Alumni

Dr. Elia Arnese Feffin

Postdoctoral Associate ‒ Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dpt. of Chemical Engineering; Cambridge, MA, USA

I am a Post-Doc at MIT, researching on ways to merge prior process knowledge and information that can be extracted from process data by data-driven modeling. I have carried out research for my PhD at CAPE-lab, where I had the chance to work on real industrial processes and data. My time at CAPE-Lab helped me understanding the theoretical foundations of data analytics methods and getting invaluable insight on the application of such methods to real-world scenarios.

Dr. Gabriele Bano

Head of Process Modelling ‒ Sanofi, Global CMC Development; Framingham, MA, U.S.A.

In my role as Head of Process Modelling in Sanofi I lead a global team of process modelers and data scientists across three different countries (France, Germany, United States) to support a wide portfolio of biopharmaceuticals addressing a range of therapeutic areas such as immunology, oncology and rare diseases. My team is responsible for the implementation of advanced modelling techniques to accelerate the development, scale-up and commercialization of the manufacturing processes used to manufacture these medicines at scale.

The education, experience and international exposure I have gained during my time at CAPE-Lab have been pivotal to support my career development within the pharmaceutical industry and have provided me with a differentiated skillset that has made me competitive in a dynamic international environment. Attention to details, solid chemical engineering fundamentals, international mindset and “out-of-the-box” thinking are just a few of the skills that I have developed during my time at CAPE-Lab and that have contributed to shaping my professional profile.

Mr. Antonio Benedetti

Co-Founder & CEO ‒ PolyModels Hub, London, UK

After more than six years at a leading global pharmaceutical organisation, I founded PolyModels Hub, a venture-backed startup dedicated to accelerating pharmaceutical process development through an innovative model-based approach and platform. Our vision is to combine cutting-edge technology with groundbreaking science in process and systems modelling to deliver significant value to pharmaceutical product portfolios and bring medicines to patients faster.

CAPE-Lab had a profound impact on my career. During my MSc thesis, I gained foundational knowledge in data science and modelling and had the opportunity to challenge myself in an international environment. Since then, I have had the pleasure of collaborating closely as an industrial partner with Pierantonio, Max, and Fabrizio on various research and collaboration projects. I have always admired their pragmatism, scientific rigour, problem-solving skills, and commitment to quality execution, combined with an exceptional focus on academic education and the application of the research method.

Dr. Andrea Bernardi

Research Fellow, Sargent Centre of Process Systems Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London

I began my research career at CAPE-Lab, starting with my MSc thesis, continuing as a PhD student from 2012 to 2014, and working as a postdoctoral researcher before joining Imperial College London in 2017. My years at CAPE-Lab were crucial in developing my expertise and passion for process systems engineering and scientific research.

My research interests include (i) techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment of low carbon chemical processes, with a focus on low-carbon fuels and platform chemicals production (methanol, ethylene), and (ii) supply chain optimization and sustainability in pharma.

Dr. Filippo Dal Pastro

Process Engineer ‒ VTU Engineering; Sesto San Giovanni, Italy

VTU is an engineering society that designs plants, in particular for the pharmaceutical industry, from the conceptual design up to the validation of the plant itself. My role as process engineer in a company that designs plants (particularly for the pharmaceutical industry) is broad and highly depends on the project and on the project phase. It can vary from the design of different equipment (tanks, exchangers, complex packages) to the development of P&IDs. As a process engineer, your work is the starting point for all the other disciplines involved in a plant design (electrical, mechanical, automation), so it is of paramount importance.

My CAPE-Lab experience gave me the mindset to meet customer demands, since they are always looking for intelligent solutions to improve the quality, performance and efficiency of their production processes and facilities. Being a process engineer with a CAPE-Lab background creates the perfect link between the automation department and the customer.

Dr. Francesco Destro

Postdoctoral Research Associate ‒ Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dpt. of Chemical Engineering; Cambridge, MA, USA

As Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), I am conducting research into process systems engineering and advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Specifically, I am using the expertise acquired in CAPE to enhance the manufacturing process for genetic medicines. Several drugs from this class of therapeutics have been approved in recent years, with potential to treat severe diseases, including certain types of cancer and genetic disorders. However, most advanced biotherapeutics are manufactured through processes that present low efficiency and high costs, which can exceed 200.000 euros for certain gene therapies. The process systems engineering toolkit mastered by the CAPE-Lab is essential for addressing these challenges and making these cutting-edge therapies accessible to all patients in need.

Dr. Sara Giarola

Marie Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Management, Polytechnic of Milan, Honorary Research Fellow, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College

After my PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Padova, I joined the Chemical Engineering Department of Imperial College London. I later became a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Polytechnic of Milan. I am interested in different subjects, ranging from energy systems modelling, to supply chain optimisation, and to climate science. I remember with pleasure my time at the CapeLab, where I first studied optimisation and learned the skills of rigorous analytical modelling, I always use in my career for dealing with complex systems.

Dr. Matteo Ottavian

Head of Operations, Suanfarma Italia S.p.A.; Rovereto, Italy

Suanfarma Italia is manufacturing APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) via both classical fermentation and chemical synthesis. As Head of Operations, my main responsibility is assuring to our customers high quality products at affordable prices, which translates from a practical point of view into keeping the manufacturing processes well under control within its design space and constantly seeking for improvements. In addition, I am responsible for the introduction of the new products on site either from laboratory scale or from other production sites (the so-called process transfers): scale transfer projects are always a lot of fun when you studied Chemical Engineering!

I learnt at the CAPE-Lab the role that modelling and data plays in making sound and enduring decisions – in a rapidly changing environment with limited resources, such mindset really contribute in moving in the right direction in everyday work.

Dr. Francesco Sartori

Data Scientist ‒ EssilorLuxottica, Business Process Innovation; Agordo, Italy

As a data scientist at EssilorLuxottica, I am involved in several projects aimed at extracting value from data through machine learning and computer vision techniques for improving the manufacturing process and supply chain efficiency. My experience in CAPE-Lab has equipped me with a profound understanding of advanced analytical techniques, statistical methodologies, and data pre-processing strategies, as well as essential soft skills that underpin effective collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Dr. Andrea Zamboni

Team Leader, Biomethane Division, Pietro Fiorentini, Arcugnano, Italy

Now heading the Biomethane Team with the commitment to manage origination as well as technical and economic evaluation of biomethane projects in Italy, Europe and USA. Along my work experience (13 years) in the Biogas/Biomethane sector I have been covering different tasks: permitting and process design, construction management, feedstock supply management, operation management, sustainability and economics evaluation, business development, project financing management, M&A operations. And this is, basically, what I bring along from my experience at CAPELab: the capability to adapt to different context by applying the right methodology and problem solving approach to every different task I have been entrusted with.

Dr. Eliana Zamprogna

Founder and CEO ‒ Yumame Foods; Küsnacht, Switzerland

I am the Founder and CEO of Yumame Foods, a company that produces tasty, healthy, and highly sustainable food products using fungi and plant-based ingredients through fermentation. My role involves setting the vision and strategic direction of the company and supporting our team to ensure the successful production and profitable commercialization of our products for everyone.

My experience at CAPE-Lab was invaluable, providing entrepreneurial freedom to realize my research interests in the then-unexplored area of artificial neural networks, extensive support, and opportunities for international collaboration. I treasure very good memories of those times and lasting personal relationships. The skills and network I developed there have been very helpful in achieving significant milestones in my international career and in driving Yumame Foods forward.