1. Como, September 17, 2011
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Recommendation letter for Dr. Giancanio Sileo
With this letter, I would like to underline the abilities of Dr. Giancanio Sileo. I had the
opportunity of hosting Dr. Sileo in my Active tectonics Lab. at the University of Insubria in
Como for 8 years, as a PhD student first, and then as research associate. Dr. Sileo conducted
several projects for active fault mapping and seismotectonic characterization in Italy and
abroad, and I found his contribution a very successful one. Therefore, it is a great pleasure
for me to write this letter of reference. Indeed, Dr. Sileo is brilliant not only in the use of
geological data for earthquake hazards assessment, but in the full geological study and
management in relation to natural hazards. Giancanio is highly charismatic and has a terrific
presence both among students and world-class geophysicists and geologists. More
importantly, he thinks critically, reasons well and has all the instincts of a good researcher.
Giancanio has a wide expertise in the use of geophysical prospecting, and he taught a course
of “Geophysical Basis and Methods” for the Environmental Science graduate students at the
Insubria University in 2010. Thanks To the collaboration with ENI E&P during the active
fault mapping project in the Po Plain he developed a good knowledge in the interpretation
of seismic reflection profiles.
He has been involved as PI in a Project for the assessment of the geothermal energy
potential for the Brescia area in N Italy, using a comprehensive cross-disciplinary approach
based on geochemical, geophysical, structural and hydrogeological data.
UNIVERSITA’ DEGLI STUDI DELL’INSUBRIA
DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE E ALTA TECNOLOGIA
Via Valleggio, 11 22100 Como
Prof. Alessandro Maria Michetti
Direct phone: +390313286631
Fax: +390313286630
E-mail: alessandro.michetti@uninsubria.it

2. Giancanio has an excellent experience in the comprehensive cross-disciplinary evaluation of
geophysical and hydrogeological hazards including those posed by landslide, floods, soil
erosion, and earthquakes, and by their interaction in the local environment.
He has a solid experience in communicating the results of natural hazards analyses in terms
of educational programmes. He has been involved in the organization and coordination of
the ICSU-INQUA Meeting “Dark Nature: Extreme Natural Events and Human
Responses”, that was held in Como in September 2005. He has a broad skill in computer
programming and software, including GIS for geophysical prospecting and hydrogeology
modeling.
He was also collaborating with the INQUA Commission on Paleoseismology for the study
of the ground effects of the April 6th, 2009, Mw 6.3 L’Aquila earthquake in Central Italy,
which is providing a better geological hazards characterization than previously available for
this event.
And, as a final but very important point, Dr. Sileo is an excellent and extremely positive team
member, showing a great ability to effectively interact with other people within a project. If
any additional information in desired, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely yours,
Prof. Alessandro M. Michetti