For those who have not met you yet, how would you describe your scientific background and research focus?
I am a planetary scientist specialising in impact processes on planetary and small bodies—asteroids, comets and moons—and their evolution. I also like to call myself a “planetary defender”. 🙂
You have lived and worked in several corners of the world. How has that shaped you, and where does Switzerland fit into your journey?
I am originally from Romania and lived in the UK for eight years before moving to Switzerland. I have also had shorter research stays in the US and Japan. I tend to collect cultural habits from everywhere I go. For example, I enjoy a savoury Romanian breakfast with zacusca (a vegetable spread). Every afternoon I have a cup of Earl Grey (every time I visit the UK I return with a suitcase full of tea). I also love Japanese curry and a hot bath at the end of the day.
Was space science always the dream, or did something particular spark your fascination?
Yes. I wanted to become a space scientist ever since I attended a summer school as a kid (atlantykron.org). One year they brought a telescope and left it on the beach every night. I spent countless hours exploring the sky. That was my first real encounter with astronomy, and it sparked my fascination with space and its “largeness”.
Among the many worlds and objects you study, do you have a current favourite?
Right now, I seem to be fascinated by small bodies starting with the letter D: Didymos, Dimorphos, Dinkinesh, Deimos, and Donaldjohanson. But I promise I’m planning to move up the alphabet, and next stop is the letter E. Maybe Eurybates, one of the Lucy mission’s future targets?
How did you come to feel at home in Bern and its surroundings?
I had never visited Switzerland before moving here in 2020. It was still the middle of the pandemic, and coming from lockdown in London, Bern felt like a breath of fresh air with nature so close by. At the time I lived right next to the forest in Langgasse. Since then, I have fallen in love with the scenery, the food and especially the people. I also really appreciate that everything in Bern is close and is reachable by bike.
You have been to ISSI as a visitor before joining the team. What stood out to you during those earlier visits?
I have always loved the friendly and cozy atmosphere at ISSI. People there seem relaxed and genuinely happy to collaborate. And of course I am a big fan of the famous ISSI coffee machine.
What Swiss experiences or destinations would you recommend to colleagues visiting from abroad?
My personal list of must-do activities:
- Swim in the Aare
- Gelateria di Berna, which is close to ISSI and open until 10 pm in summer
- Hike in the Bernese Oberland
- Try some Swiss cuisine beyond fondue and raclette. Autumn is perfect for Wildgerichte
- The wine region along Lake Geneva or Lake Biel (especially in autumn)
And finally, with ISSI’s tradition of shared lunches, what might we find you bringing to the table?
I love international food, but at the moment I am trying to learn how to decorate cakes, so there is a good chance I will be bringing cake in the future. 🍰
