Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Information magazine of the Department of Industrial Engineering
Università di Trento
Starting this year, mobility opportunities for Italian university students have been enriched by the MUR “Italian Erasmus” Program. The Program aims to support student mobility on a national level, fostering the development of innovative and interdisciplinary study paths, while strengthening integration and complementarity between participating universities. During the mobility period, which ranges from a minimum of three months to a maximum of six months, students have the chance to attend courses, take exams, complete internships, and carry out thesis research, enriching their educational experience with opportunities offered by the host university.
Within the Program, the Department of Industrial Engineering (DII) at the University of Trento has established an agreement with the Department of Engineering at the University of Palermo. This allows students to move between Trento’s Master’s Degree in Bioengineering for Personalized Medicine and Palermo’s Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. As part of this initiative, two students from Palermo, Cinzia La Mattina and Federica Lo Cicero, chose to complete their internships and thesis work at Trento’s Smart Health Lab and Biotech Lab, respectively. We interviewed them to hear their thoughts on the Italian Erasmus Program and learn more about their experience in Trento.
Why did you choose to participate in the Italian Erasmus initiative?
During the first year of my Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, I was introduced to several opportunities for Erasmus experiences abroad. However, I was immediately fascinated by the idea of the Italian Erasmus: a chance to challenge myself, explore new realities, and grow both personally and professionally, while remaining within Italy’s borders.
I wanted to explore another side of Italy by engaging with a university different from my own, convinced that even within our country there are extraordinary cultural, academic, and human treasures to discover. I firmly believe that Italy has enormous potential, from north to south, and that these opportunities are a valuable way to appreciate and fully experience it.
What activities have you decided to pursue during your mobility period?
I decided to focus on my thesis and internship to gain practical research experience. I am deeply interested in biomedical research and took this opportunity to deepen my expertise in a lab different from the one at my home university, but still closely aligned in themes and scientific approach.
What exactly are you working on?
My research focuses on studying the interactions between heartbeat and respiratory activity to identify physiological markers that could be helpful in diagnosing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Specifically, I use analysis techniques and quantitative parameters from information theory to study how the heart and respiratory systems communicate, and how these dynamics change in the presence of psychiatric conditions.
This work is part of an exciting and cutting-edge field called Network Physiology, which studies the human body as a complex network of interconnected, dynamic systems. These techniques make it possible to quantitatively and engineeringly explore the intricate relationship between body and mind, a subject that has fascinated me since I was a child.
In parallel, I’m completing an internship focusing on applying machine learning and deep learning techniques to physiological signals. The goal is to develop intelligent tools to support physicians in diagnostics, offering objective and innovative support in mental health care.
A highlight for me has been working hands-on in the lab with real data acquisition tools, such as the Equivital wearable device for real-time physiological monitoring. Using these technologies, seeing how they work, and collecting real-world data has added great value to my experience, making it even more tangible.
Have you had the chance to take part in other initiatives offered by the University?
Yes, beyond lab work, I’ve participated in several initiatives at the University of Trento that significantly enriched my education. Within the Bioengineering for Personalized Medicine program, I attended seminars and company meetings in telemedicine and sensor technologies, valuable opportunities to connect with industry and see real-world biomedical research applications.
With my peers, I also visited Eurac Research’s terraXcube in Bolzano, a unique and inspiring research facility. I attended the Career Fair, an annual event offering great networking opportunities for students interested in corporate careers, which allowed me to meet numerous companies in person.
Another impactful experience was participating in IPSP (Industrial Problem Solving with Physics), organized by the Physics Department in collaboration with Italian companies. In July, I worked in a multidisciplinary team to solve a challenge proposed by a gas-mixing company. Though unrelated to biomedicine, it was a stimulating experience that tested my teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability skills. We developed an innovative solution that was well-received by the company, reinforcing the value of interdisciplinary education and collaboration between research and industry.
What was your first impression of the university environment, and of Trento as a city?
I was struck by how welcoming and well-organized the university environment was. From day one, I felt supported by professors, staff, and peers.
Trento itself is a gem: surrounded by mountains, it’s peaceful yet lively, student-friendly, and full of green spaces, culture, and leisure opportunities. Trentino’s breathtaking landscapes and outdoor activities made my stay even more special.
Can you share a special memory from your Italian Erasmus?
It’s hard to pick just one! The simple moments stand out most: shared lunches, impromptu hikes, and conversations with professors who became mentors and friends.
Winning the IPSP challenge was also unforgettable, it made me feel like an active part of a meaningful project.
What was your biggest challenge?
Honestly, probably walking up the steep hill to Povo! (laughs)
Adapting to a more active lifestyle was a small challenge at first, but it became one of the healthiest habits I’ve acquired. Trento’s excellent public transport also made commuting easy.
Would you do it again and recommend it to others?
Absolutely! I’d choose Trento again in a heartbeat. This experience enriched me academically, personally, and emotionally. I’d recommend it to anyone seeking growth, new opportunities, and a stimulating environment.
Why did you choose to participate in the Italian Erasmus initiative?
During my Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, I felt the need for a new and enriching experience to complement my studies. I chose Italian Erasmus because I wanted to focus on my thesis and internship in a new academic setting, while staying within a familiar system. Moving to another Italian university allowed me to immerse myself in a different research environment without the added challenge of a new language and culture, letting me fully concentrate on the scientific work.
What activities have you decided to pursue during your mobility period?
I dedicated my time entirely to my thesis and internship, immersing myself fully in lab research rather than coursework.
What exactly are you working on?
I’m working on the fabrication and characterization of biopolymeric micro- and nanoparticles for controlled delivery of cancer-related biomolecules. This cutting-edge research involves biocompatible materials, microfluidics, and therapeutic applications.
I’ve worked on preparing crosslinkable biopolymer solutions, studying hydrogel crosslinking kinetics via rheological analysis, and using microfluidic chips to produce and characterize the particles’ structure, size, and drug-encapsulation capacity. The final phase will study release kinetics to optimize therapeutic delivery.
This experience is deeply enriching, giving me hands-on lab expertise and insight into advanced therapies.
Have you taken part in other university initiatives?
While I focused mainly on lab work, I attended a stimulating PhD poster session at the department, which offered exposure to diverse research fields and approaches.
What was your first impression of the university and Trento?
Trento’s university environment is highly organized, welcoming, and supportive. My supervisors’ technical and personal guidance has been invaluable. The lab’s multicultural and motivating atmosphere, with researchers from around the world, has broadened my perspective.
Trento is a student-friendly city, offering a perfect balance of study, well-being, and nature.
Can you share a special memory from your Italian Erasmus?
What I’ll cherish most is the inclusive and inspiring lab environment, which made me feel at home and confident to learn and contribute. I’ll also treasure the hikes and outings with friends, which enriched the human side of this experience.
What was your biggest challenge?
Rather than real obstacles, there were natural adjustment phases to a new environment, made easier by the warm support of lab colleagues.
Would you do it again and recommend it to others?
Absolutely. This program offers valuable mobility opportunities within Italy without sacrificing quality or growth. I’d recommend it to anyone seeking practical research experience and personal development.
Italian Erasmus at the DII
Starting next academic year, national mobility opportunities for Industrial Engineering students will expand to include more destinations. Besides the University of Palermo, students can study at Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, and Roma Tre University. Application deadlines will be in July (first semester) and October (second semester). For more information, visit the page: Erasmus Italiano | UniTrento.
