Italy's Grounded Legacy: Geology and Energy Innovation

Italy's Grounded Legacy: Geology and Energy Innovation

Lecture 1: Geology and Geophysics of Italy: A Journey Through Time

Italy’s landscapes are the result of millions of years of geological evolution, shaped by the collision of the African and Eurasian plates. This lecture will explore the formation of the Alps and Apennines, the Mediterranean basin, and the geological resources that have influenced Italy’s economy and culture, from marble to geothermal energy. It will also examine Italy’s geophysical dynamics, where seismicity and volcanism have profoundly shaped both land and society. Historic earthquakes such as Messina (1908) and L’Aquila (2009), alongside the enduring activity of Vesuvius, Etna, Stromboli, and Campi Flegrei, illustrate how Italians have adapted to risk, transforming vulnerability into resilience. Participants will discover how Italy’s relationship with these forces continues to inspire innovation in risk management, scientific research, and cultural identity.

Lecture 2: Tourism, History, Art and Geology: The Hidden Connection

Geology is the silent foundation of Italy’s cultural heritage, shaping the materials, settings, and stories that define its identity. From Roman aqueducts built on hydrogeological knowledge to Florence’s Duomo crafted from Tuscan marble, and Pompeii preserved by volcanic ash, Earth’s processes are deeply intertwined with history and art. This lecture will reveal how geology enriches tourism experiences, from geothermal spas to UNESCO geoparks, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of Italy’s landscapes. By connecting science with culture, participants will see how geology not only molds the land but also inspires civilizations, creativity, and collective memory. The session invites reflection on how Italy’s natural foundations continue to shape its artistic legacy and global appeal.

Lecture 3: From Geothermal Roots to Global Energy Leadership: Italy in the Energy Sector

Italy’s energy journey spans centuries, beginning with pioneering geothermal development and evolving into a role as a global innovator. This lecture will explore the country’s contributions to energy technology, governance, and sustainability, while spotlighting the influence of Italians engaged in today’s international energy community, with particular attention to their presence in the United States and Houston. By weaving together historical expertise and contemporary opportunities, the session underscores how Italian talent and tradition continue to shape the global energy landscape, inspiring new projects, collaborations, and visibility in an era of energy expansion.

When: Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., January 28 through February 11, 2026

Where: Italian Cultural & Community Center, 1101 Milford Street

Tickets: $125 ICCC Members | $150 General Admission

Meet the Lecturers

Dr. Maria Angela Capello, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized geoscientist whose career bridges technical expertise, energy strategy, and global advocacy. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Physics from Simón Bolívar University (Venezuela), a master’s in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines (USA), and a doctorate in Earth and Environmental Sciences from the University of Plymouth (UK). Her early career included technical and academic roles at PDVSA, before advancing to leadership positions at Halliburton and Kuwait Oil Company, where she directed projects in reservoir management, sustainability, and capacity building in the energy sector across Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Today, she is President of Red Tree Consulting LLC, advising organizations on energy transition and resource stewardship, and serves as Co-Chair of the UNECE’s Women in Resource Management. Her global project Geoscience in Action – Advancing Sustainable Development was published by UNESCO. She is an Honorary Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and a Lifetime Member of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. For her contributions, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Geophysical Union and was honored by the President of Italy as Cavaliere of the Order of the Star of Italy.

Dr. Daniel Minisini, Ph.D., is an accomplished geologist and sedimentologist whose career bridges academia, research, and the energy industry. He earned his doctorate in Geology from the Università di Bologna, specializing in sedimentology and stratigraphy, with a focus on mass transport deposits and sequence stratigraphy in the Mediterranean. His early career as a marine geologist at the CNR–ISMAR Institute of Marine Sciences deepened his expertise in basin analysis and seismic interpretation. He later joined ENI as a sedimentologist, before spending more than a decade at Shell in roles ranging from Research Stratigrapher to Principal Explorer Geoscientist, where he integrated sedimentology, geochemistry, biostratigraphy, and geochronology to advance global exploration projects. Today, Dr. Minisini is a geologist at ExxonMobil and serves as Chief Editor of the AAPG Bulletin, a unique journal that highlights Geology at the interface between Academia and Industry. Daniel’s work emphasizes the integration of geological disciplines to understand their role in energy and society.

This lecture is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

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