Michela is a PhD researcher in Space Biomedicine at Sapienza University of Rome’s National Space Biomedicine Laboratory, in collaboration with Thales Alenia Space. Trained as a Space and Astronautical Engineer (MSc, Sapienza), Michela works at the intersection of space systems and life sciences, studying how microgravity and spaceflight stressors impact human health, with a focus on cancer and female reproductive biology. Michaela has represented their lab at IAC 2024, authored a 2025 Frontiers narrative review on women’s reproductive health in microgravity, and was selected for the 9th European Space Generation Workshop, in Toulouse (France). Alongside research, Michela is a STEM communicator with Generazione STEM and Inspiring Girls, creating educational content, speaking at outreach events, and leading mentoring circles to support the next generations. In January 2026, Michela was a TEDx Spoleto speaker, delivering a talk on STEM, innovation, and the role of new generations in shaping the future.
Space Conference Speaker
Michela Cutigni
Aerospace Engineer, Sapienza University of Rome/Thales Alenia Space