What is your next adventure?
After graduation, I plan to spend a month traveling in the US before returning to Italy to spend quality time with friends and family. During this period, I will also take the opportunity to explore my next steps, whether that involves pursuing a job or a PhD, focusing on space-related research. 

I plan to pursue a research path in either orbital mechanics or innovative materials and technologies for space missions. I am currently sending applications for European space programs and PhD programs that align with one of these two topics, with a focus on contributing to European space endeavors

What about your next adventure are you most looking forward to?
Being away from home since August, I cannot wait to return, reunite with my family and friends, and taste my grandmother's lasagna again! I am also excited to see what lies ahead for me and to embark on this new chapter of my life. Since I started school as a child, my routine has always involved lectures, homework, and tests in a pretty straightforward academic path. Now, however, I have numerous opportunities and paths to explore. I cannot deny that it's also a bit scary, but the excitement for something new propels me forward

Did you have any previous co-op, internship, or research experience in this area?
During my previous education at the University of Brescia in Italy, I primarily focused on research projects rather than internships, as they were not common in our degree program. Unfortunately, the two semesters I spent here also didn't allow me to complete an internship, but I was involved in several research projects that confirmed my passion for research and development. For my first master's thesis, I worked on bioprinting living cells, developing hydrogel bioinks, and optimizing the process. I am eager to expand on this topic by exploring space applications, particularly for long-duration missions to Mars. At Tech, I had the opportunity to work on an orbital dynamics special problem, specifically focusing on the dynamics of asteroid CC21 for JAXA's Hayabusa 2 mission. This project sparked a new interest in the aerospace field, shifting my focus from structures and materials to mathematical modeling and problem-solving. 

How did your educational experience at Georgia Tech help you to achieve your goals?
Georgia Tech provided me with the opportunity to explore different areas and develop new interests through its wide range of academic offerings. The courses, seminars, and events I attended during my time here gave me a broader and up-to-date perspective on the current trends and exciting developments in the aerospace field.

Furthermore, the facilities available for personal or research projects enhanced my skills. The combination of these resources, alongside the school's prestige, has strengthened my applications and prepared me well for future career opportunities.

What advice would you give to an underclassman who would like to follow the same path?
Take full advantage of everything the School of Aerospace and other departments have to offer. Observe, listen, and absorb everything happening around you to broaden your interests and knowledge. Instead of focusing solely on one interest, stay open to discovering new areas and exploring different subjects. I highly recommend traveling, engaging with, and learning from people from different countries. The network I built here, along with the stories and experiences I gained from each person, shaped my interests and expanded my perspective on space, helping me decide on my future path.