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60 seconds with … Maria Lugaro

20 May 2009

Name: Maria Lugaro
Org. Unit: Faculty of Science
Title: Dr
Dept: School of Mathematical Sciences

How long have you been with Monash University?

Since November 2008 but I also did my PhD at Monash, from August 1997 to February 2001.

Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

After my PhD, I worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute of Astronomy of the University of Cambridge (UK) for three years and at the Astronomical Institute of the University of Utrecht (The Netherlands) for another three years.

What challenges are ahead in your current role?

To became a research leader and learn to manage a research group, while still enjoying research and keeping my stress under control.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

I am very curious and like to learn about many different topics. This is why I like nuclear astrophysics, which is a multidisciplinary field involving astronomy, astrophysics, nuclear physics, as well as chemistry and planetary science. I try to understand where the elements that make us and our world come from. I like to be able to spend my day just thinking about why nature behaves the way it does. It is a very creative activity, almost like performing an art.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

The valley of the Matterhorn in the Valle D'Aosta region of the Italian Alps. This is where I spent most of my holidays as a child and I still like to go there whenever possible. The landscape is incredible in all the seasons of the year and there are beautiful skiing and walking tracks. You can walk up to above 3000 metres and feel on top of the world, sunbathe by little hidden alpine lakes, or stroll in the red and yellow leaves of autumn.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Two pieces of advice from my supervisor in Italy, Professor Roberto Gallino: Never worry about making mistakes because who does not work, does not make mistakes; and never believe anyone, always think for yourself. I think this applies well to all situations in life.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

As a child I wished to be a dancer and used to go to dance class everyday. I still enjoy dancing flamenco.

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