Marco La Civita
Research Interests
- GN&C, modeling and simulation of dynamic systems, optimization, robotics, and mechanics of vibration.
Education
- Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University,
Pittsburgh, PA, 12/2002.
Dissertation title: Integrated Modeling and Robust Control for
Full-Envelope Flight of Robotic Helicopters.
Academic advisors
William Messner and
Takeo Kanade
- Master's Degree, Mechanical Engineering. University of Rome ''La Sapienza'', 4/1997.
Final Grade: 110/110
The theoretical and experimental thesis with the title
Optimization of engine mounting system
has been supported by C.R.F. (FIAT Research
Center)
and was awarded by ATA (Automobile Technical
Association) a member of the FISITA (Fédération des Sociétés
d'Ingénieurs des Techniques de l'Automobile) and of the EAEC (European
Automobile Engineers Cooperation)
Professional Experience
- March, 2008-Present: GN&C Scientist, Boeing Research and Technology Europe, Madrid.
- June, 2006-December, 2007: Member of the Project Committee of the
AWARE Project.
- September, 2003-December, 2007: Responsible for Technology Innovation,
Flying-Cam.
Responsible for flight simulation and design, implementation, and testing of the guidance,
control, and navigation system for the Flying-Cam Special Aerial
Response Autonomous Helicopter (SARAH).
- August, 2000-May, 2003: Research Assistant in the
Autonomous Helicopter Lab
at the Robotics
Institute. Responsible for flight simulation and controls, guidance, and flight testing in the Autonomous Helicopter Project at CMU. Developed an
integrated modeling technique for UAVs called MOdelling for flight
Simulation and Control Analysis (MOSCA). Used MOSCA and robust control
techniques for the synthesis, implementation, and flight test of a unique
wide-envelope controller for the CMU-Yamaha R-50 robotic helicopter. MOSCA
is currently used at NASA Ames for their Autonomous Helicopter Project.
Supervised undergraduate student in the development of a GUI for MOSCA.
Tailored own Ph.D. proposal for a successful National Science Foundation
(NSF) grant proposal.
- July, 2000-August, 2000: Ames Associate at
NASA Ames Research Center
in the Flight Control Group of
Army/NASA Rotorcraft Division. Responsible for the development of
simulation models for unmanned rotorcrafts in the Flight Control Group of NASA/Army Rotorcraft Division.
- January, 1999-August, 1999: Research Assistant in the
Robotic Sensor Based Planning
Lab, Carnegie Mellon University, with
Howie Choset
Worked on developing sensor-based path-planning algorithms for mobile and
aerial robots.
- April, 1997-October, 1998: Research Assistant in the
Department of Mechanics and
Aeronautics, University of Rome ''La Sapienza''.
Developed algorithms for engine mounting system optimization.
- July, 1997-December, 1997: 168th Cadet Officer Course
in the Italian Army at the SCUTEM (Transport and Materials Military
School) in Rome. Promoted to 1st class cadet. Obtained
Military Driving Instructor License
- December, 1997-September, 1998: Second
Lieutenant at the MA.C.R.A.
(Motor Vehicles Spare Parts Central Warehouse) in Piacenza, with
the office of Commander of Transport Platoon composed of
military and civilian personnel
Teaching Experience
- January, 2000-May, 2000: Teaching Assistant in
Fluid Mechanics, Carnegie Mellon University. Assisted professor in the undergraduate course Engineering Vibrations. Sole
responsibility for laboratory and grading.
- August, 1999-December, 1999: Teaching Assistant in
Engineering Vibrations, Carnegie Mellon University. Assisted professor in the undergraduate course Fluid Mechanics. Sole
responsibility for recitations in class and grading both homework and exams
.
Awards
- 2002/2003 AIAA Guidance,
Navigation, and Control Graduate Award
Affiliations
- 2001-present: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
- 2001-2008: American Helicopter Society (AHS)
- 2002-present: Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
- 2002-present: European Unmanned Vehicle Systems Association
- 2003-present: International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC).
- 2003-present: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Skills
- Languages: Italian, English, Spanish, French.
- Programming languages: Fortran, C, C++.
- Matlab toolboxes: Simulink, Control, Signal, Optimization,
Robust, RTW, xPC Target, Aerospace Blockset
Other Interests
- Sport: Basketball (competitive level 1987-90),
Enduro and Motocross (competitive level 1993-97),
Mountain Bike, Free Climbing
- Music: Classical guitar and electric guitar;
performed in live contests
- Travels
- Photography