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Work and Research Experience

US Department of Energy, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations

US Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Office

Technology Manager (2022)
Advanced Solar Energy R&D Specialist (2019-2022)
Senior Science and Technology Fellow (2018-2019)
Science and Technology Fellow (2016-2018)

• Technology Manager, Solar Energy Technologies Office: manage a $60M portfolio of R&D projects (including innovation in manufacturing, software for energy load control and forecasting, blockchain-enabled energy transaction, machine learning applications, technology evolution studies, creation and validation of new investment funds and business models to bring new capitals to the cleantech space)
• SBIR-STTR Office Portfolio Manager: ensure alignment of topic development and award selection with office goals; monitor awards progress and impact
• Developed data-driven statistically-rigorous methodologies to measure the impact of government funding in technology transfer and other variables in the success of startups. Demonstrated that a robust investor ecosystem and an independent technology validator are needed in the same location (“innovation hubs”) to enable technology maturation

Licensee and Organizer (2019-present)

• Licensee and Organizer of TEDxCatania, a TEDx event with 600 guests, 16 speakers, 50 organizing team members, $50k budget
• Licensee and Organizer of TEDxCataniaSalon, a series of 3-5 TEDx events, each with 150 guests, 3 speakers, 10 organizing team members for a total budget of $5k
• Licensee and Organizer of TEDxCataniaWomen, a special TEDx event with 200 guests, 9 speakers, 20 organizing team members, $10k budget

Stanford University

PostDoctoral Scholar (2013-2016)

• Simulated, designed, and tested innovative solutions to increase silicon solar cells efficiency using optical nanostructures (metamaterials) as antireflection coatings

Boston University

Postdoctoral Associate (2011-2013)

• Demonstrated deep-UV sub-250nm optical gain in AlGaN solid state laser device
• Developed multi band (visible and near-infrared) light emitting devices based on rare earth-doped transparent conductive oxides

Leadership experience

Stanford Leaders in Communication

Coach (2013-2016)

• Coached/facilitated communication and persuasion workshops at StartX (Stanford startup accelerator), AWIS (Association for Women in Science), Stanford International Center

TEDxSSC

Founder and Chief Organizer (2014-2015)

• Initiated and led the organization of a TEDx event (200 guests, 13 speakers, 19 organizing team members, $10k budget)
• Coordinator of fundraising and sponsorship tasks, editorial decisions, communication plan, social media strategy, logistic organization

Stanford Office of Technology Licensing

Volunteer (2014)

• Defined market segments, value proposition, possible revenue streams, business plan for a Stanford-owned technology related to residential building efficiency (iFarm program)

SSC Alumni Association

President (2011-2014)

Vice President (2009-2010)

• Elected by 150+ members. Interacted with academic and professional stakeholders to develop and execute the Association’s multi year plan
• Increased fundraising contributions from $500 to $7k in 4 years

Education

University of Catania (2006-2010)

PhD in Physics, summa cum laude

• Demonstrated the first room-temperature visible electroluminescent device based on silicon nanowires (dissertation: Growth, properties and processing of group IV semiconductor nanowire)

Scuola Superiore di Catania (2004-2006)

Diploma, summa cum laude

• Recipient of full scholarship (college tuition, lodging, advanced research experience) awarded to the top 1% of the university students
• Final dissertation: study of the diffusion mechanisms of dopants in amorphous silicon for microelectronic applications

Other

• Author or co-author of more than 40 scientific papers and a book; presented at more than 20 international scientific conferences; reviewer for more than 30 scientific journals; mentor of young students
• Tech-addicted; passionate about innovation and technology transfer. I enjoy outdoor activities; I like good food and good company

People I met with think I am action-oriented and collaborative

My friends define me as trustworthy and problem solver

I consider myself curious and passionate