Lorena Rocca

Lorena Rocca is an Associate Professor of Geography Education at the Department of Education and Learning / University of Teacher Education (DFA/ASP) at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). She also holds the position of Associate Professor of Human Geography at the University of Padua. Her academic career spans multiple institutions across Europe and South America, including visiting professorships at the University of Cologne (2011), University of Caxias do Sul (2010, 2017), and University of Würzburg (2009).

Her educational background includes:

• Degree in Pedagogy from the University of Padua
• PhD in 'Man and Environment' from the University of Padua (meritorious for publication in a monograph, 2000)
• Postdoctoral fellowship in 'Earth Sciences'
• Qualified to teach Italian, History, and Geography in Italian Middle and High Schools (2000)

Lorena Rocca's research focuses on Geography Education, Teacher Training, and Human Geography, with particular emphasis on the integration of Information and Communication Technologies in geographical education. Her work explores sustainable development, local governance, and the analysis of territorial processes. She has pioneered research in sonic environments and sound mapping as educational tools for environmental awareness and landscape care, developing innovative multidisciplinary approaches to understanding places through auditory experiences.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on educational responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, examining communication dynamics between schools, pupils, and families during emergency remote learning. She has also made significant contributions to the understanding of soundscapes as educational resources for environmental stewardship and inclusive practices. Her work bridges theoretical geography with practical educational applications, particularly in the Ticino region of Switzerland and in collaboration with Brazilian institutions.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Award from the Municipality of Padua for Environment and Mobility
• Meritorious publication recognition (2000)
• Referee for the journals J-Reading - Didactics in Geography and RIGEO
• Member of the editorial board of the 'Romanian Review of Geographical Education' and Geotema

As a research leader, Rocca has directed numerous significant projects including 'Listening Environments - International Sound Mapping,' 'AmbienTI: Teaching practices for environmental studies in Ticino,' and the exploratory study 'At school in Ticino during the COVID-19 pandemic.' Her work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across educational, geographical, and technological domains. She coordinates research teams working on innovative educational tools, particularly in the areas of sound mapping, environmental education, and pandemic response strategies. Her current projects include the OPHELIA cartographic platform for river process education and the educational valorization of the BREGGIA GORGES PARK.