The Institute for European Studies is pleased to host three visiting scholars this academic year: Matteo Renghini, Noemi Giampaoli, and Caterina Scalvedi. There is much to learn from them, as they share their research expertise and culture with us during their time at EURO and Indiana University.
Please read our interview with Noemi Giampaoli and stay tuned for a video where she discusses her research and culture more in-depth.
Welcome to the Institute for European Studies! As an opportunity for our audience to learn more about European culture, can you share some details about where you grew up and any of the traditions of the area? What makes this area unique in Italy?
Hello everyone, and first of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know you and to introduce myself. I’m Noemi, and I’m 29 years old. I’m a research fellow at the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, a city in the Marche region of Italy.
I was born and raised in a very small town in the Marche called Porto Potenza Picena (a subdivision of Potenza Picena), not too far from where I work. My town is quite small, with about seven thousand inhabitants. It’s like living in a big family where everyone knows each other, and friendships and bonds of collaboration with neighbors are easily formed.
Porto Potenza Picena is a peaceful and charming place, famous for its beaches and its clear sea, perfect for those looking for a relaxing vacation. Despite its small size, the town has an ancient history and boasts several historical sites, such as the Torre di Sant’Anna, an old tower just a stone’s throw from the sea. It is also a town with strong maritime traditions, being home to many fishermen. One of the most cherished traditions in the area is the patronal festival, during which the town comes alive with processions, music, stalls, and historical reenactments to share the town’s history and many traditions with younger generations even today. It’s a moment that brings the whole community together and attracts people from neighboring towns as well.
What makes Porto Potenza Picena unique is the perfect blend of the sea, history, nature, tranquility, and local traditions. And… for me, it’s home!
What are the main goals that you would like to accomplish while you are a visiting scholar here?
I would love to learn more about the department and the university in general. This university is definitely larger than the one where I study and work in Italy, so I’m very curious. I would like to meet both young researchers and others to exchange research ideas and discuss key topics of interest to me, such as economics, business, and finance.
One of my goals here as a visiting researcher is also to continue my research and share more about the topics I work on through seminars, meetings, and informal conversations. And then… I’d like to take advantage of this time to improve my English as well, why not?
What are your favorite things about Bloomington or Indiana University so far? Is there anything that surprised you?
As mentioned above, since I come from a smaller University, the first thing that surprised me was the size of the University and its spaces. Right now, one thing I truly appreciate, and that is rare to find in Italian Universities, is the presence of so many green areas within the University. I have always imagined Universities and cities in general as places that unfortunately have few parks and green spaces. Instead, having the opportunity to walk between buildings and stroll under the trees in the park is incredibly welcoming and makes me feel truly at home.
Another thing I immediately noticed and appreciated about the city is that, as a visiting researcher, I can easily reach the University, and the transportation is exceptional. It feels like a city built for people and around the University, which allows me to fully enjoy campus life. That said, I’m sure I will discover even more things that will make me love Indiana University even more!
One of the goals of our department is to facilitate a better understanding of the relationship between the European Union and the United States. What would you say are the most important things to know about the EU-US economic relationship that US students who do not study the EU may not know?
The economic relationship between Europe and the United States is one of the largest in the world, with trade and foreign direct investments supporting millions of jobs on both sides. Despite the cooperation, many differences may be obvious to European citizens but not to students from the United States.
One of the most apparent differences is the legal system. For instance, an important aspect is the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is much stricter than US privacy laws, influencing companies operating on both continents. Additionally, the EU is evolving and has set ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. The challenges Europe faces are significant, as are the objectives, but many strides are being made.
Finally, one of the most recent developments is the Next Generation EU, the EU’s post-pandemic recovery plan. This plan is promoting a green and digital transition that is guiding businesses, citizens, and Europe more broadly towards new changes, through the provision of significant funding. This could profoundly influence trade dynamics between the states and create new opportunities!
What is your next professional goal that you will work toward when your time at IU is complete?
My next professional goal, once my time at Indiana University is complete, is to return to Italy enriched with a broader cultural and academic perspective. I aim to share the insights and knowledge I’ve gained during my visit with my colleagues and students back home, fostering a more global understanding of our research areas.
In addition, I am committed to continuing my research. I plan to apply the methodologies and ideas I’ve encountered at Indiana University to my work in Italy, which I believe will enhance both my personal growth and contribute to the advancement of my department. I aspire to collaborate with fellow researchers and industry professionals to address pressing economic challenges and explore innovative solutions.
Finally, my goal is to grow continuously as a researcher. I love the University, and I love research!
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