Mr. Claudio Mirabella | Aerospace Engineering | Research Excellence Award
PhD Student at Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale | Italy
Mr. Claudio Mirabella is a doctoral researcher in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Naples Federico II, where he focuses on pioneering the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering to the digital transformation of aircraft certification processes, with particular emphasis on the full digitalization of EASA Certification Specifications for General Aviation. His work integrates systems engineering, regulatory analysis, and computational modeling to develop operational digital frameworks capable of automating certification artifacts and reducing time-to-compliance for next-generation aircraft, thereby supporting the introduction of innovative propulsion systems including hybrid and electric architectures. Before embarking on his doctoral path, he gained substantial industry experience as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer at TECNAM Aircraft Manufacturing, contributing to the development, revision, and validation of maintenance manuals, technical illustrations, assembly procedures, and training materials aligned with EASA airworthiness requirements. His academic formation spans a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, both completed at the same institution under the supervision of leading scholars in flight mechanics and aircraft systems design. His doctoral training includes specialized coursework in hydrogen-based propulsion, agent-based methodologies, artificial intelligence for gas turbine design, topology optimization, structural health monitoring, game theory, and industrial competitive dynamics, with research contributions to each domain. He has authored multiple scientific works as principal or co-author, addressing digital certification frameworks, MBSE methodologies, STOL aircraft design, lateral-directional performance, and autonomous evaluation tools for conceptual aircraft design. He has served as teaching collaborator in Flight Mechanics and as academic tutor in Industrial Engineering programs, while also maintaining long-standing commitments to voluntary education, STEM mentorship, and private instruction. His broader background includes competitive swimming, multilingual communication skills, and a continued dedication to advancing aerospace safety, sustainability, and regulatory innovation through digital engineering practices.
Featured Publications:
Morra, G., Mirabella, C., Nicolosi, F., & Della Vecchia, P. (in press). Lateral-directional trim for air and ground minimum control speeds evaluation in conceptual design. Aerospace Science and Technology. Advance online publication.
Della Vecchia, P., Cusati, V., & Mirabella, C. (in press). Flight loads evaluation and airworthiness compliance for the V-tail of a medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned platform. Drones. Advance online publication.