Where do you study in Italy, and why did you want to do a PhD? Why did you select the SDC?
I am Valentino, a curious guy from a town in the heart of Sicily. After growing up in the countryside of Enna, I moved to Siena to pursue a bachelor’s in chemistry and then to Erlangen for a master’s in the same field.
About a year before graduating, I began exploring PhD programs in the EU, filtering for those with a focus on sustainable development. In July 2022, I discovered the PhD program in Sustainable Development and Climate Change (PhD-SDC), sponsored by IUSS in collaboration with many top Italian universities. It was exactly what I wanted—how exciting! So, in the months following that July, I started telling myself that if I pursued a PhD, it would be at IUSS’s PhD-SDC.
My motivation to begin the doctoral journey fluctuated throughout that year, but eventually, the positives outweighed the negatives. I applied and got a position as a PhD student in the group of Prof. Silvia Bordiga (UniTO), in collaboration with Prof. Claudio Gerbaldi (PoliTO), in Turin. My research focuses on the development of metal-organic frameworks to be used as solid-state electrolytes in secondary batteries.
Where were/are you during your period abroad, and how long did/will you stay there?
When discussing potential locations for my research period abroad with my supervisors, Prof. Mircea Dincă at MIT was a standout option. So, we reached out to him with a project proposal ... and he was interested!
Out of sheer excitement, I tried my best not to idealize that possibility and started looking for funding—an essential step, given how expensive the Boston area is.
The timing was right. A Fulbright call, sponsored by the Enel Foundation, was open. While reading the requirements, I thought, Wow, that could be me! So, I applied in January and went through the lengthy selection process.
I vividly remember that day—I was collecting data from an X-ray diffractometer when an email arrived. It started with, "We are pleased..." It felt surreal. That was my ticket to MIT.
What were/are your first impressions of the university, your supervisor, and the research team? Did you feel well integrated into the team?
Stepping onto the MIT campus felt like stepping into a world of endless possibility. The inspiring buildings, the buzzing energy, and the atmosphere of innovation left me spellbound. Meeting Professor Dincă and his vibrant, international team of over 20 brilliant minds was a highlight—a moment that made me feel both inspired and humbled.
Yet, adapting to this new environment proved more challenging than I had anticipated. Behind the scenes, I grappled with intense personal struggles, and progress came slower than I had hoped. Still, navigating these challenges turned into a transformative journey of growth and resilience.
This is how I picture it:
Imagine a huge white room—white in all directions, like the ones representing the afterlife in movies. A hand holding a pencil appears and starts drawing a messy, confused pathway, initially envisioned to be smoother, clearer. Zooming out, one can see that it is me. I am holding the pencil. Still unable to see the horizon in this endless white room, but able to focus on the sketch drawn so far and in finding its purpose. The good news? There is plenty of space to continue this piece of work, and the messy part was a necessary step.
Did/Do you face any challenges during your time abroad? How did you solve them? What advice would you offer to colleagues preparing for their own experience abroad?
Being at MIT as a Fulbright visiting researcher was one of the most intense experiences of my life. It taught me to tackle issues from various angles and compare different approaches to solving them. At the same time, I met incredible people and friends with whom I engaged in extremely pleasant and nurturing conversations, both personally and professionally.
Now I am back. I returned to Italy just over a month ago, profoundly changed by this experience. Someone once told me:
"You will never again be the same you of this exact moment."
Quite philosophical, but I believe we constantly evolve, and this Fulbright-MIT experience has changed me for the better.
Advice for future researchers:
Start planning early! Administrative processes take time, so begin months in advance.
Don’t stress too much. Universities offer plenty of opportunities to meet people and integrate into the community.
Time zone differences matter. Plan periodic calls with family and friends. It can be tough when you need support, but those who know you best are asleep.
Go with the flow! Adapt, embrace the experience, and make the most of it.
What are your plans upon returning to Italy?
Do you feel your time abroad enriched your research and personal growth? Did you contribute meaningfully at the host university?
My current plans are to continue my PhD journey, expanding on the projects I started at MIT and exploring new research directions.
This experience has profoundly enriched my research and personal growth. I return more complete, with a greater understanding of my field and a broader perspective on the challenges of sustainable development.
I conclude with deep gratitude to everyone who made this incredible experience possible.