Lorenzo Cappello

Aeronautical Engineer / Aerospace Enthusiast / Creator

Brisbane, Australia

Lorenzo Cappello

About

I am an Aeronautical Engineer passionate about aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, propulsion, and sustainable aviation. My goal is to help develop efficient, environmentally responsible aerospace systems.

I hold an MSc from the Swiss Master of Science in Engineering program, specialising in aeroelastic wing analysis, and a BSc in Aviation from Zurich University of Applied Sciences. I bring a solution-focused, detail-oriented approach to bridging theory with practice in aeroelasticity, flight testing, and climate impact assessment.

Education

MSc in Engineering

Zurich University of Applied Sciences – Centre for Aviation, Sept 2023 – Feb 2025

Specialisation in Aeronautical/Mechanical Engineering. Thesis: Aeroelastic Model Development and Analysis of Flexible Wings: A Multi-Fidelity Approach. GPA: 5.3/6

BSc in Aviation (Aeronautical Engineering)

Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Sept 2020 – July 2023

Thesis: Climate Impact Assessment of Single Flights: Quantification of non-CO2 Emission Effects. GPA: 5.3/6 (Grade A). Degree accredited by Engineers Australia (Professional Engineer).

Griffith University – Nathan Campus

Semester Abroad, 2022 · Brisbane, Australia

Academic Excellence Award. GPA: 7/7

Work Experience

Research Assistant – Centre for Aviation

Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Oct 2024 – Feb 2025

Developed interactive aerodynamics and flight mechanics content for incoming Aeronautical Engineering students, creating scripts, animations, and exercises for fundamental concepts.

Aircraft Maintenance and Ground Handling Intern

Motorfluggruppe Zürich, June 2019 – May 2020

Completed a one-year internship at Zurich Airport, assisting in routine piston aircraft maintenance, ground handling activities, and gaining hands-on experience in aviation operations.

Expertise & Awards

Engineering

  • Aeroelastic Modelling
  • Fluid-Structure Interaction
  • CFD & Aerodynamics
  • Flight Testing
  • Wind Tunnel Testing
  • Structural Mechanics
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Dynamic Systems Modelling
  • Aircraft Design
  • Propulsion System Design
  • Aircraft Systems Analysis
  • Aircraft Climate Impact Assessment
  • Statistical Analysis

Software & Programming

  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • R
  • SQL
  • ANSYS (Fluent, CFX, Mechanical)
  • SHARPy
  • COMSOL Multiphysics
  • OpenFOAM
  • Fidelity Pointwise
  • ParaView
  • CAD (Autodesk Fusion, CATIA)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Moodle
  • Blackboard
  • Zotero
  • Overleaf

Professional

  • Software Development
  • Risk Assessment
  • Security Management
  • Project Planning
  • Problem Decomposition
  • Technical Documentation
  • Technical Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem Solving

Languages

  • Italian (Native)
  • German (Native)
  • English (PTE 90/90, Cambridge Grade A)
  • Spanish (B1)
  • French (A1)

Awards

Academic Excellence Award for best aggregate result in course Airways Operation & Design at Griffith University (2022)

Engineering Projects

Aeroelastic Model Development and Analysis of Flexible Wings

Master's Thesis, 2024-2025

Developed a Python-based computational tool for aeroelastic analysis of lifting surfaces. The solver integrates two aerodynamic and two structural solvers through a two-way coupling approach, validated using the benchmark Pazy Wing.

Aircraft Angle of Attack Estimation Using an IMU

Flight Test Project, 2024

Developed and validated a MATLAB-based algorithm to estimate aircraft angle of attack using data from an Inertial Measurement Unit, tested during a flight campaign in Nordholz, Germany.

Climate Impact Assessment of Single Flights

Bachelor Thesis, 2023

Developed an Excel-based tool for estimating the climate impact of single flights, including both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, calculating flight-specific emissions and their contribution to global warming.

Certifications & Licences

Professional Certifications

  • Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control (Coursera, 2025)
  • AI for Mechanical Engineers (Coursera, 2025)
  • Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate (Coursera, 2025)
  • Siemens Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (Coursera, 2025)
  • Python Programming & Tkinter GUI (Programmieren Starten, 2023)

Licences

  • Swiss Private Pilot Licence – SEP (Issued 2021)
  • Open Driver's Licence

Hobbies

Flying

Single Engine Piston Private Pilot Licence

Chess

University of Queensland Chess Club

Other Interests

Hiking, snorkelling, playing tennis, cooking, reading

Volunteering

NaturallyGC – Wildlife tree planting and pest fishing

Contact

Feel free to reach out via email or phone, or use the form below.