Carnegie’s Lorenzo Rosa recognized for early career excellence
Washington, DC—Carnegie Science’s Lorenzo Rosa was recognized by the Leonardo da Vinci Society for his contributions to science and society in the field of engineering.
The Leonardo da Vinci Award was created in 2019 on the 500th anniversary of the famous scientist and artist’s death to honor Italian and Italian American early career researchers in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was developed in collaboration with the Bay Area chapter of the Italian Scientists and Scholars of North America.
“The United States recognizes Italy for its renowned contributions to food, tourism, luxury cars, and picturesque landscapes,” said Sergio Strozzi, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco, presenting the award. He additionally emphasized the significant roles played by Italians in the field of science.
Rosa is part of Carnegie’s prestigious Staff Associate program, which was designed to empower outstanding early career scientists, enabling them to pursue the kind of bold, creative research laid out in our founding mission.
His work aims to analyze environmental challenges and solutions in our food, water, and energy systems. At Carnegie, his research has included analyses of irrigation strategies, soil-moisture-retention techniques, and water storage needs, as well as evaluations of ways to reduce the carbon footprint of fertilizer production and achieve net-zero emissions in agriculture.
“His research delves into the complex interplay of food, energy, and water sustainability, echoing Leonardo's holistic approach to understanding the world,” said the letter nominating him for the prize. “Dr. Rosa's groundbreaking work, such as quantifying strategies for achieving net-zero energy emissions in agriculture, holds transformative potential and aligns with Leonardo's penchant for practical innovation that benefits society.”
Rosa holds a Ph.D. in environmental science from University of California Berkeley, and a bachelor’s and master’s in environmental engineering from Politecnico di Milano.
“Congratulations to Lorenzo on this well-deserved recognition,” said Stephanie Hampton, Deputy Director of Carnegie’s Biosphere Sciences and Engineering Division. “His research program combines the solutions-oriented focus of the award’s namesake, Leonardo da Vinci, with the enthusiasm for discovery espoused by our founder, Andrew Carnegie.”