Leadership in Laser Processing Award Archives

Dr, Manuela Pacella, Loughborough University, United Kingdom

Dr. Manuela Pacella is a distinguished mechanical engineer specializing in laser surface engineering and precision manufacturing. Currently based at Loughborough University, she leads the Laser Surface Engineering and Precision Manufacturing Group and serves as Deputy Head of the Manufacturing Research Unit. A seasoned academic and researcher, Dr. Pacella has supervised multiple Ph.D. students, secured significant research funding, and contributed extensively to cutting-edge advancements in sustainable materials and precision engineering. She is an accomplished speaker, an invited guest editor, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), reflecting her excellence in both research and teaching.

PROFILE

Scopus Profile

Educational Detail

Dr. Manuela Pacella earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, in December 2014. Her doctoral research focused on the generation of ultra-hard freeform surfaces for advanced engineering applications. Before her Ph.D., she completed an MEng in Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Bari, Italy, in 2011, graduating with the highest distinction (cum laude). As part of the Erasmus Programme, she spent one year (2009–2010) at the University of Nottingham, engaging in collaborative research and academic coursework.

Professional Experience

Dr. Pacella is currently leading the Laser Surface Engineering and Precision Manufacturing Group at Loughborough University, United Kingdom. Over her tenure, she has supervised five Ph.D. completions, four as the primary supervisor, on topics including laser nano-structuring, biomedical device engineering, and tribological investigations of graphene oxide coatings.

Dr. Pacella has held several leadership roles, including serving as Deputy Head of the Manufacturing Research Unit (2021–2024). She has delivered impactful teaching as a module leader and lecturer in courses like Manufacturing Design and Advanced Laser Processing. Her expertise extends to mentoring undergraduates, MSc students, and early-career professionals through IMechE’s Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS).

A recognized authority in her field, Dr. Pacella frequently serves as an invited speaker at leading international conferences such as Interpohotonics 2023 and ECOTRIB 2023. She also holds the prestigious title of Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

Research Interests

Laser Surface Engineering: Developing innovative techniques for ultra-hard materials, hydrophobic surfaces, and biomedical applications.

Precision Manufacturing: Exploring sustainable self-repair materials and digitalized surface manufacturing.

Tribological Coatings: Investigating advanced coatings for improved engine applications and tool reconditioning.

Top Notable Publications

1. Surface Texturing and Wettability Modification by Nanosecond Pulse Laser Ablation of Stainless Steels