He received three degrees from Georgia Tech: a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering in 1999, a master’s in Applied Mathematics, also in 1999, and a master’s in Aerospace Engineering in 1997; he holds his bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in 1993. Dr. Leonessa’s research expertise lies in nonlinear systems and control. Particularly, Dr. Leonessa has worked on developing medical device to restore the voice of stroke patients and others who have suffered paralysis of the vocal folds.