AVA Fellow Interviews – Spotlight on Bianca Veglia
Now the formal period of the project has come to an end, this is a good moment to look back at the Fellows’ time with AVA. We have asked the Fellows a few questions as part of the AVA Spotlight Interview series; this will give you a more personal insight into their motivation, achievements and outlook.
For this interview we have spoken with Bianca Veglia, who joined the AVA Network at the Cockcroft Institute/University of Liverpool (UK) in May 2017. She has been studying antimatter experiments on beam stability and life time in low energy storage rings. Within her project, Bianca developed realistic models for beam transport, storage, deceleration and cooling from storage rings through beam lines to experiments.
What did attract you to the AVA network? Has it fulfilled your expectations?
“Immediately after I graduated, I was curious about “real-life” working environments so I joined a consultancy company where I worked in a project on credit risk management. It was fun but I soon realised that I strongly missed physics. I found the AVA network advertised on different platforms and it offered the option to be part of research groups in university but involving also industries and laboratories and creating a solid network within the different institutions. Plus, I was definitely attracted to the charm of antimatter, which I always found deeply fascinating. I found that my expectations were proven to be true by my experience in AVA, a beautiful group of people, working on interconnected projects.”
Why did you choose to go to University of Liverpool?
“Since I was a kid, I enjoyed reading and learning about the British culture and it really made me admire the country. When there was possibility to join the AVA Network, I saw this as the opportunity to join a prestigious UK based university and I couldn’t miss it! And my adoration for the Beatles encouraged that choice even more.”
Can you explain in a few words what your project was about and what have you achieved?
“My project was about the preparations of the antiprotons that are then used in several antimatter experiments. We developed simulations to accurately describe the behaviour of the antiproton beam before it reaches the experiments. We managed to better explain the effects acting along the accelerator hence optimising the control over the beam. “
What has AVA provided you professionally?
“Apart from the obvious technical skills developed on the job, I had to chance to visit many different institutions and start useful discussions and even collaborations. It also helped me with a set of soft skills, though the numerous schools and workshop the network organised.”
Can you say something about your next career move?
“After this experience I would like to continue doing research in the academic environment, possibly collaborating with large institutions. I am in that phase where I am evaluating all the possibilities and weighing my own aspirations.”
What will be your most cherished memory from AVA?
“One of the sweetest memories is my birthday at CERN a few years ago, during an AVA School. I felt so special to celebrate this in such an important scientific organization with the warmth of the entire group. It’s definitely something I won’t forget!”