Federica Trudu
F.Trudu - Physics and computer models
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Federica Trudu is a lecturer in Physics and Numerical Mathematics at the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI). Her courses are aimed at first-year Bachelor students in Engineering and Management and Computer Science Engineering.
What do you do at the DTI?
My contribution lies in imparting my knowledge in the areas of physics and numerical modelling in science/engineering. My many years of research experience in computational physics allows me to bring practical examples into my courses that bring students closer to the issues in the latest fields of applied research.
What are the characteristics of your courses?
I have been teaching at Bachelor for ten years and I can say that the courses offered are of the highest level and quality. The knowledge imparted enables new graduates to approach their next career path with optimal tools.
What does it mean to be a woman in science and engineering? What are the limits and possibilities?
At the beginning of my academic career, women who chose to specialise in computational physics were very few and had to fight against numerous prejudices. Today, I am happy to see that the number of female students pursuing scientific studies is increasing and they are pursuing their aspirations more freely. Personally, this freedom of choice, combined with passion and courage, has led me to apply my numerical modelling skills even in areas far removed from my scientific training, such as the study of reduced gravity systems. Can you tell us as about a particular experience from your educational and professional journey?
For more than two years now, I have been involved in the CompSedMars research project in collaboration with the University of Basel, that aims to simulate the transport and sedimentation that took place on the Martian soil billions of years ago. Through the study of an environment with such extreme conditions, such as the planet Mars, we can also understand a lot about the planet Earth. What I wish for my students is to allow themselves to be enveloped by the beauty of science and to find satisfaction in what they do, even if this requires many sacrifices.