Bio

I am a Fulbright Visiting Student Researcher at the Blume Earthquake Engineering Center at Stanford University and a PhD Candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Politecnico di Torino. My research focuses on integrating performance-based design principles within structural optimization frameworks to develop safer, more resilient, and sustainable buildings and cities.

I investigate how structural optimization and artificial intelligence can challenge conventional design approaches and identify efficient solutions for seismic design and retrofit. My research interests include next-generation performance-based seismic design, structural resilience, and the integration of losses, consequences, and recovery into optimization-based design frameworks.

My academic path has been shaped by international exchange and collaboration. I have conducted research and teaching activities across Italy, Greece, China, and the United States, including two Marie Skłodowska-Curie Staff Exchange periods at the National Technical University of Athens and Infersence, and Adjunct Lecturer positions at Politecnico di Torino and South China University of Technology. I also completed a Double-Degree Program in Civil Engineering between Universidad Nacional de Córdoba and Politecnico di Torino.

Honors & Awards

  • Fulbright Visiting Student Researcher Grant, Fulbright Program, hosted at Stanford University (Oct 2026 - Apr 2027)
  • MIT CEE Rising Stars Cohort and Travel Grant, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (Oct 2026)
  • NEXT-GEN Spring School Travel Grant, IUSS Scuola Universitaria Superiore di Pavia (Apr 2026)
  • Outstanding Presentation Award, ARTISTE 2025 Conference (Sep 2025)
  • Double-Degree Program Scholarship Awarded on Academic Merit, Politecnico di Torino (Italy) & Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina) (Sep 2021 - Oct 2023)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • International Ambassador, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina) (Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences FCEFyN) (2023 - Present)
  • Associate Editor, Journal of Building Pathology and Rehabilitation (2026 - Present)
  • Organizing Committee Member, IASS (International Association for Shells & Spatial Structures) Conference 2026 (2026 - 2026)
  • Member, ARTISTE (Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering) International Association (2022 - Present)
  • Member, ReLUIS (Network of University Laboratories of Earthquake and Structural Engineering), Politecnico di Torino research unit (2023 - Present)
  • Member, CTA Young Initiative, CTA (Italian Steelwork Association) (2024 - Present)

Professional Education

  • Bachelor of Science, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina), CEE (2020)
  • Master of Science, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina), CEE (2023)
  • Master of Science, Politecnico di Torino (Italy), CEE, Structural Engineering (2023)
  • PhD Candidate, Politecnico di Torino (Italy), CEE, Structural Optimization for the Seismic Design of Buildings and Cities (2027)

Contact

  • Academic
    jcolivo@stanford.edu
    University - Student Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering Position: Graduate

Additional Info

Links

Projects

  • Toward Safer, Resilient, and Sustainable Cities, Stanford University, Blume Earthquake Engineering Center (September 21, 2026 - Present)

    Fulbright-funded research at the Blume Earthquake Engineering Center at Stanford University, under the supervision of Professor Gregory Deierlein. The research explores the use of optimization methods to identify effective regional mitigation strategies, supporting decision-making to improve the safety, resilience, and sustainability of cities. By integrating optimization with performance-based approaches to seismic risk mitigation, the work aims to support more effective strategies for reducing the impacts of natural hazards and strengthening urban resilience.

    Location

    Stanford, CA, USA

  • Structural Optimization and AI for Seismic Design and Retrofit of Buildings, Politecnico di Torino, ARTISTE Lab (November 1, 2023 - Present)

    Research on structural optimization and AI-based frameworks for the seismic design of new buildings and the development of innovative retrofitting systems to enhance structural resilience. The research investigates how optimization methods can identify efficient structural solutions beyond conventional design approaches.

    Location

    Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy

  • ADAPT4CE: Adaptive Digital Systems for Sustainable Construction and Material Management in the Circular Economy, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Horizon Staff Exchanges 2023, National Technical University of Athens (June 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025)

    Research conducted within ADAPT4CE (Adaptive Digital Systems for Sustainable Construction and Material Management in the Circular Economy). Developed a computational optimization framework integrating structural and environmental performance by linking structural models with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) inventories, supporting the consideration of sustainability indicators in structural design.

    Location

    Athens, Greece

  • ADDOPTML: ADDitively Manufactured OPTimized Structures by means of Machine Learning, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE), Infersence (July 1, 2024 - September 30, 2024)

    Research conducted within ADDOPTML (ADDitively Manufactured OPTimized Structures by means of Machine Learning). Contributed to the development and improvement of machine learning and optimization tools to address practical, industry-oriented challenges in the design of metallic structures at the start-up company Infersence.

    Location

    Athens, Greece

Work Experience

  • Visiting Lecturer - CEYAI-SE, Southeast University (August 31, 2026 - September 9, 2026)

    • Delivered an invited lecture within the 1st China-Europe Youth AI Innovation Salon on Structural Engineering (CEYAI-SE 2026).
    • Topic: "Challenging traditional designs: What optimization can teach us about structural engineering."

    Location

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

  • Adjunct Lecturer - Infrastructural Design Studio, South China University of Technology (May 15, 2026 - June 15, 2026)

    • Subject: Infrastructural Design Studio for Architecture | Prof. G.C. Marano
    • Contract n. 22534/2026 for 30 hours.
    • Responsible for course planning and content development, delivery of lectures and practical activities, definition of project and examination requirements, student supervision, and coursework evaluation and final assessments.

    Location

    Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China

  • Adjunct Lecturer - Structural Analysis and Design, Politecnico di Torino (February 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026)

    • Subject: Atelier Costruzioni E (Structural Analysis and Design) for Architecture | Prof. A. Manuello
    • Contract n. 22167/2026 for 35 hours.
    • Delivered practical and theoretical lessons, tutoring activities, supported students in the development of the course project, assisted during exams.

    Location

    Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy

  • Master’s Thesis Co-Supervisor, Politecnico di Torino (February 1, 2025 - December 15, 2025)

    • Thesis Title: "Optimal Design of Dissipative Exoskeletons via Genetic Algorithm."

    Location

    Turin, Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy

  • Visiting Lecturer, Southeast University (October 28, 2025)

    • Delivered an invited lecture within the "Internationally Renowned Experts in Civil Engineering" lecture series.
    • Topic: "AI-Driven Structural Optimization for Sustainability: Large Steel Structures and Life-Cycle Assessment."

    Location

    Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

  • Student Teaching Assistant - Technical Drawing, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (March 1, 2018 - March 1, 2019)

    • Subject: Technical Drawing | Department of Design in Civil Engineering | Prof. F. Mucilli
    • Delivered practical and selected theoretical lessons, assisted students, and evaluated course projects.

    Location

    Córdoba, Córdoba Province, Argentina

All Publications

  • Performance-based optimization of steel exoskeletons: An alternative approach to standard regulations JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING Cucuzza, R., Olivo, J., Bertagnoli, G., Ferro, G., Marano, G. 2025; 104

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jobe.2025.112177

    View details for Web of Science ID 001442792900001

  • Optimal design of steel exoskeleton for the retrofitting of RC buildings via genetic algorithm COMPUTERS & STRUCTURES Olivo, J., Cucuzza, R., Bertagnoli, G., Domaneschi, M. 2024; 299

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.compstruc.2024.107396

    View details for Web of Science ID 001239212200001

  • Structural, Economic and Environmental Assessment of Steel and Timber Exoskeletons for the Retrofit of RC Buildings Cucuzza, R., Iovane, G., Lazzurri, T., Olivo, J., Domaneschi, M., Faggiano, B. edited by Mazzolani, F. M., Landolfo, R., Faggiano, B., Brando, G., Cascini, L., Portioli, F. P. SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG. 2025: 334-339

    View details for DOI 10.1007/978-3-031-87312-6_41

    View details for Web of Science ID 001484825500041

  • Performance-Based Optimization Framework Considering Shear Wall Height Impact on Structural Behavior of High-Rise Buildings COMPDYN Olivo, J., Cucuzza, R., Domaneschi, M., Gao, K., Marano, G. 2025

    View details for DOI 10.7712/120125.12665.25458

  • Steel Exoskeletons for the Seismic Retrofit of an Existing RC Building: Optimal Design and Life Cycle Assessment Olivo, J., Cucuzza, R., Domaneschi, M., Rad, M., Di Bari, R., Marano, G. C., Ferro, G. A. edited by Zhou, Y., Cardoni, A., Ansari, F., Cimellaro, G. P. SPRINGER INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHING AG. 2025: 214-225

    View details for DOI 10.1007/978-3-032-08407-1_19

    View details for Web of Science ID 001674210600019

  • Stiffness Ratio Evaluation of Steel Exoskeletons Through Performance-Based Optimal Design Material Strength and Applied Mechanics Olivo, J., Cucuzza, R., Movahedi Rad, M., Domaneschi, M., Ferro, G., Marano, G. 2024

    View details for DOI 10.3233/ATDE240577

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0924-3850