Kind, quiet and always smiling. A lifetime spent between climate studies and frequent interactions with the neighbourhood life: let’s get to know the scout leader Andrea Staccione, PhD candidate and researcher for the Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategies (RAAS) Division at CMCC.

What’s your job at the CMCC Foundation?
I have worked at the RAAS Division since June 2017 and am a PhD candidate in Science and Management of Climate Change at Ca’ Foscari University. At CMCC I deal with adaptation strategies, studying the effectiveness of a network of green infrastructures (nature-based solutions) that support ecosystemic services towards adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

What brought you to CMCC?
I was studying Environmental Sciences at Ca’ Foscari, and at the same time looking for a tutor for my Master’s thesis. Through Prof. Marcomini, I met Jaroslav Mysiak (current Director of the RAAS Division, e/n) who agreed to be my tutor. I was then offered an internship which led to a contract, and here I am!

Is your current job the one you used to dream of as a child?
I have always been interested in the environment and climate, but honestly, I didn’t imagine pursuing an academic career. While studying for my Master’s, I thought I would leave the university and research world soon after, but I was wrong: now I am really glad for this opportunity.

Tell us about a special moment during your time at CMCC
I would certainly say it was when I got to share the preparation of my PhD application with my CMCC colleagues; practice and rehearse my presentation with them; and prepare for the questions… And obviously, sharing with them the happiness of getting a place!

What ritual is never missing from your workday?
My ritual actually derives from a necessity: in the afternoon my work productivity often decreases, so I need to take a walk, maybe even going back home or to a scout meeting. Then, if I still have some work to do, I only get back to it after dinner. I need some time off during my workday.

How do you travel to work?
I almost always go to work at the Vega premises, where I can concentrate better. I remember when our premises where in San Giorgio island: maybe the context was more beautiful, but it took me one and a half hours to get there from Mestre! Now it takes me 20 minutes, so my commute has improved substantially. Normally I get to work by bus, but sometimes I get a lift – car sharing is still acceptable, isn’t it? (Laughs, e/n). When the weather is good enough, I also use a bike, but not as much as I’d like to.

What do you do in your spare time?
Most of my free time is devoted to the scouts. I have been a scout leader for eight years, and joined the scouts even earlier. I also became a clan leader a couple of years ago, and I work with a group of 17 to 20-year-old boys and girls. With them I take part in weekly meetings, organize mountain trips and other activities during the weekend… Furthermore, I take part in neighbourhood initiatives, like our annual non-competitive race. Moreover, up until last year I was a practicing ballerina; I hope I will be able to go back to dancing this year, along with work and other commitments.

Movies or literature: give me a title and explain your choice
I love reading but right now I struggle to read as much as I would like to. My job as a researcher implies a lot of reading (even though of a different kind), and at the end of the day my attention fails me so I turn to a good movie or – even better – a web series. I love crime stories! A book I really loved though is the Harry Potter saga: a story that filled my childhood with magic… and to this day I am still a huge fan!