Olfa Lopez-D’Angelo

Dr. Olfa Lopez-D’Angelo is a researcher at the Department of Multiscale Simulation of Particulate Systems at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. Her research focuses on granular rheology, additive manufacturing for space applications, and the behavior of materials under microgravity conditions. She leads the Rheologie granularer Materialien unter Weltraumbedingungen project (2023–2026), funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Her work bridges theoretical physics, experimental engineering, and space technology.

Key research interests include granular fluid dynamics, powder-based manufacturing processes in low-gravity environments, and the structural analysis of metamaterials. She has contributed to pioneering studies on acoustically propelled macroparticles and granular piston-probing in microgravity. Her interdisciplinary approach is evident in collaborations with institutions like ESA and DLR, as well as her involvement in projects such as the VIP-DROP2 module for droplet dynamics experiments.

• Awards:
• Granular Matter Gordon Research Conference Poster Prize (2022)
• ELGRA Research Prize (2021)
• Fly Your Thesis! 2019 (2018)
• ESA Networking/Partnering Initiative Fellowship (2017)

Dr. Lopez-D’Angelo actively disseminates her work through international conferences (e.g., DPG, IAC) and public engagement initiatives, including the podcast Talk That Science. Her research emphasizes practical applications in space exploration, such as in-situ resource utilization and advanced manufacturing systems for extraterrestrial environments.