Dr Ing. Pierre Vella graduated as a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Malta in 1988. He also obtained a MSc in Engineering and Manufacturing Management (distinction) from Coventry University in 2001. Between 1988 and 2003, he worked in industry, predominately in the microelectronics fabrication sector. He then joined the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (DIME) at the University of Malta, where he was responsible for the management of the department’s laboratories until October 2007. In 2007 he was appointed as an academic member with the same department and subsequently obtained his PhD degree from the University of Birmingham (UK) in 2015. His PhD thesis dealt with micro and nano manufacturing process chains. He currently holds the post of Senior Lecturer with the DIME and his primary research interests include the design and manufacture of microscale products as well as advanced manufacturing technologies (in particular Electrical Discharge machining, Additive Manufacturing and Laser Micromachining). In addition, he has also actively participated in applying for externally funded projects both at local and EU levels to support research in priority areas. Over the past 16 years, Dr Vella has taught various modules at both under and postgraduate levels related to advanced manufacturing processes and micro/ nano manufacturing.
