Simona Maria Asaro

Location: Palermo, Italy

Position: Master's Student in Process Engineering at Università degli Studi di Palermo

Simona Maria Asaro is a dedicated chemical and biochemical engineering student originally from Mazara del Vallo, Italy. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Palermo and is currently pursuing a master's degree in process engineering at the same institution.

Simona Maria's primary research interests lie in electromembrane processes, particularly focusing on ElectroDialysis with Bipolar Membrane (EDBM). Her involvement in the SEArcularMINE project has centered on testing the EDBM pilot unit in both continuous and batch configurations, achieving significant results in terms of productivity and energy consumption.

Participating in SEArcularMINE has been a transformative experience for Simona Maria, offering the opportunity to collaborate within a cooperative team to develop an integrated plant. This environment facilitated the sharing of ideas, methodologies, and experiences with partners from around the world, enhancing her research group's capabilities.

Simona Maria identifies the long-run tests as the most challenging aspect of the project, requiring coordinated efforts and prompt problem-solving skills under pressure. Despite the challenges, SEArcularMINE has brought innovation to traditional sectors like saltworks, providing new perspectives on utilizing local resources effectively.

Looking ahead, Simona Maria aspires to pursue a PhD to further her research in electromembrane processes, building on the foundation laid during her master's thesis and contributing to advancements in sustainable engineering practices.