What motivated you to choose the Master’s degree program in Automation Engineering, and which specific areas have interested you the most?

During my engineering studies, I developed a deep appreciation for the opportunities that automation offers today. From small everyday applications, such as active noise cancellation, to the management of complex systems like energy plants, automation and control engineering is ever-present. This is precisely the field in which I specialized during my Master’s program: the control of energy systems, with a particular focus on optimal control. My goal is to contribute to the energy transition by reducing consumption and maximizing the utilization of resources.

Tell us about a significant experience you had during your studies, such as a practical project or a collaboration with companies in the fields that interest you the most.

The first hands-on project I encountered was in the automation laboratory. I had the opportunity to work on a classic case study in control engineering: the inverted linear pendulum. The aim of the project was to keep a rod balanced in the vertical position. Real-world systems present many challenges, often unpredictable, such as hardware-software integration, developing a physical model to represent the system, and identifying physical parameters through experimentation. Despite doubts, failed and successful attempts, and many laughs with my project group, I managed to see my first real controller implemented.

How has the multidisciplinary nature of the degree program influenced your professional choices, and what career opportunities do you think may arise from the variety of skills you have acquired?

The engineering fields in which automation engineering can be applied are difficult to list exhaustively: chemical, robotics, automotive, aerospace, energy, and the list goes on. Being multidisciplinary is a key requirement for an automation and control engineer who wishes to make a meaningful contribution to the field. In my case, during my Master’s studies, I attended courses in mechanics, energy engineering, and mathematics, with the aim of working with energy production and distribution systems to contribute to a more sustainable world.

Can you tell us about your Master’s thesis? What was the topic and how did you apply the knowledge acquired during your studies to the research or project you developed?

In line with my values regarding sustainability, my Master’s thesis focused on the development of a control architecture capable of coordinating energy systems of various types (thermal, gas, and electrical) with the aim of reducing waste. For the part concerning energy systems, I applied my skills in power electronics and thermodynamic systems to develop models capable of predicting the temporal evolution of these systems. Conversely, to develop the control algorithms, I leveraged my mathematical expertise in optimization, resulting in algorithms capable of selecting the best actions to minimize consumption and waste within these systems.