معرفی
Dr. Francesco Caponi is a Lecturer at ETH Zurich's Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, where he researches interactions between river morphodynamics and riparian ecosystems. His work combines numerical modeling with field observations to understand feedback mechanisms between vegetation and fluvial processes.
Research focuses on hydrochory (seed dispersal by water), vegetation establishment patterns, and hydropeaking impacts in alpine rivers. Developed the BASEveg Python package coupling BASEMENT hydro-morphodynamic simulator with vegetation dynamics models. Current projects include Lagrangian seed dispersal modeling and sediment-habitat relationships in river widenings. Field investigations conducted in the Ticino Rivers Lab collaboration with Canton Ticino authorities.
Awarded Best Student Presentation at 2019 RCEM symposium for research on vegetation-morphodynamic feedbacks. Leads the TiRiLab initiative enabling student research on Swiss rivers through BASEMENT simulations and GIS analysis. Teaches river engineering concepts through MSc projects focused on hydrological assessment and ecosystem services in Alpine environments.
