Meet Giacomo Vedovati, aka "Jack," whose journey from tinkering with particle accelerators during high school to delving into the mysteries of the brain in his PhD years is nothing short of fascinating. Armed with a Master's degree in Management Engineering from the University of Bergamo and fueled by his passion for AI, Jack, now 28, is pursuing his studies at the McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis. Recipient of a Dompé Foundation fellowship in 2022, his present research focus is understanding the brain's complexities through innovative machine learning and control theory techniques. Join us as Jack shares insights into his scientific work, past triumphs, and future aspirations.

Tell us something that is not on your resume

I go by the nickname “Jack”, and I consider myself a Jack of all trades! Music and guitar have been my greatest passions since I was 12. I’ve explored different genres, but mostly rock and metal, through playing in many bands. I also love practicing sports. Recently, I’ve been focusing on powerlifting and cycling, striving to fit both in my schedule. Additionally, I’m a “part-time” baker, photographer, and proud “dad” to my cat, Tortellini. 

What does the Dompé Foundation scholarship mean to you?

This scholarship really means a lot to me. Firstly, it represents a validation of the sacrifices and hard work I've dedicated to my academic and scientific pursuits. It also provides me with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth, facilitating access to resources, networks, and experiences that will undoubtedly enrich my future career path.   

Why did you choose to pursue your PhD at the Washington University in St. Louis?

During my Master’s degree in Management Engineering at the University of Bergamo, I had the opportunity to explore the realms of systems and control theory while working on my thesis project. This study was incredibly insightful as it exposed me to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, including its connections to economics, game theory, and neuroscience. Initially considering a continuation of this work for my PhD, I stumbled upon the research lab led by Professor ShiNung Ching at Washington University in St. Louis. His research lies at the intersection between control theory, neuroscience and machine learning, and aims at unveiling brain’s hidden mechanisms leveraging on machine learning cutting-edge techniques and on the accuracy of control theory. Intrigued by Professor Ching’s work, I decided to pursue my doctoral studies under his guidance.

What do you love the most about your PhD so far?

The aspect I find most gratifying about my PhD is the freedom it offers me to delve deeper into topics that truly resonate with me. It’s an ongoing voyage of discovery and a continuous learning experience: keeping up with our fast-moving field is not easy, but I love the challenge.

Tell us about an internship experience you particularly loved

An internship experience I particularly appreciated is the two-week program at the National Laboratories of Legnaro during high school. It was a transformative opportunity where I was introduced to cutting-edge technology firsthand. In particular, I vividly remember experimenting with a real particle accelerator, replicating Rutherford’s gold foil experiment. In this famous experiment, positively charged alpha particles are directed at a gold foil. The majority passes through, revealing the gold atoms’ predominant emptiness. Yet, some particles deflect sharply, even bouncing backward, indicating a concentrated positively charged nucleus within the atom.  My task was to predict the cross-section of atomic models pre- and post-Rutherford in order to correctly detect the bouncing particles. This immersive experience not only deepened my understanding of atomic models but also reinforced my enthusiasm for scientific discovery.

What is your dream job? 

My dream job is one where I can merge my passion for AI and theoretical neuroscience into a meaningful pursuit that transcends the traditional boundaries of knowledge. I envision myself in a role that serves as a bridge between innovation and application, where I can actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge while making a tangible impact on society. I'm driven by the belief that through relentless dedication and creativity, we can unravel the mysteries of the mind and pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries that will shape the future.

Describe yourself in one word

The word that best describes me is enthusiastic. Back in high school, my Italian literature teacher shared with me a captivating definition of the word "enthusiasm": infusing our vital spirit into everything we undertake. This concept immediately resonated with me, as it encapsulates my approach to life.

Tell us about a personal achievement that makes you proud

One personal achievement that fills me with pride is my participation to the Triathlon National Competition for Collegiate Clubs at Lake Lanier in Georgia two years ago, alongside the Washington University a St. Louis Triathlon Team. It was my first Olympic-length triathlon, and I successfully completed it after dedicating around 4 months to rigorous physical and mental preparation.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is “Don’t be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.”  We must always embrace new experiences, challenges, and opportunities, as they are the pathways to personal growth and fulfillment. 

How does it feel to have someone like the Dompé Foundation cheering for you?

Having someone cheering for you is an incredibly uplifting and motivating experience. It instills a sense of encouragement, support, and validation that can fuel your determination and drive.