I was born in Turin, Italy, where I graduated in Physics in 1996. My physics studies were mostly theoretical, covering very diverse topics from relativity, to quantum physics, nuclear physics, and astrophysics.

However, my master thesis was already on the topic of theoretical nuclear astrophysicist, the same field that I am working on now, 13 years later.

The main reason for my choice and passion for nuclear astrophysics is the multidisciplinary aspect of the field. I model the interactions of nuclear particles in stars, which produce the elements in the cosmos, including the stuff we are made of. Nuclear abundances are observed in stars via telescopes, and are measured in meteorites in the laboratory. With my models, I try to explain these observations. I was also fortunate to have Roberto Gallino as my supervisor in Italy, from whom I learned much also in terms of passion and enthusiasm for science.

A more personal reason that drove me to becoming an astrophysicist has been the opportunity to travel and meet people from all over the world.

After Italy, I moved to Monash University in 1997 to study for my doctorate degree. Then, I worked as a postdoctoral fellow for 3 years in Cambridge (UK) and for another 3 years in Utrecht (The Netherlands), before returning to Monash in 2008 to take up a Monash Research Fellowship. To move overseas and experience life in different countries has always been a special and wonderful adventure.

As a young student in Italy I was not aware of gender balance issues in astronomy as many women study science in Italy. However, living in different countries and meeting different people has allowed me to develop a better knowledge and feeling for the condition of female astronomers and astrophysicists in the community. The most difficult situations for me to cope with are when the gender balance is very poor, but male astronomers are not aware of it. This happens at conferences, at meetings, in committees, as well as in departments in general. I found that it is very useful to raise and discuss these issues and probably this is the first way we can try to improve the situation: simply by making people aware that there is a problem. We also need to change our cultural perception of what a scientist is by offering female role models to children and young people. This is extremely important, as a young girl cannot recognize herself into a male adult, and if she sees an official astronomy committee, for example, all made up of men, she will set up her mind that astrophysics is not for her.

I am one of the few lucky women whose husband has opted to stay at home to look after our two sons. As I need the company of my children very much, I typically do not work extra hours or on weekends, and spend much of my spare time playing or doing yoga, all of which helps my mind to think better at work. Our family arrangement has allowed me to pursue the academic career without having to experience much of the stress and anxiety that often accompany career choices for women. Unfortunately, this is still a very rare case, except in some northern European countries. My advice to young female students is to always keep on discussing these issues with your partner and try to reach the most fair arrangement for sharing family duties. One thing to keep in mind is that while a woman loses her opportunity to be an astronomer, a man loses his chance of seeing his children grow, and everybody loses this way. It is really time we try to change gender stereotypes in relation to raising a family.