Research

My research centers on developing advanced methods to extract valuable insights from gravitational wave observations. I specialize in modeling gravitational waveforms, ensuring their accuracy, and optimizing their computational efficiency. My work also involves statistical analysis of gravitational wave data, aimed at maximizing the scientific potential of future missions like the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the European Pulsar Timing Array experiment.

Ph.D. Thesis

My Ph.D. thesis focused on the detection of gravitational waves at low frequencies and explored two interconnected themes. The first theme involved gravitational-wave sources at millihertz frequencies, which will be observed by the future space-based detector LISA. I concentrated on extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs), systems where stellar-mass black holes spiral into massive black holes at the centers of galaxies. The second theme pertained to detecting gravitational waves at nanohertz frequencies using pulsar timing arrays (PTAs), achieved by observing millisecond pulsars over many years. The primary sources of these waves are massive black holes merging after the collision of their host galaxies.

Both topics are highly relevant to current astrophysical research. In January 2024, LISA was officially adopted as a mission by the European Space Agency, marking a major milestone on its path to launch in the mid-2030s. Additionally, in June 2023, international PTA collaborations announced the first hints for a stochastic background of gravitational waves. My thesis work played a key role in the European PTA analyses

CV

I began my academic journey in Physics at the University of Trento, where I earned my Bachelor's degree with a thesis on gravitational wave analysis through numerical simulations of compact binaries. During this time, I also studied abroad at the University of Oslo as part of the Erasmus+ Programme. I then completed my Master’s in Theoretical Physics at the University of Heidelberg, focusing on general relativity and theoretical astrophysics, with a thesis on improving parameter estimation for extreme mass ratio inspirals (EMRIs). For my Ph.D. at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) and Humboldt University, I developed advanced data analysis and waveform modeling techniques for gravitational wave astronomy, achieving a summa cum laude distinction. I currently hold a postdoctoral research position at the European Space Agency.

Media Coverage

Discover recent media coverage and announcements related to my research and career:

Giovani promesse spaziali crescono - Media INAF

New Research Fellows 2024 - ESA Space Science Faculty