Interview „To understand the Why? behind everything around us“

Interview series "Introducing People@BAM"
Dr Lucia Casali, Structure Analysis Division

Lucia, tell us a little bit about yourself. What did you do in "your life before BAM”?

I spent “my life before BAM” in Bologna (Italy), where I got my master’s degree in Photochemistry and Molecular Materials in 2017, supervised by prof. Luca Prodi, with a thesis on the synthesis and characterization of silica nanoparticles as agents for the early diagnosis of cancer diseases. I then started my PhD under the supervision of prof. Fabrizia Grepioni in the area of molecular crystal engineering, with a special focus on the preparation of novel crystalline materials to use as non-polluting fertilizers. Consistently with their sustainable character, these materials were mainly prepared via the solvent-free synthetic method known as mechanochemistry. In order to investigate the solid-state behaviour of such materials over the mechanochemical reactions, during my PhD I spent a research period at BAM in the group of Dr. Franziska Emmerling… And here I am two years later!

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

It took me some time to figure out that a career in science could have been actually my career. I grew up in a stimulating environment, but my reference persons were not passionate about science, in fact I did classical studies and I played cello at the Conservatory. Therefore, even if I have always been interested in getting deeper in knowledge and understanding - I was a Why? child - for me science wasn’t an automatic option. As a young girl I wanted to be a psychologist to understand the Why? behind the human behaviour, and then a doctor to understand the Why? behind the functioning of the human body. At the end, I wanted to be a scientist to understand the Why? behind everything around us, and between math and chemistry I opted for the second one, that for me represented the best compromise between pure science and its actual use at the service of humanity. By getting deeper, it soon became clear to me that a full understanding is not achievable, but any attempt to get a little closer may have good implications for health and society, and this is what still pushes me in pursuing this career.

What does your research focus on, and what excites you most about this topic?

My research is focused on the optimization of the synthetic methodology known as mechanochemistry, which is basically that set of reactions, generally between solid materials, induced by the input of mechanical energy. Right now, I am working in an EU project called IMPACTIVE, which stands for Innovative Mechanochemical Processes to synthesise green ACTIVE pharmaceutical ingredients. The final goal of the project is the introduction of mechanochemistry at industrial level for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, thus proving the advantages of such method over the conventional solution-based ones, which are instead related to economic, environmental, and safety issues. The achievement of this goal requires the synergetic contribution of researchers from different fields (chemistry, material science, engineering), as also of people working in industry and politics. Although challenging, the fact of dealing with such different expertise and perspectives is for me the most exciting part of this project.

Why research at BAM? What do you like most about your work here?

The research period at BAM as a visiting PhD student played a key role in my choice to actually do research here. A welcoming and supportive group of colleagues, along with an easy access to techniques and facilities, as also a general willingness to cooperate and collaborate, were all good hints of a high-quality work life. Now that I actually work here, I definitely enjoy also all the aspects strictly work-related, above all the flexibility in the management of my work. Moreover, as a foreigner I always felt supported in the process of placement and integration, thanks to a network of people prone to help me. For me BAM is an example of top-level research performed in what is for me a functional social community, and this is what I like most!

What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?

When I am not doing research, I like to keep myself busy with several activities. Over the years I have practiced several hobbies such as tennis, skiing, boogie-woogie, piano, yoga… “I enjoy a lot of things, but I am not good at any of them” is kind of my motto! Right now, I practice on a regular basis the martial art of Muay-Thai, a really complete training that involves body, mind, and emotions. When I look for something more chill, I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, as also reading, cooking, travelling, and hiking.

If you should describe your job at BAM in one sentence what would that be?

Together is better!