I am an environmental and sensory physiologist working as Vice-Chancellor’s University Lecturer within the Design School at Loughborough University (UK). I am member of the Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, a centre of excellence that houses state-of-the-art facilities for the assessment of human-environment interactions (e.g. climatic chambers, sensory testing facilities).
Previous to my current role, I spent 18 months in post-doctoral training at the University of Sydney (Australia) and at the University of California at Berkeley (USA) where I performed basic and applied research with clinical and general populations.
I hold a PhD in Environmental Physiology and Sensory Neuroscience and my research focuses on understanding how the human body interacts with our surrounding thermal environments, both physiologically (e.g. body temperature regulation) and perceptually (e.g. perception of temperature, wetness, touch and pain), and on how neurological diseases (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis) alter these physiological functions.
Curriculum Vitae
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS & EDUCATION
Vice-Chancellor University Lecturer Loughborough University, UK; Oct 2016 – current
- Awarded an open-end internationally competitive Vice-Chancellor university lectureship following a high profile recruitment campaign (1600 applicants) aimed at recruiting individuals with a track record and potential to perform outstanding research, teaching and enterprise in their field
Adjunct Lecturer University of Sydney, Australia Oct 2015 – current
- Awarded Honorary Affiliation with the Faculty of Health Sciences to pursue associate supervision (PhD students) and other academic activities (grant applications)
Post-Doctoral Scholar Topic: Human thermal sensitivity and personal comfort systems; University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, USA; Oct 2015 – Aug 2016
- Project funded by US Department of Energy. Investigating the physiological bases of temperature sensation across the human body as well as efficient conductive heat transfer mechanisms to and from the human body. Industry partners: Witricity, Merck (Dr. Scholl’s), Staples.
Endeavour Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Topic: Thermoregulation and thermoreception in Multiple Sclerosis; University of Sydney, Australia; Mar – Sept 2015
- Awarded an internationally competitive, merit-based post-doctoral fellowship provided by the Australian Government, to investigate physiological mechanisms of impaired thermoreception and body temperature regulation in Multiple Sclerosis patients during exercise in the heat
PhD Environmental Physiology and Somatosensory Neuroscience Topic: A neurophysiological model of human skin wetness perception; Loughborough University, UK (in collaboration with Oxylane Research, France); Dec 2011 – Dec 2014
- Performed 7 experimental studies; developed a neurophysiological model of the findings, contributed to clarify neural mechanisms underlying skin wetness perception
MSc Exercise Physiology (Passed with Distinction) University of Palermo, Italy (in collaboration with University of Greenwich, UK & Power Plate Ltd., The Netherlands); Oct 2009 – Jul 2011
BSc Human Movement and Sport Science (First Class Honours) University of Palermo, Italy; Sept 2005 – Oct 2009
AWARDS & PRIZES
Temperature Editor-in-Chief Award for the Best Article 2015 (value USD 1000): Competitive prize awarded for outstanding academic contribution to the journal Tempearture.
Honorary Adjunct Lectureship 2015: Awarded the title of Adjunct Lecturer to pursue associate supervision and other academic activities in the Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Sydney
Jack Borgenicht PhD student award 2014 – American College of Sports Medicine (value USD 500): Internationally competitive award conferred by the American College of Sports Medicine Environmental and Occupational Physiology Interest Group (EOPIG), in association with the Foundation for Aging Studies and Exercise Science Research, for outstanding research performed in environmental physiology as part of a PhD program
Graduate School Research Student Prize 2013 – Loughborough University (value GBP 600): Competitive prize awarded for outstanding academic performance and academic achievement.
WORK EXPERIENCE
RESEARCH:
Post-Doctoral Scholar University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, USA (Oct 2015 – Aug 2016)
- Investigating the effectiveness of wireless power transfer technology integrated into office workstations to deliver heat and cool to the feet, hands, face and trunk of occupants, with the aim of improving thermal comfort. Industry partners: Witricity, Merck (Dr. Scholl’s), Staples.
Skills developed: heat transfer mechanisms, ergonomic usability, thermal comfort performance, liaison with academia, industry and government agencies
Endeavour Research Fellow University of Sydney, Australia (Mar 2015 – Sept 2015)
- Investigated the physiological mechanisms responsible for the impaired thermoreception and body temperature regulation observed in patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis during exercise in the heat
- Presented scientific work to academic (Neuroscience Research Australia) and public audience (Sydney Radio)
Skills developed: research design in clinical settings, recruitment and management of patients, interpersonal and communication (oral and written)
Visiting Researcher University of Tsukuba, Japan (Jul 2013 – Aug 2013)
- University of Tsukuba-funded research collaboration
- Investigated the effects of restoring end-tidal carbon dioxide tension on middle cerebral artery blood velocity during hyperthermic hyperventilation in passively heated humans
- Presented scientific work to academic (University of Tsukuba, Kobe University) and industrial audience (Nissan Co. Ltd)
Skills developed: cerebrovascular measurements, communication within multicultural environments, networking, multidisciplinary
Research Assistant University of Greenwich, UK (in collaboration with Power Plate Ltd., The Netherlands) (Nov 2010 – Jun 2011)
- International collaboration between the University of Greenwich, the University of Palermo and Power Plate Ltd
- Investigated the physiological effects of externally added vibration to cycling exercise via a newly designed prototype cycle-ergometer
Skills developed: cardiopulmonary measurements, statistics (SPSS), self- and time-management, liaison with academia and industry
TEACHING:
University Teacher Loughborough University, UK (Oct 2012 – Jan 2014)
- Lectured (anatomy of the nervous system) and delivered laboratory practice (assessment of musculoskeletal properties, e.g. ultrasound) for the module Anatomy and Physiology I of the undergraduate course in Human Biology
Skills developed: teaching large groups, oral communication, organisation and planning
University Teacher University of Greenwich, UK (Nov 2010 – Jun 2011)
- Lectured (exercise physiology) and delivered laboratory practice (assessment of aerobic function, e.g. fitness test) for the module Exercise Physiology I of the undergraduate course in Sports Science
Skills developed: teaching and marking, organisation and planning, team working
Teacher – Fitness Instructor Course Italian Olympic Committee, Sicily section, Italy, (Sept 2011 – Oct 2011)
- Planned and lectured for the human anatomy and biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system modules within the Fitness Instructor Course (level I) organised by the Italian Olympic Committee (Sicily section)
Skills developed: teaching small groups, presentation, liaison with national sport bodies
Teacher – Social Work Assistant Course Panormus Association Charity, Palermo, Italy, (Jun 2010 – Oct 2010)
- Planned, managed and lectured for the Pathology of Disability and the Assistance to Disability modules within the Social Work Assistant Course organised by the charity Panormus Association
- Prepared, delivered and marked course assessments
Skills developed: teaching and marking, liaison with charity and health care professionals
Physical Education Teacher (Primary School) Istituto Comprensivo Statale Renato Guttuso (public primary school), Palermo, Italy, (May 2010 – Jun 2010)
- Planned, managed and delivered physical education for 4 classes (average number of children: 20) of primary school children (age range: 6 to 10 years old)
Skills developed: teaching and managing large groups of young children, communication with young children, leadership, education awareness
INDUSTRY:
Scientific Consultant ASSO Project (Adolescents and surveillance system in the obesity prevention), Italian Ministry of Health, Italy (Sept 2011 – Sept 2012)
- Contributed to the development of the project through a literature review and initial validation of a battery of fitness tests for the assessment of adolescents’ physical capabilities
Skills developed: literature review and meta-analysis, liaison with government health bodies
Certified Personal Trainer EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals) Sun Studio Fitness Centre Srl, Palermo, Italy (Jul 2009 – Dec 2011)
- Planned and managed personal training sessions for clinical and general populations and individuals with physical disabilities
Skills developed: oral communication, interpersonal, self- and time-management, self-confidence, analytical ability, industry awareness
Karate and Self Defence Instructor Sly Club Fitness Centre, Palermo, Italy (Sept 2003 – Nov 2010)
- Instructed junior (age range: 4 to 16 years old) and senior (age range: 17 to 60 years old) Karate and self-defence classes at a recreational and competitive level
Skills developed: communication with young children and adults, self-confidence, tenacity
Davide Filingeri PhD 