What is your background?

I’m a power electronics engineer. I started with an equivalent MEng degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Bari in Italy followed by a PhD degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Nottingham. I spent the best years growing up, learning about mechanical engineering and marine motors in my father's workshop. It’s here, with hands on experience, where I learnt about problem-solving and what an important skill it is to have in any aspect of engineering. I’m a researcher in the Power Electronics, Machine and Control research group where I have been working on industrial and aerospace motor drives since 2006.

In 2017, working closely with the University of Nottingham Technology Transfer team and Nottingham Technology Ventures, I co-founded and became a director of the first spinout of the Power Electronics, Machine and Control research group - The Thinking Pod Innovations Ltd - of which I am presently its Chief Scientific Officer. The spinout was born out of the need to enable research ideas to be translated into a higher technology readiness to allow ease of commercialisation. I'm inspired by research that leads to sustainable technology and generates real impact.

Tell us about your job

As a Royal Academy of Engineering Senior Research Fellow I work on advancing research in embedded motor drives, whereby integrating power electronic converters within the envelop of an electrical machine, it is possible to achieve a very compact variable speed motor drive which allows huge energy savings to be made in industrial processes. Their compact size dramatically reduces raw material consumption in comparsion to standard technologies. It is multi-disciplinary research with contributions from engineers with electrical, electronic, mechanical, thermal and control engineering backgrounds. I have been privileged to lead the journey that turned research prototypes of embedded motor drives into products establishing the new state of the art for integrated motor drives.

This would not be possible without having a thought for the next generation of engineers. One of the activities I am very passionate about and that I have been involved in for the past decade is the Greenpower Goblin outreach activity. Here children aged 9-11 fully embrace a combination of hands-on experience in building a real size electric go-cart, design of the body work, and drive practise culminating in an exciting race day.   

What kind of support have you found helpful in advancing your career?

A friendly and diverse work environment together with funding schemes such as the Impact Accelerator Account which have enabled my initial steps as an independent researcher. Also, a long-standing collaboration with a very supportive industrial partner keen to see fundamental research make real impact with sustainable engineering solutions.

What advice would you give to aspiring women in engineering?

Engineering is for everyone, especially if you love solving problems and coming up with solutions that will contribute to make a real difference in the way we treat the world we live in. There isn’t any one specific model to aim for, everyone contributes with their own beautiful individuality. Always challenge yourself, spend some time outside of your comfort zone and always encourage and inspire the next generation of engineers.