Selene Tognarelli

Selene Tognarelli serves as a Research Fellow and Technologist at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSA) in Pisa, Italy, within the Institute of Biorobotics' Surgical Robotics and Allied Technologies area. Mentored by Prof. Arianna Menciassi, she excels in technical research and project leadership for national and international initiatives including EU-funded collaborations.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in BioRobotics with honors from SSSA (2011)
• BSc in Biomedical Engineering with honors from the University of Pisa (2007)
• Executive Master on Project Management (2013)

Additionally, she completed a six-month research residency at École Polytechnique de Montréal's Nanorobotic Laboratory. Tognarelli's research centers on biomedical robotics, microsystem technology, and material science, with specialized expertise in mechatronic design of miniaturized medical devices. Her interdisciplinary work drives innovations in surgical robotics and medical simulation, yielding high-impact publications and patented technologies for neonatal care and minimally invasive procedures.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward accessible medical technology, particularly evident in Ethiopia-focused collaborations on low-cost placenta simulators and childbirth training systems. This work demonstrates consistent translational impact from engineering innovation to clinical implementation, with emphasis on safety-critical applications in cardiac surgery and neonatal resuscitation.

Tognarelli actively mentors the next generation of engineers through supervision of multiple BSc and MSc theses. Her dual expertise in technical development and project management enables effective translation of research into practical clinical solutions, evidenced by leadership in national and international grant-funded projects.

As part of The BioRobotics Institute's Surgical Robotics team, she contributes to a dynamic environment where engineering excellence meets clinical need, developing robotic platforms that enhance surgical precision and safety through advanced sensorization and simulator development.