PhD scholar, University of Calabria, Italy
Salvatore Garofalo is a PhD candidate in Civil and Industrial Engineering at the University of Calabria, Italy, specializing in smart materials and artificial muscles. He holds a Master’s (2023) and Bachelor’s (2020) in Mechanical Engineering, both with top honors. His research focuses on thermo-electro-mechanical behavior and the fatigue properties of nanostructured materials. He has been a visiting PhD scholar at Iowa University, contributing to advancements in Twisted and Coiled Artificial Muscles (TCAMs). Garofalo has published multiple peer-reviewed papers and won awards for his innovative research.
Profile
Education 🎓
PhD (2023–2026, Ongoing): Civil & Industrial Engineering, University of Calabria, Italy – Research in smart materials & artificial muscles. Master’s (2020–2023): Mechanical Engineering, University of Calabria – Thesis on fatigue behavior of nanostructured polymers. Bachelor’s (2017–2020): Mechanical Engineering, University of Calabria – Thesis on fatigue in composite materials. Secondary Diploma (2013–2017): Liceo Scientifico, Italy – Scientific high school graduate with top honors.
Experience 💼
Visiting PhD Scholar (2025): Iowa University, USA – Research on improving TCAMs. Teaching Assistant (2023–2025): University of Calabria – Courses on Mechanics of Materials. PhD Student Representative (2023–2026): University of Calabria – Institutional role. Internship (2022): Safran Aircraft Engines, France – Fatigue analysis of polymers & nanocomposites. Study Abroad (2015): ISIS Greenwich School, UK – English language & cultural immersion.
Awards & Honors 🏆
Best Poster Award (2024): General Meeting Age-It 2024, University of Venice, Italy. Best Poster Award (2023): 8th World Congress on Advanced Materials, Thailand. Internship at Safran Aircraft Engines (2022): Selected for a competitive role in polymer fatigue research. Top Academic Honors: Achieved highest distinction in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and secondary education.
Research Focus 🔬
Smart Materials & Artificial Muscles: Investigating thermo-electro-mechanical properties of TCAMs. Fatigue Behavior of Nanostructured Polymers: Enhancing durability of composite materials for aeronautics. Biomedical Applications: Exploring artificial muscles for rehabilitation devices. Finite Element Modeling: Simulating fatigue resistance of polymer matrix composites. All-Optical Actuation Systems: Developing non-contact control strategies for artificial muscles.
Publications
Production Parameters and Thermo-Mechanical Performance of TCAMs (Eng. Proc., 2025).
A Critical Review of Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Devices (Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2025).
Transitioning to Artificial Muscles in Rehabilitation (J. Intelligent Material Systems, 2024).
Fatigue Behavior of Nanostructured Epoxy Composites (J. Reinforced Plastics, 2024).
Conclusion
Salvatore Garofalo is a highly promising researcher in smart materials and artificial muscles, with a strong academic foundation, innovative research contributions, and international exposure. His awards, publications, and industry experience position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By expanding collaborations, securing patents, and broadening research applications, he could further solidify his standing as a leader in his field.