Meet Ravi and Daniele, Axia’s Summer Interns

July 8, 2025

Each year, the Axia Institute hosts interns to help find innovative solutions to value chain challenges. This summer, Axia welcomes Daniele Banchieri from the University of Genoa in Italy and Ravi Joseph from Michigan State University.

Daniele is pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Genoa (Italy). The University of Genoa is no stranger to Axia, as it is where Bahar Aliakbarian, Ph.D., earned her master’s degree and her Ph.D. Daniele is researching the implementation of smart sensors in packaging to enhance product traceability, improve sustainability, and extend shelf life. Specifically, his project aims to assess the effectiveness of RFID sensors in perishable products, such as milk.  Daniele is active in Associazione Guide Scouts Cattolici Italiani (AGESCI) (similar to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)), and he enjoys working with youth, camping, running, and sports. He is staying in Midland for his six-month internship and has already left a legacy. He placed third in his age bracket for the 2025 Dow Run/Walk 10K race with a time of 42:05.

“I chose to do an internship with Axia and Michigan State University because it represents a unique opportunity for professional and personal growth,” said Daniele. “I believe that this international experience will allow me to acquire practical skills and develop essential soft skills for my future career.”

Ravi Joseph is a senior at the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University and is majoring in supply chain management. While at Axia, he supports efforts to advance digital labeling in the pharmaceutical and packaging industries, as well as RFID implementation in healthcare, and identifies opportunities for circular economies within food production.

“This internship with Axia is a perfect fit because research and supply chain are two of my biggest passions,” he said.

Aside from having a passion for his field of study and future career path, Ravi enjoys playing video games. It’s worth noting he’s not your stereotypical casual, late-night gamer. He’s co-captain of MSU’s Mario Kart Club, which competes against other universities from across the U.S. and Canada.

“Playing video games competitively is helping me build skills that will be helpful – Mario Kart is helping me build problem-solving skills and Pokemon, for instance, requires working as a team and intense collaboration,” Ravi said.