1. RESEARCH INTERESTS

I am a palaeontologist fascinated with animal behaviour. For this reason, my research interests are focused on the study of life-substrate interactions (ichnology).

The fossilized products of these interactions, known as ichnofossils or trace fossils, offer us the only direct glimpse into the behaviours of ancient animals. From trilobite burrows to dinosaur tracks, these traces unravel the mysteries of how these long-gone creatures moved, dwelled, and sought food. But the intrigue doesn’t stop there. I apply ichnology to answer some of science’s most compelling questions: How did ancient animals behave? What was their habitat like? And the ultimate question – does life exist beyond our own planet?

research interests

ASTROBIOLOGY

Does life exist beyond Earth?

My approach to this fundamental question is through the study of ichnofossils, which I hypothesize to be universal indicators of life. Acting as documents of biological behaviour, ichnofossils serve as biosignatures that record the existence of life, irrespective of the size, shape, or biochemistry of the lifeforms that created them. This unique characteristic makes them invaluable in the quest for life beyond Earth, as it enables the detection of life forms that may greatly differ from those known to us.

2. SCIENTIFIC PORTFOLIO

I have been fortunate enough to study palaeontological wonders spanning the last 600 million years. My research on these wonders has been published in peer-reviewed journals including PNAS, Geology, Earth-Science Reviews, Palaeo3, Palaios, among other academic publications in the field.

My body of work encompasses a range of research topics within the realm of palaeontology. This portfolio showcases a selection of my palaeontological studies, with a feature that allows you to filter my work according to the research subject. Enjoy exploring the geological wonders I have been fortunate enough to study!

HOW I STUDY DEEP TIME

I use network analysis and neoichnology to venture through the Earth’s past.

I developed a new approach to depict – in a single web-like picture! – the past 500 million years of life-substrate interactions. Each ichnofossil is represented as a circle (or node), and those found in the same geological unit are connected by a link. Just like social networks are made up of people connected by friendship relations, the resulting ‘fossil network’ is made by ichnofossils connected by co-occurrence relationships. It’s all about connections and relationships, be it in our social lives or in the world of palaeontology!

I rely on modern burrows for inspiring and testing theories and models about ichnofossils. The present is key to the past! Observing modern ecosystems allows me to determine accurately spatial distribution, association patterns and environmental significance of traces.

3. TEACHING

I regularly deliver academic lectures and courses about palaeontology.

Here you can download the teaching material of the palaeontology and palaeoecology courses I taught at the universities of Trieste and Genova.

4. SCIENCE OUTREACH

I create media to popularize palaeontology and geological heritage.

As an enthusiastic believer in the power of knowledge dissemination, I place great emphasis on science communication. I firmly hold that the value of scientific discoveries is intrinsically linked to their communication, making it an indispensable part of my professional pursuits. With this in mind, I continually strive to bridge the gap between palaeontological research and the wider community, transforming intricate scientific concepts into understandable and engaging narratives. In my view, this is a crucial step in ensuring that the fruits of palaeontological research are not confined to academic circles, but are accessible and beneficial to all.

science outreach

VIDEOS AND DOCUMENTARIES

Filming trilobites

As a passionate creator, I am dedicated to the design and development of video content with a primary focus on the field of palaeontology. My videos, which span across various formats such as documentaries and YouTube, utilize a storytelling technique that invites viewers on a voyage of discovery through deep time. A notable instance of this approach can be seen in the documentary I crafted for the Geopaleontological Museum of Castell’Arquato, which centres on the fossil dolphin found near Montezago. However, my creativity isn’t confined to traditional methods. At times, I forgo the standard narrative technique and venture into experimental territories. An exemplary venture into this unconventional territory is my project ‘Geodelia’. In this undertaking, I developed geological visuals that captivated the audience from over 130+ countries at the Boom Festival, one of Europe’s largest music festivals. This is a testament to my ability to create visually stimulating content that transcends the typical conventions of theatrical cinema, offering a fresh and immersive experience to viewers.

science outreach

SOFTWARE AND INTERACTIVE KIOSKS

coding software to popularize geological heritage.

I realize interactive installations for bringing palaeontology to the general public and promoting geological heritage. To this aim, I develop software for controlling multimedia content with RGBD cameras. The software eliminates the need for controllers, allowing visitors to engage with extinct animals on screen using just their body movements. A notable example of this can be seen at the Pramollo exhibit in Pontebba, Italy, where visitors have the opportunity to interact with over 20 different Palaeozoic animals, including trilobites, temnospondyl amphibians, sea scorpions, and Meganeura-like griffinflies. My innovative approach to interactive installations has also been showcased at the Natural History Museum of Lesvos. Here, visitors can experience a virtual kayak ride across the Tejo river in Portugal, or even mimic the feeding habits of a trilobite!

science outreach

MEDIA COVERAGE

Media coverage of my research.

Passionate about broadening the reach of palaeontological discoveries, I dedicate a portion of my work to public engagement and outreach. This commitment has led me to cooperate with media professionals, striving to translate complex palaeontological findings into comprehensible knowledge for the broader audience. My research has been featured in renowned publications such as Scientific American, National Geographic, and Nature, highlighting my contributions to the field of geology. Additionally, my expertise has been sought for documentaries produced by esteemed networks like Sky and Mediaset, and I’ve also had the privilege of participating in newscasts on Rai.

5. CONTACTS AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Whether you’re a seasoned expert or an enthusiastic novice, I invite you to join me in exploring the wonders of our Earth’s history, as shared through my social media channels and contacts!

As a palaeontologist with a particular focus on ichnology, I am eager to connect with people and institutions for professional engagement and intellectual exchanges. Feel free to contact me!

contacts and social media

CONTACTS

I am happy to engage in discussions about my passion – palaeontology!

Feel free to drop me a line at my email address.

contacts and social media

INSTAGRAM FEED