Antonino Troja is a postdoctoral researcher at the ICTP-SAIFR (International Centre for Theoretical Physics at the South American Institute for Fundamental Research, São Paulo, Brazil.) His research interests are focused on cosmological parameter estimation, improving covariance estimates and studying high-order correlation functions in harmonic space.
What is your favorite part about being a scientist?
I think it is the fact that they pay me to do what I love! And of course, meeting new interesting people!
When did you know you wanted to be a scientist?
When I was a child (younger than 6 I suppose), I saw my first telescope. It was yellow, I cannot forget. That was the moment I decided my life would have been devoted to the stars!
Do you have any hobbies or take part in sports?
Maybe, too many. :) My primary hobby is photography, but I also play the electric bass guitar in a band.
If you weren’t a scientist, what would your dream job be?
Movie director, it is related with a different kind of stars, but they are stars anyway!
What is your secret talent?
It’s a secret!
What do you think has been the most exciting advance in science / technology in the last 10 years?
I think the most exciting advance in science in the last 10 years is the observation of gravitational waves. It is the beginning of a new era of observations, where we will be able to go deeper into a more exact understanding of the Universe.
Any advice for aspiring scientists?
Don’t give up at the first difficulties. Talk with someone about your frustrations and keep on working. Success is built upon failures.