1. When did you realize that you wanted to become a mathematician? Do you remember a specific experience that got you excited about mathematics?

I have always liked mathematics, but at first I thought it was something that only "geniuses" would study, and I did not feel I would belong in such a category. For this reason, I did a Bachelor in Computer Engineering and Automation. While studying Engineering, though, I realized that I was good at it, but not really passionate about it. More than learning how things work, I wanted to understand why. My first Mathematical Analysis classes at the University convinced me that this was the subject I really wanted to study. I was fascinated by the beauty of the proofs, and by the fact that everything was clear and correct. My Analysis 1 Professor realized that, and for my Analysis 1 oral exam asked me to prove a small statement. I really liked that, and decided this was what I wanted to learn in my studies. This is the reason why I then switched to Mathematics for my Master.

2. How would you explain your research to a non-specialist?

My research stems from the observation that many natural phenomena and many problems in the applied sciences can be described through sequences of possibly time-dependent minimum or maximum problems. The typical questions that I try to answer in my research are: Does a minimum exist? How can we characterize it? And how does it depend on the data of the specific problem? These questions are typically tackled via the Calculus of Variations, which is my area of research.

3. What was the biggest challenge you faced during your career? How did you overcome it? Who has supported you the most throughout your career?

One of the biggest challenges that I had to face was that, somehow, I had started the wrong bachelor and only realized it when I was already in my second year of studies. On top of that, there was no Mathematics-University in my town and I did not want to burden my family with going to a different town and having to ask them to pay for my studies. I was only able to overcome this difficulty because one of my mathematics professors during the bachelor's told me that in Trieste there were some fellowships for Master students. Upon passing an entry test, students would have had the chance to attend a special curriculum, with courses both from professor at the University of Trieste and professor from the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS). There were only 6 Master fellowships that year: to get one, students had to pass an entry written test with a minimal score and then undergo an oral exam. Candidates achieving enough points would then be inserted in a final ordered list and the first 6 would get the fellowship. On top of that, these 6 students would have had to achieve no less than the Italian equivalent of a 2 in every exam, and keep a grade average of 1. I was extremely lucky that 3 different mathematicians in my bachelor university helped me by suggesting what to read and what I could study to fill in my gaps and prepare for the entry test. Till that moment I had only attended 3 classes in real and vector Analysis for Engineers, a class on basic complex Analysis, and a basic class on Linear Algebra. I had to learn Algebra and Topology alone, as well as fill in by myself all the gaps I had in Analysis and basic Functional Analysis. And I was doing that while also studying to complete my bachelor's degree. Luckily, I managed to do that and was awarded one of the 6 fellowships. Even after doing that, my 1st year as a Master student in Mathematics was very hard: I had to learn a new way of approaching problems, and pass many more exams than my colleagues in order to get the necessary ECTS that I had not achieved in my Bachelor's. Also in this case, I got a lot of support, both from my teachers and from my friends in Trieste: we studied together, shared notes, and helped each other a lot.

4. After completing your PhD, you moved to the United States for a three-year postdoc and then you came back in Europe, settling in Austria. What was your experience of going abroad? How important was this experience for your research?

In my experience, going abroad is always a challenge, mostly to yourself: it forces you to rethink your paradigms and get in touch with new cultures and new approaches. For these reasons, it is also extremely enriching: after an experience abroad, you see your work and also your life in a very different perspective. In my case, it was overall a very positive experience and also an extremely important one. I had the luck to find two great postdoctoral mentors who truly shaped the researcher I am today. My mentor in the US is a volcano of ideas: she is always full of energy and ready to start studying a new problem, while at the same time keeping an eagle-eye on the literature. From her, I learned that sometimes we need to go beyond our comfort zone and dare getting involved in a new project, or talking to some colleague with whom we never talked before. My mentor in Vienna is a truly enthusiastic researcher: working with him reminded me that we chose this job because we have fun doing it and we are passionate about it.

5. Would you suggest going abroad for a while? How does the period abroad fit in with work-life balance?

I would suggest going abroad if this fits well with your other personal choices. In my experience there is no work-for-all solution for two body problems: sometimes going abroad can be hard but pays back in terms of future employment chances. It is a complex and important choice and only each researcher can decide individually if it is something for them. 

6. What advice would you give to people who are willing to purse an academic career?

I would suggest thinking outside the box, and talking to many people who are already in academia to have an idea of how that life could be, and if it could be for you. I would also suggest not giving up when difficulties come up and not being scared to ask for help or feedback, if needs be. 

-------------------------

Further Links to interviews with Elisa Davoli