Gaetano Maria Di Cicca

Gaetano Maria Di Cicca is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (DIMEAS) at the Polytechnic University of Turin, where he is a member of the College of Mechanical, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering. His academic career at this prestigious Italian institution has spanned many years, with continuous involvement in both teaching and research activities.

Dr. Di Cicca's research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics with particular emphasis on flow control and separated flows. His scientific work centers on wall turbulent flows, separated flows, and non-conventional jets. His research aligns with important global challenges as reflected by his alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality education), 7 (Affordable and clean energy), and 13 (Climate action).

His publication record shows a consistent focus on turbulence control and experimental fluid dynamics, with recent work expanding into aerospace propulsion systems, particularly aerospike nozzles and differential throttling techniques. His research methodology combines experimental approaches with numerical simulations, increasingly incorporating optimization techniques like genetic algorithms and Bayesian optimization for flow control applications.

Dr. Di Cicca has been actively involved in supervising PhD students, currently guiding Enrico Saccaggi (39th cycle, Aerospace Engineering, 2023-present) and Jehangir Hassan (38th cycle, Aerospace Engineering, 2022-present). He participates in significant research projects including the MechaTwing project (2024-2027), which focuses on morphing and aero-mechatronic wing control for eco-smart aviation, funded by the EU's Horizon Europe Widening Participation and spreading excellence program.

His teaching responsibilities include courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on aerodynamics, unsteady aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, and fluid dynamics for environmental and energy applications. He has been involved with the Aerospace Engineering PhD program since the 28th cycle (2012-2013).