Manuela Sisti BSc DPhil MRes MSc

Dr Manuela Sisti is a Royal Society-nominated JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Tokyo and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford, where she collaborates closely with the Oxford Turbine Research Facility (OTRF). Her research focuses on experimental aerothermodynamics and the development of advanced optical and infrared diagnostic techniques for high-speed flows.

Dr Sisti received her DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford in 2024, following an MRes in Gas Turbine Aerodynamics at the University of Cambridge. At Oxford, she developed a world-leading infrared thermography methodology to measure surface temperature and heat transfer on high-speed rotating turbine blades. This work led to an EPSRC IAA Doctoral Impact Scheme award supporting her postdoctoral research at Oxford in collaboration with Rolls-Royce.

At the University of Tokyo, she works on hypersonic flows and atmospheric entry, using optical diagnostics to study heat transfer and ablation of thermal protection materials. Her research involves collaboration with the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA) and experimental work in the university’s hypersonic wind tunnel and shock tubes.

• Experimental aerothermodynamics and heat transfer

• High-speed infrared thermography and optical diagnostics

• Hypersonic flows and atmospheric entry

• Emission spectroscopy in shock tubes

• JSPS Fellowship (2024) – Nominated by the Royal Society for a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship, awarded to outstanding researchers with a proven track record of excellence and strong potential for impactful international collaboration.

• Nova111 Talent List – Research & Education, Italy (2022) – Named among the top 10 talents under 35 in Italy’s Research & Education sector, recognising outstanding contributions to aerospace research and education.

• Amelia Earhart Fellowship (2021) – Recognised among 30 women worldwide pursuing doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences, receiving a $10,000 award for outstanding contributions to the field.

• Vice President (2022–2023); Board Member (2021–2022) of Women in Engineering Network, University of Oxford