People

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

study of atmospheric processes, air quality, and urban climate through observational and modeling approaches, with particular attention to the interactions between the environment and meteorological phenomena at local and regional scales.

1. Atmospheric Composition Observations

• Study of climate, environment, and meteorology.

• Use of active and passive remote-sensing techniques.

• Collection of high-quality data on trace gases, greenhouse gases, UV radiation, and optical properties of aerosols.

• Collaborations with ESA and EUMETSAT (project BAQUNIN – www.baquin.eu).

2. Urban Climate and Extreme Events

• Analysis of urban heat islands and heat waves.

• Targeted observations and modeling of climatic processes in the metropolitan area of Rome.

• Study of extreme climatic events in Italy and the Mediterranean region.

• Meteo-climatic analyses in urban environments.

• Evaluation of the influence of breeze regimes on urban aerosols, heat waves, urban heat-island intensity, and thermo-hygrometric comfort.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Extensive experience in studying atmospheric boundary-layer dynamics and urban air quality in complex and heterogeneous environments by combining field campaigns using both high-end and low cost sensors, remote sensing, extensive data analysis, and theoretical modelling. Characterization of the effects induced by green infrastructure and mitigation strategies on pollutant concentration, thermal comfort and ventilation in urban street canyons and urban environments (iSCAPE, I-CHANGE, TRIGGER), both using intensive experimental field campaigns and numerical simulations at different spatial and temporal scales. Development of parameterizations to account for the presence of vegetation and NBS in numerical simulations at different spatial scales (neighbourhood to urban). Development of methods for downscaling the outputs of mesoscale models for use in dispersion. models. Investigation of the UHI effect at multiple intra-city scales. Investigation of the UHI-UPI interaction within a street canyon.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Her research spans boundary layer parameterization, urban micrometeorology, and low-level circulation across diverse environments, including polar regions, mid-latitudes, and urban areas. She has contributed extensively to numerous national and international scientific projects and proposals. In the last decade, her work has focused on Urban Heat Island (UHI) dynamics, adopting an integrated approach that combines experimental observations, advanced numerical modelling, and satellite remote sensing. Currently, she serves as Head of the Rome Unit at CNR-ISAC and is a Professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, actively engaged in research, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of atmospheric scientists.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS: 

Research activity focuses primarily on the following areas:

- Study of atmospheric constituents, primarily columnar ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and UV solar irradiance using Brewer spectrophotometry as a function of atmospheric dynamics and the resulting impact on solar UV irradiance;

- Urban climate (heat waves, urban heat islands, and pollution)

- Quantification of personal exposure to solar UV radiation using chemical dosimetric techniques and electronic devices to investigate the interaction between solar ultraviolet radiation and its effects on humans;

- Microclimatic studies for applications in the conservation of cultural heritage;

- Environmental analyses and degradation of works of art, and environmental risk assessment.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Atmospheric radiative transfer and high spectral resolution forward models

Multiple scattering of electromagnetic waves and fast radiative transfer solutions (scaling methods) 

Single scattering properties of ice crystals and aerosols

Polarimetric properties of particles and polarization

Characterization of cloud optical properties from microwave to UV

Satellite data analysis and machine learning techniques for the identification and classification of the scenes (clear, cloudy, aerosol) and surfaces from infrared high resolution observations

Retrieval techniques for optical physical and microphysical properties of clouds

Radiative energetic balance in presence of clouds.

Parametrization of cloud properties

Satellite measurements collocation and algorithms for the comparison of cloud products from multiple sensors

Statistical analysis of backscatter profiles of thin cirrus clouds from satellite lidar measurements

Water vapour absorption continuum parameterization and validation of cloud optical properties in the far infrared part of the spectrum

Evaluation of Climate Model performances in reproducing cloud cover and comparison with satellite measurements

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

Remote sensing of atmospheric Essential Climate Variables through solar radiation-based techniques and satellite observations.

* Chair of the International SKYNET Committee  since 2021(  https://www.skynet-isdc.org)

* PI of the European Skynet Radiometers network, ESR, (www.euroskyrad.net)

* PI of the AERONET site Rome-Sapienza by the BAQUNIN supersite at Sapienza University

* Local operator of the Pandonia site Rome-TorVergata by the BAQUININ site at ISAC Rome

* Editor of the AMT Journal, Special issue “SKYNET – the international network for aerosol, clouds, and solar radiation studies and their applications”.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS:

Synoptic and local-scale meteorology; weather forecasting; air pollution processes; atmospheric monitoring through active and passive remote sensing instrumentation; numerical weather simulations

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

particulate matter; heatwaves; extreme heat; aerosol; thermal comfort; extreme events; interaction air quality-climate

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

His research activity focuses on urban climate, with particular emphasis on urban microclimates and the drivers governing them. A main research topic is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect; over the past seven years, he has developed new methodologies to characterize and estimate its intensity using dense networks of fixed stations, mobile measurements, satellite observations, and machine learning algorithms. These approaches enable the investigation of the spatio-temporal dynamics of the UHI at high resolution across entire urban areas. Additional research topics include the study of heat waves, the assessment of urban trees and other heat mitigation strategies, and the analysis of local atmospheric circulations such as sea breezes.

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

With a background in environmental science and geographic information systems (GIS), I have developed a focused research interest in the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon and its broader implications for urban climate. Currently, my work investigates the interaction between Urban Heat Islands (UHI) and Urban Pollution Islands (UPI), emphasizing their combined effects on urban atmospheric dynamics. I utilize remote sensing, Python-based geospatial analysis, and numerical modeling to examine surface temperature patterns, pollutant dispersion, and microclimate behavior within urban environments. Positioned at the intersection of atmospheric physics, climate science, and urban planning, my research aims to support climate-sensitive urban design and foster environmental resilience.