Tell us a little about yourself and what brought you to CERN?

My name is Giorgia, and I’m from Italy — specifically from a small town in the south of  Sardinia. After high school, I decided to leave my homeland, which was starting to feel a bit limiting, to follow my passion for the fascinating world of physics. My first stop was Trieste, an international city that gave me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.

That’s where my university journey began — a path that has been long and not always linear. It took me first to Pisa, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Physics and started a master’s degree in Fundamental Interactions, and eventually led me to CERN.

After attending a Summer School at PSI, the following summer I decided to apply for the CERN Summer Student Programme, in the field of accelerators — a subject I had completely fallen in love with during a course in my master’s. I knew the chances of being selected were slim, but I gave it a try… and here I am!

What better place than CERN to dive deeper into the world of accelerators? But the truth is, it wasn’t just the scientific aspect that drew me here. It was also the desire to open myself up to new experiences, to meet people different from me, to discover other cultures and ways of thinking. I was looking for a stimulating, international environment where I could grow not only as a physicist, but also as a person — and I can confidently say I found exactly that. CERN, with its unique energy and diverse community, has proven to be the perfect place for this journey.

What do you do at CERN today?

I'm currently taking part in the one-year Technical Student Programme, during which I’m working on the project that will also be the focus of my master’s thesis. After my experience in the Summer Student Programme, I applied for this opportunity and was selected to continue working in the same section as before (BE-ABP-INC), within the Beam Department.

My work focuses on the Proton Synchrotron Booster (PSB), the first acceleration ring in CERN's accelerator complex. The project involves studying and simulating new optical configurations to improve the machine's performance.

I'm looking for solutions to overcome certain physical limitations that affect the behavior of particle beams, especially at low energy. It's fascinating to see how small changes in settings can have significant effects on beam behavior.

Currently, I mainly work with computer simulations, but soon I'll move on to collecting experimental data at the CERN Control Centre (CCC). This practical aspect particularly excites me, as I'll be able to see these theoretical models tested in reality. It’s a physics-rich, highly stimulating project that brings new challenges every day and offers constant opportunities to learn and grow.

What is working at CERN like for you?

For me, working at CERN means having the chance to deepen my knowledge in the incredible field of physics — but it’s also so much more than that. It’s an experience that exposes me to true multidisciplinarity, where I get to learn every day from experts across various fields. Beyond the scientific aspect, working at CERN also means forming new friendships, expanding my network, and opening doors to both professional and personal growth.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science/engineering?

Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by science. At first, it was a curiosity, a desire to understand something greater than myself. Over time, I realized how deeply science and engineering impact society: they drive technological progress, improve quality of life, and create new possibilities for the future. What excites me the most about this field is that there’s always something new to learn, new challenges to take on, and endless ways to grow. For me, that ongoing challenge is absolutely priceless.

What skills have you developed since joining CERN?

Since joining CERN, I’ve developed a wide range of skills that go far beyond the purely scientific. On the technical side, I’ve deepened my understanding of accelerator physics and learned to use specialized software for simulations. I’ve also significantly improved my programming skills, which are essential for my daily work.

But perhaps even more valuable have been the soft skills I’ve gained. Working in such an international environment has taught me how to adapt quickly to different contexts, communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.

What have been the main hurdles or challenges you encountered along the way?

The biggest challenge for me was finding the courage to start. I had many insecurities: I was afraid I wasn’t technically or linguistically prepared enough. The fear of not being “good enough” was overwhelming at times. But I decided to take the leap — and I’m so glad I did. Those fears quickly faded thanks to the amazing people I’ve met along the way. They have always supported me, valued my contributions, and made me feel like part of the team. I’m incredibly grateful to them.

Any favourite memories from your time at CERN so far? What’s the most CERN moment you’ve experienced?

One of my favourite memories has to be the welcome party for the Summer Students. After a truly inspiring opening speech, I had this powerful realization of how rare and special it is to be part of such an experience. I felt I belonged to something truly unique — with the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution in an extraordinary environment.

The most “CERN” moment I’ve experienced was during the celebration at the CCC (CERN Control Centre) when the Large Hadron Collider reached an integrated luminosity of 100 inverse femtobarns. The atmosphere was electric — a mix of excitement and professional pride that perfectly captured the spirit of CERN: scientific excellence combined with a human passion for discovery.

What advice would you give potential applicants?

My advice is to stay true to yourself and keep your passion alive. Be sincere, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to show who you really are — that’s what truly stands out. Technical skills are important, of course, but in the long run, they’re not enough on their own. What really makes the difference in a career, in my opinion, is your attitude, your willingness to learn, your ability to collaborate, and the enthusiasm you bring to every new challenge.