Rockfall Protection Professors and Supervisors

Luigi LombardoView profile

Associate Professor

University of TwenteNetherlands

Luigi Lombardo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Earth Sciences and affiliated with the Digital Society Institute. His research focuses on geohazards, particularly landslides, wildfires, and cascading disasters. He applies advanced geospatial analysis, machine learning, and remote sensing techniques to model environmental risks and improve disaster management. Key research interests include landslide susceptibility modeling, earthquake-induced hazards, climate change impacts, and spatial-temporal data science. He develops innovative tools like the SZ-plugin for QGIS, enhancing geohazard analysis accessibility. Recent work addresses post-seismic recovery dynamics, Arctic thaw slumps, and probabilistic landslide assessments across global regions (e.g., Colombia, Turkey, Italy). His studies emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to bridge geoscience and societal needs, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and disaster resilience. Publications highlight methodological advancements such as physics-informed neural networks, functional regression for landslide prediction, and ensemble modeling for multi-hazard scenarios. He collaborates internationally to build open datasets like the Arctic Retrogressive Thaw Slump (ARTS) inventory. Research trends show a focus on integrating AI with geophysical principles, improving early warning systems, and quantifying cascading risks from coupled natural-human systems. His work aims to inform policy decisions and enhance community resilience through actionable scientific insights.

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Andreas RiglingView profile

Adjunct Professor

ETH ZurichSwitzerland

Andreas Rigling is an Adjunct Professor and group leader at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science, specializing in forest ecology and climate change impacts. He has held leadership roles at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, coordinating interdisciplinary projects like MOUNTLAND. His research focuses on forest dynamics under climate change, integrating natural and social sciences. Rigling has extensive fieldwork experience in Europe and Siberia, leading international expeditions since 1993. He holds a PhD from the University of Basel and postgraduate training in applied statistics. Awards include the td-Award for transdisciplinary research and honorary professorship at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Teaching includes courses on tree growth, mountain forest ecology, and dendroecology at ETH Zurich and the University of Bern. Education: PhD, University of Basel, 1996-2000: "Wood anatomical characteristics as indicators of biotic and abiotic stress factors" Postgraduate diploma in applied statistics, ETH Zurich, 1998-1999 Forest Sciences, ETH Zurich, 1987-1993 Research Interests: Climate change impacts on forests, tree mortality mechanisms, interdisciplinary research methodologies, mountain ecosystems, and legacy effects of past disturbances. His work bridges natural sciences with socio-economic policy, emphasizing holistic approaches to environmental challenges. Publications: Recent work explores drought impacts on tree physiology, soil carbon dynamics post-disturbance, and transdisciplinary forest management strategies. Key themes include carbon allocation under stress, legacy effects of extreme events, and forest resilience mechanisms. Awards: 2020: Scientific Image Competition Distinction (SNSF) 2013: td-Award (Swiss Academies) 2011: Honorary Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1993: ETH Medal for outstanding thesis Grants/Advising: Led major projects like MOUNTLAND (CCES-funded) and coordinated international initiatives. Active in advisory roles for institutions such as the Forest Research Institute FVA (Germany) and Waldwissen.net. Labs/Teams: Leads the Forest Growth and Global Change group at ETH, collaborating with WSL and international partners on projects like MainWood (wood utilization in construction).

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Mehmet Melih KoşucuView profile

Assistant Professor

Istanbul Technical UniversityTurkey

Dr. Mehmet Melih Koşucu is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University. His research focuses on hydraulics, water resources engineering, and urban infrastructure systems, with particular emphasis on water distribution networks, pressure management, and hydrodynamic modeling. He holds a PhD in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering from Istanbul Technical University (2016). Education Background: PhD: Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2016) MSc: Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2012) BSc: Civil Engineering, Istanbul Technical University (2012) Research Interests: His studies bridge theoretical and applied aspects of hydraulic engineering, including: - Development of smart pressure management systems for reducing water leakage - Optimization of water distribution networks using advanced algorithms - Hydrodynamic modeling of complex marine environments like Istanbul Strait - Integration of satellite data for hydrological model calibration Publications Trends: Recent works emphasize smart infrastructure solutions, computational hydraulics, and real-time monitoring to enhance water resource efficiency. His EPANET-based tool developments have contributed to pressure management research globally. Awards: Water Management Award from the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs (2019) Professional Experience: Doctorate Lecturer at ITU Civil Engineering (2023–present) Research Assistant at ITU Civil Engineering (2014–2023) Military Service: Turkish Armed Forces (2013) Labs/Teams: Active in hydraulic and water resources laboratories at Istanbul Technical University, focusing on computational modeling and smart infrastructure prototyping.

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Jeffrey KnowlesView profile

Lecturer

Oregon State UniversityUnited States

Jeffrey Knowles is an Instructor in the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering at Oregon State University, part of the College of Engineering. He teaches courses ranging from hydraulics and statics to geotechnical engineering and dynamics, emphasizing a Socratic and student-centered instructional approach. His research focuses on nearshore ocean-wave dynamics, tsunami modeling using computational tools, and risk analysis of coastal infrastructure. Education: Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Minor in Mathematics), Oregon State University, 2019 M.Eng., Civil Engineering, Oregon State University, 2013 B.S., Civil Engineering, Oregon State University, 2012 Research Interests: Jeff combines numerical experimentation and analytical modeling to study wave dynamics, particularly solitons and their role in tsunami shoaling (e.g., the 2011 Tohoku event). Recent work extends to geotechnical engineering, analyzing rockfall protection structures' lifecycle and risk assessment. His computational methods involve high-accuracy simulations over variable bathymetries. No articles or awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. Advising and grants are not mentioned.

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Mauro Borri BrunettoView profile

Associate Professor

Polytechnic University of TurinItaly

Mauro Borri Brunetto is an Associate Professor in the Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG) at the Politecnico di Torino , Italy. He is a member of the Interdepartmental Center SISCON (Safety of Infrastructures and Constructions) and serves on the Joint Committee for Teaching. His academic and research activities are deeply rooted in civil engineering, with a focus on computational and structural mechanics. University: Politecnico di Torino Department: Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering (DISEG) Academic Rank: Associate Professor (L. 240) Email: mauro.borri@polito.it His research interests lie at the intersection of solid mechanics and natural hazard engineering. Key areas include: Computational mechanics and numerical modeling Contact mechanics of rough surfaces Mechanical behavior and constitutive modeling of snow Soil and rock mechanics Cellular automata models for snow avalanche dynamics Experimental study of avalanche impacts on buildings History of construction science and structural mechanics The recent publications reflect a consistent focus on modeling snow behavior and assessing rock failure in deep excavations. His work combines theoretical development, numerical simulation, and experimental validation, particularly in cold regions engineering and geomechanics. There is a strong emphasis on safety of infrastructures, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11. Scientific Contributions Development of elasto-visco-plastic constitutive models for snow Experimental investigation of snow-mortar interface shear strength Brittle failure prediction in deep rock tunnels Historical analysis of engineering at Politecnico di Torino Borri Brunetto actively supervises PhD students, including Lorenzo Milan and Gianmarco Vallero , guiding research in rock mechanics and snow modeling. He teaches Nonlinear Solid Mechanics at the PhD level and Structural Theory and Building Science modules in undergraduate and Master's programs in Civil and Building Engineering and Architecture. He is also involved in doctoral colleges for the PhD program in Civil and Environmental Engineering. His research is supported by expertise in computational modeling and experimental design, particularly in the context of natural hazards like avalanches and rockfalls. He contributes to interdisciplinary efforts through the SISCON center, focusing on infrastructure resilience and monitoring-based safety assessment.

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Andrea SegaliniView profile

Associate Professor

University of ParmaItaly

Andrea Segalini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics (DICATeA) at the University of Parma, where he teaches courses in geotechnics, rock mechanics, and slope stability across multiple engineering programs including Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering for Risk Mitigation, and Geological Sciences and Technologies. His educational background includes a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Parma (1995) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Geoengineering from the Technical School of Turin (1999). He advanced from a research grant recipient in 2000 to Researcher in 2007, and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2014, with national qualification for Full Professor achieved in 2016. Segalini's research focuses on rock mechanics, slope stability, landslide and rockfall dynamics, numerical modeling (using FLAC and finite element methods), and the development of advanced geotechnical monitoring systems. His work integrates theoretical, experimental, and computational approaches to analyze and mitigate geological hazards. The most recent publications reflect a strong trend toward real-time monitoring of debris flows, landslide detection using equivalent displacements, integration of advanced technologies in geotechnical systems, and low-cost erosion monitoring. These works highlight a shift toward smart, integrated, and cost-effective solutions for geohazard management, particularly in alpine and Apennine regions. National Scientific Qualification of Associate Professor in Disciplinary Areas 04/A3 and 08/A1 National Scientific Qualification of Full Professor in Disciplinary Area 08/A1 Segalini has led and participated in numerous national research projects (PRIN, COFIN, FIL), serving as Principal Investigator and Local Research Unit leader. He is also a scientific consultant for the Servizio Tecnico Centrale of the Consiglio Superiore dei Lavori Pubblici, contributing to the development of a European Assessment Document (EAD) for flexible debris flow barriers. He has not formally advised any listed students, but his leadership in research projects and spin-off development indicates significant mentorship and team coordination. He co-founded and leads Advanced Slope Engineering S.r.l. (ASE S.r.l.), a University of Parma spin-off commercializing the Modular Underground Monitoring System (MUMS), a patented automatic inclinometer. His research team at DICATeA continues to innovate in geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring, bridging academic research with industrial application.

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Jörn WichertView profile

Researcher

Bergakademie Freiberg University of TechnologyGermany

Dr. Jörn Wichert is a Researcher at the Institute for Geotechnical Engineering, TU Bergakademie Freiberg. His work bridges engineering geology, materials science, and hazard mitigation, with projects spanning geohazard monitoring in Georgia, wildfire risk assessment in Germany, and conservation of stone monuments. Research Interests: Engineering geology, rock mechanics, geohazard modeling, and material behavior of natural stones under environmental stress. Key methodologies include numerical simulations, GIS-based early-warning systems, and laboratory analysis of rock properties. Projects: FireRisk (2025–present): Assessing wildfire-triggered rock hazards in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Georgian Geohazard Management (2021–2024): Developing monitoring systems for landslides and rockfalls in Svaneti. Cross-Border Early Warning (2018–2021): Creating expert systems for georisks in the Elbe Valley. Education: Earned Dr.-Ing. (2017) from TU Bergakademie Freiberg with a dissertation on roofing slate geology and mining.

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