Faculty Spotlight: Federico Ciardo

Federico Ciardo

When he's not traveling or playing "footvolley," assistant professor Federico Ciardo is developing theoretical models to enhance our understanding of fault failure mechanics and seismicity which can keep people safer and make energy and resource extraction more sustainable.  


Q1, Where were you born and where did you study (undergrad, grad, post-doc)

I was born in Savona, a medium-sized city in the Liguria region of Italy. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Civil Engineering, specializing in Structural Engineering, at the University of Bologna, the Alma Mater Studiorum, recognized as the oldest university in the world. I then pursued a Ph.D. in Mechanics at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), in Switzerland. Following this, I conducted postdoctoral research in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Swiss Seismological Service within ETH Zürich, before moving to Medford, Massachusetts, to join Tufts University.

Q2, How long have you been at NU & briefly describe your research program?

I have been at Northwestern University since September 1st, 2024. My research lies at the intersection of geophysics, mechanics, computer science, and applied mathematics. I focus on understanding the mechanisms that govern deformations on geological discontinuities, such as faults and fractures, under different stress conditions. Notably, I study how fluid injection in deep fractured reservoirs triggers (micro-)seismicity and how tectonic earthquakes nucleate and propagate on complex fault structures. To tackle these problems, I develop theoretical and numerical models that provide insight into the coupled physical processes occurring at depth. My research is rooted in fracture mechanics, which serves as the fundamental framework for all the problems I address.

Q3, What courses do you teach?

My first-ever course, Rock Mechanics, will begin in the upcoming Spring quarter. Additionally, starting next year, I plan to introduce a new Python programming course for undergraduate civil engineers.

Q4, Did you always know you would become a professor? What attracted you to an academic career?

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a professor, but the idea started to take shape when I began helping high school students with math problems and preparing them for the national entry exam to medical school in Italy, which is highly competitive. I found it incredibly rewarding to explain concepts and see their understanding grow. What drew me to academia was the freedom to explore new ideas, follow my curiosity, and tackle challenging problems that remain unsolved. The blend of research and mentoring makes this career a perfect fit for me.

Q5, What is the most challenging part of your job?

One of the most challenging parts of my job is explaining complex problems in a simple and accessible way. Whether it’s in research or teaching, breaking down difficult concepts so they are easy to grasp takes a lot of thought and effort. Also, balancing research, teaching, mentoring, and other academic responsibilities can be demanding, but that’s also what makes the job dynamic and exciting.

Q6, What do you consider your most significant research finding or accomplishment thus far?

One of my most significant research accomplishments thus far has been developing models that enhance our understanding of fault failure mechanics and the conditions that lead to seismicity, especially in fractured reservoirs subjected to fluid injection. The theoretical insights, supported by numerical simulations using in-house developed codes, significantly strengthen the findings and provide a deeper understanding of these complex processes.

Q7, Is there someone or something that has inspired you?

I’ve always looked up to highly successful professors in the field of solid mechanics, such as Prof. James Rice, Prof. John Rudnicki, and Prof. Zdeněk Bažant, among others. Their work has had – and continues to have – a lasting impact across various fields, and they’ve been a source of inspiration throughout my career. Now, having the opportunity to work alongside Prof. Rudnicki and Prof. Bažant as colleagues is truly an honor.

Q8, What do you do for fun when you are not working?

When I’m not working, I like to stay active. In the summer, I enjoy playing footvolley, a fun and dynamic mix of soccer and volleyball that I usually play at the beach. I also love going for runs, especially along the Lakefront Trail by Lake Michigan—there’s something special about running with a view of the water and the city skyline. In the winter, skiing is my preferred activity. Besides sports, I love traveling. Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures is something I always look forward to. These activities help me recharge and make the most of my free time.

Q9, How do you explain what you do and why it is important to someone who isn’t a scientist or engineer?

Using advanced theoretical and numerical models, I try to understand how fractures and faults, which are ubiquitous below the Earth’s surface, fail under various loadings—whether due to natural events like earthquakes or human activities such as fluid injection in deep reservoirs. This is important because it enhances our understanding of earthquake hazards, helps design subsurface engineering operations, and aids in developing more efficient methods for extracting energy and resources from the subsurface. Simply put, I focus on understanding how and why rocks break, with implications ranging from earthquake hazard assessment to energy sustainability.

Q10, What is one thing that has impressed you about living in Chicago?

What really stands out to me about living in Chicago is the incredible architecture. The mix of historic and modern buildings makes the skyline amazing. Walking around the city, you can see how well everything fits together—it gives Chicago a unique and exciting vibe. Then there’s the lake, which honestly feels more like a sea, with its sandy beaches adding a cool contrast to the urban setting. Plus, there are so many parks and green spaces that make the city feel more open and livable.

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