Red headphones and beach volley

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Interview by Selvaggia Santin

She grew up by the sea and continues to keep it close through her research in ocean related extreme events. Her feet buried in the sand and head bopping to music, let’s get to know Giulia Bonino, researcher in the Ocean Modeling and Data Assimilation (ODA) division at the CMCC.

What’s your job at the CMCC Foundation?
I am a postdoc fellow in the Ocean Modeling and Data Assimilation division. My research focuses on improving our understanding of air-sea interactions using a numerical model called NEMO.
Starting next year, I will also study ocean extreme events known as Marine Heat Waves. This is an exciting project in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).

What led you to the CMCC?
During my undergraduate studies, I discovered my passion for physical oceanography and decided to apply for the CMCC-Ca’ Foscari PhD program. My journey at the CMCC started in 2015, and my very first research project focused on Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems and their response to the changing climate. The main reason why I started to work on this is that I found it fascinating how these regions, that only cover 1% of the ocean, are the most productive marine areas around the world.

Is your current job the one you had dreamed of when you were a kid?
I always wanted to have a job that was somehow related to the ocean. I grew up in Sanremo, a lovely city by the sea, and my fascination with the ocean continued to increase while sailing with my dad.

Could you tell us the most important moment in your career life at CMCC?
22 March 2018: my PhD graduation! It was a very rewarding day that I was able to share with my family, friends and colleagues. It was my last day as a student, but most importantly, it was a big step in my career as the next day I became a CMCC researcher.

What’s on your workstation?
To be honest, my workstation is a bit of a mess… But somehow I can always find whatever I need. People always notice my big red headphones that I use to listen to the radio while I’m working.

How do you travel to work?
Most of the time walk to the office. It’s just 20 minutes across the historical part of Bologna. I usually stop in a little café for a cappuccino, and I enjoy the charming atmosphere of Bologna.

What do you do in your spare time?
I like playing beach volley all year long, indoor during the winter and at the beach in summer. I often join weekend tournaments which satisfy both my competitive mindset and my need to socialize!

Cinema or literature?
Hard choice! I would say literature! Right now I am reading  Gli Indifferenti by Alberto Moravia (sometimes a challenging read though!) but I also like psychological thriller novels settled in cold Nordic countries, such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

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