Evidence before claims
My work starts from a simple principle: before trying to improve human performance, we need to understand how it actually works.
I study the mechanisms underlying learning, communication, vocal behavior, movement, adaptation, and health, drawing on linguistics, cognitive science, voice science, exercise science, and related disciplines. The aim is to distinguish robust evidence from plausible hypotheses, fashionable claims, and commercially convenient simplifications.
Language, Cognition & Learning
My work explores second-language acquisition, multilingualism, phonetics, embodied cognition, communication, and lifelong learning. I am particularly interested in how humans acquire and retain complex linguistic skills across the lifespan, and in the relationship between language learning, cognitive flexibility, and cognitive reserve.
Voice, Speech & Human Expression
The human voice is a complex biological, cognitive, acoustic, and communicative system. My interests include vocal biomechanics, speech production, breathing, vocal performance, singing, and the relationships among voice, emotion, health, identity, and movement.
Movement, Adaptation & Health
Movement is one of the most fundamental expressions of human biology. My work examines exercise science, biomechanics, physical adaptation, healthy aging, cognitive health, body awareness, and the ways in which strength, mobility, endurance, speed, and coordination can support long-term health and human flourishing.
From research to practice
Research becomes useful when it changes the way we think, teach, learn, communicate, and act. My work therefore moves continuously between scientific literature, teaching, observation, and practical application—using each to question and refine the others.
Research interests
Current areas of interest include:
- Language acquisition, multilingualism & phonetics
- Embodied cognition & skill learning
- Cognitive reserve & lifelong learning
- Voice biomechanics, speech & breathing
- Vocal performance, emotion & identity
- Exercise science, biomechanics & physical adaptation
- Healthy aging, cognitive health & human performance
- Coordination across biological and cognitive systems
- Lung health, respiratory function & air quality
- Scientific literacy, pseudoscience & evidence communication
Publications & books
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Selected peer-reviewed publications reflecting my interdisciplinary work across language, embodiment, movement, body perception, and human behavior.
Linguistic embodiment in typical and atypical anorexia nervosa: Evidence from an image-word matching task
European Eating Disorders Review · 2023
Body evaluation in men: The role of body weight dissatisfaction in appearance evaluation, eating, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology
Journal of Eating Disorders · 2024
Compulsive exercise in eating disorders: Validation of the Italian scale and evaluation of its relationships with body image concerns and quality of life
Eating Behaviors · 2022
Validating the Gender Variance Scale in Italian: Psychometric properties and associations with health and sociodemographic factors
Healthcare · 2025
Psychometric validation of the Italian Gender Preoccupation and Stability Questionnaire in a gender-diverse clinical sample
BJPsych Open · 2025
Books & Educational Projects
I am currently developing books and educational materials that translate research and teaching experience into practical, evidence-informed approaches to language learning and human performance.
English for Nurses
An applied English-language resource designed for nursing students and professionals, with a focus on the linguistic and communicative demands of healthcare practice.
English for Physiotherapists
A profession-specific English resource connecting language learning with the terminology, communication, and clinical contexts of physiotherapy.
English for Radiologic Technologists
An applied English-language resource developed around the professional, technical, and communicative needs of radiologic technologists.
Fitness, Understood
Working title
A science-based exploration of exercise, adaptation, and physical performance that moves beyond fitness culture and standardized prescriptions. The book examines how strength, mobility, endurance, speed, nutrition, recovery, and behavior interact within the broader context of human health and long-term well-being.
The Biomechanics of Voice
Working title
A science-grounded, practice-oriented exploration of how the human voice emerges from the coordination of multiple biological, mechanical, acoustic, cognitive, and perceptual systems. Rather than prescribing a single vocal technique, the book develops awareness of vocal processes and explores how different coordinative strategies shape speech and singing.
Explore My Work
Explore my publications, writing, and ongoing work across language, voice, movement, and human performance.