What were your expectations for the Mentoring Program?

When I applied to the ISSNAF Mentoring Program, I was looking for guidance and perspective from someone who had successfully navigated an international scientific career.

As a physics student approaching the final stages of my degree, I hoped to connect with a mentor who could help me understand how to take the next steps, especially with regard to gaining research experience abroad, exploring academic opportunities in the U.S., and preparing for PhD studies. 

I expected the program to provide both inspiration and practical

advice, and I was eager to engage in open conversations about scientific development, mobility, and career building.

How did this experience impact you?

My mentor, Dr. Emanuele Francesco Pecora, was instrumental in guiding my path. Thanks to his advice, I was able to connect with a U.S.-based supervisor and carry out my thesis research at a world-class institution, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Pecora’s insights were especially valuable not only in identifying potential hosts and navigating the academic landscape in the U.S., but also in helping me understand the broader aspects of scientific life overseas, from administrative procedures to cultural and professional expectations. His encouragement and availability throughout the process made a real difference, and I am sincerely grateful for his mentorship.

Why would you recommend the ISSNAF Mentoring Program?

This program offers a rare and meaningful opportunity to engage in honest, constructive dialogue with experienced professionals who understand the challenges of building a career across borders. It creates a space for young researchers to ask questions that are often left unspoken in academic settings, and to receive advice tailored to their unique goals and backgrounds. The flexibility of the program makes it adaptable to many different needs, and I would strongly recommend it to any early-career scientist looking to broaden their perspective and take confident steps toward the future.