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Geologist

Natural stone consultant, I have built hands-on experience as research technician at the University of Évora (Portugal), while also participating to several funded research projects and teaching. I am author and co-author of more than 30 publications, including technical manuals, scientific papers, and outreaches.

I currently serve on the Scientific Committee of the Global Stone Congress.

Practical Laboratory Activities

Photo of a laboratory test

Hands-on experience

It includes stone characterisation and performance assessment as sensitivity to staining and to major environmental stresses. 
I am also specialised in verifying the compatibility and efficiency of eco-friendly treatments in collaboration with several multinational companies.

Funded Research Projects

Boosting exports and added value through innovation, sustainability, and decarbonisation. The agenda includes developing predictive models of stone behaviour, creating new eco-friendly protective treatments, and integrating sustainability and maintenance strategies into BIM technology.

International comparative study on the permanent deformation of marble due to thermo-hygrometric cycles. The research developes degradation curves and decay coefficients for the safe and sustainable design of ventilated facades.

Transfer of innovative models for anticipating stone ageing, aiming to improve operational efficiency, safety, and competitiveness in the stone industry.

Defining methodologies and acquiring new equipment for natural stone characterisation in laboratory. The project includes analysis, training, and technology transfer activities for companies.

Digital transformation project for the industry, integrating quarry and laboratory data with BIM models, developing digital platforms to update the Portuguese database of natural stones.

Training and Teaching

I lead courses and seminars on building pathology for professionals, industry and institutions. Some examples:

Advanced Rock Mechanics Laboratory for master students.

ANTECIPA Webinar Series for Companies – How do facades age? Anticipating, understanding, and measuring causes and effects.

Florence Architects Foundation – Degradation of natural stones and bricks.

Tuscany Order of Engineers – Advanced Training Course on Building Pathologies (Organized by Maggioli Editore and The Plan).

Maggioli Editore & The Plan – Building pathology for surveyors and construction technicians.

Prospecta Formazione – Degradation of stone cladding.

Conference speaking

Publications and Dissemination

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Authored Book:

  • Degrado, danni e difetti delle pietre naturali e dei laterizi (Degradation, damage and defects of natural stones and bricks), published in the Building Pathology Series by Maggioli Editore, 2021. Click here to view!
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Scientific Publications:

  • Over 20 indexed academic scientific articles in international journals (e.g., Heritage, Sustainability, Applied Sciences).
  • Proceedings of international conferences (e.g., GLOBAL STONE, REHABEND, EUROCK, FORTMED).
  • Several articles published in technical magazines for professionals.
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Media and Public Engagement:

  • Featured in National Geographic Portugal magazine and appeared on CNN Portugal.
  • Interviews for Mauro Ferrarini (Maggioli Ed.).
  • Interview for the format “Cresciuti a pane e finestre” (Massimiliano Aguanno & Daniele Cagnoni)
  • Interview for “InFactor” of (Emanuela Spernazzati & Maurizio Fiengo).
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