cubesat. I was the responsible engineer for structural and thermal design in a cooperation with European union (Surrey space center). Promoted as a space expert and the head of thermal department at the Egyptian space program. I put my efforts in capacity building of the Egyptian space Agency to build the thermal department. I participated in different capacity building projects as the first thermal vacuum in Egypt and AIT center thermal vacuum with Chinese part. Besides, I contribute to many space projects as NARSS cube 1,2 , the experimental satellite series, butane thruster development, EGSA ISS payload and MisrSat-2.
Poland
Biography
Doctor of Engineering Sciences, professor of the Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Life Sciences in Lublin. Research interests: development of multifunctional composite materials based on refractory compounds and metals, powder metallurgy. Processing, Nanomaterials Synthesis, Nanostructured Materials, Nanoscience, Nanofabrication, Functional Materials, Ceramic cutting tools, Engine material.
Egypt
Biography
Karam Maalawi is a Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanics at the Mechanical Engineering Department, Institute of Engineering Research and Renewable Energy, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. He has published extensively in the field of structural optimization and wind turbine design and performance. Dr. Maalawi has contributed to several research projects regarding aerospace engineering technology, wind turbine structures, and renewable energy applications. For his outstanding contributions to his profession, the National Research Centre has recognized him with two awards for engineering sciences. He has been presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award and endorsed by Marquis Who\'s Who as a leader in the aerospace engineering industry.
Poland
Biography
A retired professor of the Faculty of Architecture at the Tadeusz Kosciuszko Cracow University of Technology, in Cracow, Poland. Recently (2017-2020) he was there a head of the Chair of Structures and Construction Engineering, earlier a head of (A-42) Laboratory of Building Structures (A-44). At present he is a chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning of the Wroclaw Branch of the Polish Academy of Sciences. So far he published 239 scientific papers, including 3 monographs and 5 patents.
Polytechnic University of Porto
Portugal
Biography
Raul Duarte Salgueiral Gomes Campilho has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering (2009) and a Habilitation in Mechanical Engineering, both from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (Portugal). He is an auxiliary professor of the Mechanical Engineering department of ISEP – School of Engineering, Polytechnic University of Porto (Portugal), where he teaches several courses of the Bachelor and Master degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since 2023 he is the vice-director of CIDEM – Centre for Research & Development in Mechanical Engineering. He develops his research activities in ISEP and INEGI – Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, which is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO), and is affiliated to the LAETA – Associate Laboratory of Energy, Transports and Aerospace. His research mainly focuses on adhesive joints; structural adhesives; design of bonded joints; experimental testing; Finite Element Method; Extended Finite Element Method; Meshless Methods; Cohesive Zone Models; composite materials; numerical modelling of composite materials; micromechanics; macromechanics; design of mechanical structures; flexible production; automation; robotics; and actuator systems. He was the principal investigator of 1 national R&D project and participated/participates as a researcher in 6 national R&D projects, all funded through competitive calls. He also participated in 1 R&D project in collaboration with the Portuguese industry (funded through competitive calls). He is/was the (co)supervisor of 6 PhD (1 concluded and 5 ongoing) and 258 MSc thesis. His publication record contains 340 articles & reviews published in Web of Science-indexed journals and 154 book chapters. He also coedited 3 books and was the (co)author of over 400 communications that were presented in international conferences and 18 communications presented in national conferences.
China
Biography
PhD in fluid mechanics, an expert in a certain field, director of the High Speed Department of the Intermedia Science School-level Platform of Tsinghua University, and associate researcher at the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He has long been committed to fluid mechanics research in the aerospace field, hypersonic flow and impeller mechanical flow transition/turbulence simulation, high-precision and high-efficiency aerodynamic optimization design methods, and cross-research between artificial intelligence and fluid mechanics. He has published more than 50 papers, 5 patents, and translated 1 book. He has presided over 4 National Natural Science Foundation projects, and is responsible for sub-projects of the 973 project and 6 civil aircraft projects. Participated in more than ten projects including China-EU Cooperation and National Natural Science Foundation of China. Lectures on "Flow Stability Theory and Its Applications", "Turbulence Simulation and its Applications", etc. Address: N727, North Building, Meng Minwei Science and Technology Building, School of Aerospace and Aeronautics, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing
China
Biography
Prof. Shufan Wu is a Full Member of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) since 2013 and an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) since 2002. He received the B.E. degree in automatic control, the M.E., and Ph.D. degrees in Guidance, Navigation and Control from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), Nanjing, China, in 1984, 1987, and 1990, respectively. He worked as assistant/associate/full professor at NUAA from 1990 till 1998, as a research fellow with TU Braunschweig in Germany (1995-1996 Humboldt Fellowship), with TU Delft in Netherlands (1999), and with Surrey Space Centre at Surrey University in UK (2000-2002). He served as a Senior/Fellow Engineer with European Space Technology and Research Center (ESTEC) of ESA from 2002 to 2013. He was CTO of the Shanghai Engineering Center for Microsatellites in China from 2013 to 2017. Since 2017, he has been with the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SAA SJTU), as a Chair Professor. His current research interests include guidance, navigation and control, intelligent micro-satellite technology and application, and space science exploration.
Brazil
Biography
I currently hold the position of Associate Professor II at the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA), where I teach and conduct research in the Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Civil Engineering, the Master's and PhD programs in Aeronautical Infrastructure Engineering, and the Professional Master's program in Aviation Safety and Continued Airworthiness. Additionally, I coordinate an inter-institutional partnership between ITA and Coursera, a leading global online education platform founded by Stanford University professors. My expertise spans Civil Engineering and Computing, with a focus on Operations Research, Computational Simulation, Airport Engineering and Air Traffic, Geoprocessing, Statistics, Econometrics, and Data Science. I have developed several web systems in R and Python, such as DEPART for analyzing airport performance, NEAT for flight efficiency analysis, and GEOX and MIP for evaluating the economic impact of airport operations. My work is characterized by innovative approaches and significant contributions to aviation and air traffic management. Please let me know if there are any further details or documents needed from my side. I look forward to participating in this prestigious event.
England
Biography
Professor Zhongwei Guan is Executive Director of Advanced Materials Research Centre of Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi. He received his first degree on Solid Mechanics in Sichuan University China in 1982 and was awarded PhD on Structural Behavior of Polymeric Pipelining in University of Bradford UK in 1993. He was Reader in Lightweight Composite Materials and Structures at the University of Liverpool. He has published more than 160 SCI papers in refereed leading international journals on lightweight composite structures subjected to extreme loading conditions such as projectile impact and blast, covering fiber metal laminates, PVC foambased sandwiches and SLM lattice structures, corrugated sandwiches, timber structures, high temperature TP prepreg, etc., with a h-index of 37 in Google Scholar and citation more than 4400. He was Chairman of the 5th International Conference on Computational Methods held in Cambridge in 2014. He is a member of editorial board of International Journal of Impact Engineering and Applied Composite Materials. He also serves as a scientific committee member of more than 20 international conferences and has given more than 20 keynotes, thematic and plenary speeches.
Nigeria
Biography
A former senior aviation executive and Training Captain for 20 years with 12,500 hours, Prof. Tilmann Gabriel has managed sustained growth for leading airlines, as well as start-ups, Airports, MRO, business jet, helicopter operations, aircraft manufacturers and large training operations. As Director of the renowned Master Programmes for Aviation Management of CITY, University of London, Prof. Gabriel has led hundreds of aviation employees to a Master degree. As member of the ICAO CBTA Task Force to design the new pilot licenses based on Core Competencies, Gabriel focuses on the combination of Bachelor programmes with the ICAO Annex 1 licenses. In Nigeria, he currently serves as the founding Vice Chancellor of the first African Aviation & Aerospace University, opening in September 2023. With leadership experience in European, African, American, and Middle Eastern markets, Gabriel remains a key innovator in airlines and aviation companies and reinforces a safety culture environment while cultivating leadership, integrity and individual responsibility. Gabriel was contracted as transaction advisor to the Nigerian Government for the business plan, privatisation and start-up of Nigeria Air.
UK
Biography
Jesu Sebastian, BEng (Hons), is an Inventor, Designer, Founder and CEO of By Jesu Sebastian Ltd. In 1999, Jesu qualified in Aeronautical Engineering at Salford University, Manchester, and has since spent fifteen years working as a financier for his own company in London where he is currently based. Jesu enjoys designing and developing small ideas into greater, practical and aesthetically pleasing products. He believes in turning ideas into reality. Jesu Sebastian now revolves his life around managing and fully financing his own By Jesu Sebastian® products. Jesu Sebastian’s inventions are mainly in the field indicated by the Jesu Sebastian Trademark.
Brazil
Biography
The School of Mechanical Engineering welcomes its new professor, Ximena Méndez Cubillos, a distinguished Brazilian professional who will strengthen the teaching staff with her extensive knowledge and experience in various areas. Ximena Méndez Cubillos is an expert in Multivariable Control, Nonlinear Control, Robust Control, Mechanical Vibrations and Aerospace Structures, as well as in Computational Solid Mechanics and Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning). His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the Paulista State University in Brazil, a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) and a PhD in Aerospace Engineering also from INPE.
UK
Biography
I am an aerospace engineer and entrepreneur with extensive experience in mechanical design, project management, and industry standards. I graduated with a 1st Class BSc. (Hons) in Aerospace Engineering from Kingston University, where I received the Golden Award for exceptional academic and industry performance. Currently, I work at Weston College Group as the Curriculum Coordinator for Higher Education Engineering and Technical programs and as a Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering. In these roles, I manage the BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering programs and collaborate closely with industry leaders such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and others to ensure our curriculum aligns with current industry needs and future advancements. With over ten years of experience in UAV and UAS development, I’ve contributed to significant advancements in aerospace technology. My dedication to fostering the next generation of aerospace professionals has driven me to establish over 100 aeronautical societies in very rural areas. I have personally funded these initiatives and provided necessary facilities to ensure that young people, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to explore and develop their interests in aerospace and aviation.
UAE
Biography
Dr Mark j Pierotti is a Director with Abu Dhabi Aviation the leading helicopter operator & MRO in the MENA region & the Managing Director of ADA Millennium. An Experienced & qualified Aviation C – Suit executive & Accountable Manager with close relationships & a detailed knowledge of Leonardo, Airbus & Bell rotary wing aircraft & Airbus, Boeing & Embraer fixed wing aircraft. 36 years international aviation experience with 25 years at a senior level & 15 years at Chief Officer Level. Highly professionally & academically qualified. Capable in all Commercial, Technical & Operational aspects of Aviation Management with specialist expertise in Air Operator Management & Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering. Industry internationally recognized leader, nominated as Flight International Aviation Leader of the Year 2009 as well as 2010 & awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society of GB. Recognized industry academic & University Professor of Aviation. Licensed pilot & aircraft maintenance engineer as well as a published author on Aviation Leadership, Management & Airworthiness.
Finland
Biography
Dr Seppo Sirkemaa works at Turku School of Economics at the University of Turku. His office is at University Consortium of Pori. Dr Sirkemaa holds a Ph.D. and a master degree in information systems science from the Turku School of Economics and Business Administration. Dr Sirkemaa has worked at various academic positions, as professor of information systems management and as a research professor at Turku School of Economics and Business Administration. Dr Sirkemaa has been the vice director of Turku School of Economics and Business Administration, Pori Unit during 2003–2008. He has acted as professor in Entrepreneurship at University of Turku. Dr Sirkemaa has participated in several national and international research projects. He has also been active with conferences, for example as conference chair of the 14th International Conference on Telework – ITA2009. He is active reviewer for several scientific academic journals and committee member of international conferences. Dr Sirkemaa has published over 100 academic publications. Reasearch and education are important, but there are also other valuable things in life. Seppo Sirkemaa is married, and has two daughters (currently at Jyväskylä University and Aalto University/Helsinki) Furthermore, Seppo Sirkemaa likes sports, especially marathon running, triathlon (being a Ironman 70.3. Finisher) and riding motorcycles.
Saudi Arabia
Biography
Mohamed KCHAOU is a Senior Professor at the University of Bisha (Saudi Arabia) and University of Sfax (Tunisia). He leads a research group of several assistant professors, researchers, and Ph.D. and master students. Prof. KCHAOU published over 75 indexed articles in well impacted journals, more than 80 conference papers in the areas of Materials (green, bio, eco, etc.), Engineering Systems, 3D printing, Wastewater treatment, Industry 4.0, and Removable Energy, and 2 books on relation to the materials sciences and technology, and tribology. He was managed many national and international projects and organized several scientific events in Tunisia, China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Thailand, France, USA, Canada, and UK. He was invited by well-known laboratories and institutions from France, Belgium, Turkey, Malaysia, Spain, Morocco, China, and India Since 2012.