What my way looks like

My Bio and Achievements

My "bla-bla-bla"...
...and good vibes!

Ilaria Cinelli, PhD, FAsMA, FAsHFA, is a senior engineer with achievements in biomedical engineering and space exploration. Her expertise spans various domains, including space medicine, in-field expeditions and space diplomacy. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in biomedical engineering from the University of Pisa, Italy, and holds a structured doctorate in neural engineering from the National University of Ireland, Galway (Republic of Ireland). Ilaria's passion for space led her to complete the renowned Space Studies Program of the International Space University at TU Delft, Netherlands, and a postdoc in neuromodulation at Tufts University, USA.

Ilaria's contributions to the aerospace industry are highly regarded, making her a Fellow of both the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) and the Aerospace Human Factors Association (FAsHFA). Her leadership qualities were evident during her tenure as the former President of the Aerospace Human Factors Association and her current role as Member-at-Large of the AsMA Council. As an experienced Commander of multiple in-field expeditions, she was invited to join the prestigious Mars Society Steering Committee. Additionally, Ilaria plays a crucial role on the AdCOM and serves as the European representative of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society.

Her significant impact on the space domain and commitment to empowering women in the field earned her recognition as one of the 35 most influential women in space. Designated as a Mentor and Role Model by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs' Space4Women network since 2020, Ilaria's influence reaches far beyond borders. She was notably named one of the 100 women who will change the world by La Repubblica and acknowledged as one of the 15 women who made a remarkable impact in Italy by Il Sole24Ore in 2021. Moreover, her visionary approach to space traffic management earned her a spot as one of the top 12 ASCEND Diverse Dozen 2021 finalists by The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. In 2023, the European Patent Office honored her as one of the 50 tech voices in Europe, the sole representative for healthcare and space exploration.

Ilaria's achievements and dedication continue to inspire advancements in space exploration and healthcare, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the aerospace community.

thumbnail 2
To those...
...who like bullet points.

Life Mission

  • Committed to enhancing healthcare through the opportunities provided by space exploration.

Personal Achievements

  • 1st generation graduate in my family, being the first woman to earn both a degree and a PhD, following my brother as the second-degree holder.
  • 1st generation professional in both the healthcare and space sectors within my family.
  • 1st generation global resident in my family, having lived in multiple countries beyond our home nation.
  • Guided by core values of sharing, hope, and exploration.

Professional Impact

  • One of the select few globally to hold a PhD in engineering and be recognized as a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association.
  • Over a decade of experience in healthcare and space exploration roles across research organizations and small to medium-sized enterprises.
  • Authored 50+ scientific publications and served as editor for 2 special issues and a book.
  • Distinguished with 15+ awards from renowned entities, including the European Patent Office and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, for significant contributions to the field.
  • Sought-after keynote speaker at 45+ international scientific events and 18+ gender equality forums hosted by prominent institutions and corporations, including the United Nations and major embassies.
  • Demonstrated innovation, project development, and relationship-building leadership across 6+ countries, including the UK, the USA, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

Professional Achievements

  • Named one of the 50 Voices in Tech by the European Patent Office in 2023.
  • Fellow of the Aerospace Human Factors Association (FAsHFA) since August 2021.
  • Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association (FAsMA) since June 20, 2020.
  • Awarded a PhD in biomedical engineering on March 21, 2019.
  • Served as a guest editor for a Special Issue titled 'Healthcare for Space, Space for Healthcare' in the IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology (July 2022 to July 2023).
  • Appointed as a Topic Editor for 'Innovation in Medical Space Technology' under Frontiers Space Technology (July 2023 to December 2024).
  • Author of the space art, titled "The Art Not-Art of Synesthesia," featured on the International Space Station (ISS) through the Moon Gallery Foundation.
  • Leader in exploration activities in remote locations such as the Utah, Mojave and Arctic deserts since 2015.

Leadership in Non-Profit and Charitable Contributions

  • Served as Member-at-Large of the Aerospace Medical Association (2018-2021, 2022-2024).
  • Acted as the European Representative of the AdCOM IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (2022-2024).
  • Mentored and served as a role model for the Space4Women network of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs since 2020.
  • Engaged as a member of the Space Generation Advisory Council in the Space Exploration Working Group (2016-2022).
  • Served as an ExCOM member and President of the Aerospace Human Factors Association (2013-2021).
  • Acted as a member of the Steering Committee of The Mars Society since 2018.