The vision of Chiara's research group is to develop new design, analysis and testing methodologies for composite structures that can be used for the next generation of aircraft and space vehicles. We are exploring new methods for design of composite structures that can be used early in the design process combining numerical and analytical tools with a reduced number of experimental tests. In particular, we investigate the design of aerospace composite structures considering non-linear phenomena such as buckling, post-buckling, crashworthiness, damage propagation and fatigue. Research in our group embraces both the theory and the applications perspectives. The group is working in European projects, as well as in US funded projects. We are also collaborating with NASA Langley Research Center on fundamental research to be conducted in the area of advanced composite aerospace structures. Our group provides an open, international and diverse environment, to help each member to achieve the best, to be lifetime learner, and to fulfill the professional goals in academia and industry.