Andrea Sperotto is a 22-year-old student from Vicenza with a passion for science and a dream of developing therapeutic treatments for diseases that still have no cure today. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, he embarked on a Master’s degree in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology at the University of Verona to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases. Andrea’s goal is to use his knowledge to develop life-saving breakthroughs that will improve the life of countless people. In this interview, you will learn more about his journey, motivations, and vision for the future of medicine. We will also discuss his experiences as a 2022 Dompé Foundation fellow, and what this opportunity has meant for his career.

How did you react when you learned you had won the Dompé Foundation scholarship?

At first, I couldn’t believe it: my first thought was it must be some kind of mistake. But when I realized what I was reading was true, I couldn’t contain the excitement and told everyone in my house. The fact that the Dompé Foundation recognized my talent and decided to invest in me made me filled me with gratitude and self-esteem.  

Why did you choose the Master’s degree in Molecular and Medical Biotechnology?

I chose this degree because, after completing a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology, I realized the importance of gaining a deeper knowledge of biotechnologies applied to biomedical sciences. In particular, I wanted to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases, as this knowledge is crucial for the development of new life-saving therapies. And these are exact focuses of my Master’s program.

What do you love the most about your degree?

I especially love the great flexibility it provides students in designing their study plan. There are plenty of elective courses in various fields, which means that students may tailor their education to their specific learning needs and scientific interests.

What has been your favourite subject at university so far?

My favourite subject at university, up to now, has been “Cell Signalling in Health & Diseases”. This subject explores molecular networks and signalling pathways that govern fundamental cellular processes. I find It very fascinating to understand how the deregulation of these pathways plays a critical role in human pathogenesis.

What three words describe you best?

Curious, meticulous and determined.

Tell us about a personal achievement that makes you proud

I’m incredibly proud of having earned my bachelor’s degree with top marks. This achievement holds great significance for me as it’s the first milestone in a hopefully long and fulfilling academic journey in scientific research.

What is your dream job?

From a young age, my dream job has always been to become a scientist. As I approach the realization of this dream, my heart is filled with both joy and trepidation. The thought of dedicating myself to cutting-edge research, with the hope of contributing to the development of therapeutic treatments for diseases that today have no cure, brings an overwhelming sense of fulfilment.

What gets you up in the morning?

The thought of studying and working towards my future life and career, embracing both the sacrifices and satisfactions that come along the way, is what truly gets me up in the morning.   

What are you passionate about, science apart?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been passionate about cinema. I love how movies help me break away from a sometimes-stressful routine. During my childhood, I was lucky enough to participate in some film productions as an actor, while recently I had the chance to work as production assistant.

Students sometimes give up applying because they fear they might not win. Did this or any other negative thought come to mind when you applied for the Dompé Foundation Scholarship?

Personally, I’ve never thought about giving up on applying for this scholarship. I knew that I met the prerequisites and I was determined to try until the end. Initiatives like these should not install fear, but, on the contrary, serve as an encouragement for students to show their capabilities, which is also the purpose of foundations like this one. As I always remind myself, failure is a natural part of life, but true failure only occurs if you never attempt to pursue your goals.