Michela Biasutti studies rainfall in the tropics – when and where it rains, and why. She does this at Columbia University in New York, where she settled down after her scientific curiosity had first led her to move from her native Italy to Seattle.

Michela is one of many foreign-born scientists who have managed to build successful careers in the United States and have made the country their home. Adjusting to all the practical aspects of daily life in the United States can be challenging, and with family and loved ones far away, finding and building a new community becomes especially important. Michela has succeeded in that as well, and she talks here about what community means to her and how she tries to make her community better.

Another topic that comes up is the prevalence of soft money jobs in academia and the pressure and financial insecurity that living from grant to grant brings about. This is a systemic problem, but one that disproportionately affects women, and you’ll hear Michela’s views about that and other gender-related issues in science (below are two links to more information).

And of course, the discussion eventually also leads to Trump.

“I only have gratitude for [the individual relationships I’ve had]. The system is a different story. […] I don’t want to have to do it the way the mighty white male wants me to do it.“

You can find more information about Michela Biasutti and her research on her website.

The interview with Michela Biasutti was recorded in September 2019. Image credit: Suzana Camargo