Tania Lavaggi received her bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering in 2015 and her master's degree in space and astronautical engineering in 2019 from Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. Presently, she is a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware, where she is working to improve the manufacturing of carbon-carbon composites, which are lightweight materials able to withstand elevated temperatures and are essential for safe re-entry for spacecrafts. Also, she has contributed to flow monitoring experiments to evaluate the permeability of thick glass fiber composites with impermeable thermoplastic interlayers to improve delamination resistance. Lavaggi's future research program will have three themes: combining physics-based models with data-driven approaches to optimize fabrication processes; multiscale modeling for performance prediction; and high-performance composites made from recyclable or bio-based precursors and multifunctional composites to meet the evolving demands of aerospace systems. During the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) Composites and Advanced Materials Expo, she received first place in the University Research Symposium. Also from SAMPE in 2024, she was recognized with the Boeing Award of Achievement and the International University Student Leadership Award. As a professor, she will equip students with a broad skill set that spans theoretical knowledge, programming, design, experimentation, and data analysis, enabling them to confidently address complex challenges. Additionally, she will create an academic environment where engineering reflects the diverse needs of different communities.

Research Interests

Composite Materials