Newsletter n.1
Enrico Marotta
- Written by Marco Cirilli
Name: Enrica Marotta
Years: under 50
Field of activity: volcanology
Location: Section of Naples "Vesuvian Observatory"
Motto of life: “calm and cool”
Color: sea blue
Volcanologist, with a passion for travel and flights. She specializes in that of drones, she flies them over Italian volcanoes to give a different and innovative analysis tool to volcanological research and monitoring. She is told in her passions and in her choices with a Fil rouge always present "together to go far".
What or who directed you towards studying geology?
When I had to choose the university faculty to enroll in, I read various study plans. I was torn between dedicating myself to astronomy or geology. He won the geological science program which involved constant excursions. If I had chosen astronomy the excursions would have been difficult to carry out.
And in your childhood dreams, how did you imagine yourself?
Since I was a child I wanted to travel and becoming an airplane pilot seemed to me the natural consequence of my passion. But the regulations of the time provided that women could become at most second pilots and, unable to accept this a priori "devaluation" of the female role, I dedicated myself to evaluating the choice between astronomy and geology.
Was there a reference myth that inspired you?
In my life I can say with certainty that my father is a legend. With his being generous and good, he has always shown constancy and serenity even in the face of the most serious situations, facing them but never complaining. For me he, together with my mother, is always a guide.
The most exciting moment of your career
Undoubtedly, the first time I flew by helicopter over Stromboli as an "expert volcanologist" during the 2007 emergency. I was representing INGV and for me it was a strong source of pride and incredible responsibility.
But I can't help but remember when I was called by the Vesuvius Observatory on December 30, 2000 to sign my first work contract and take up service at the same time. I was on vacation in Paris. Heart a thousand. Daze. Doubts about signing a contract that saw me as a technician and not a researcher. Fear of being trapped for life in a role that I didn't feel was mine. But then I took the first plane and I accepted because working in an environment that you like repays you for many sacrifices. Today I'm really happy with that choice and with that plane I took on the fly.
The thrill of life:
The birth of my nephews, Filippo aged 13 (who has always shared my passions) and Francesco aged 7 (born in India). They are both beautiful, funny and intelligent. I love them!
Is it difficult to combine research work with family time?
Sometimes it's really hard! Thankfully researchers have flexible schedules, but there are project deadlines or major fieldwork at night that really don't allow you to schedule anything. Among other things, I work in a monitoring section, the Vesuvius Observatory, and when one is busy with seismic and volcanic monitoring, the scheduling of commitments is never certain: nature has no timetables.
What do you think you would have become if you hadn't been a researcher?
I would have continued my freelance activity as a geologist. I liked it a lot and I had some good professional feedback. But when I started attending the world of research, the first conferences and the human and scientific confrontation that develops there fascinated and conquered me.
In your opinion, what is the scientific discovery that would change the history of volcanology?
The exact prediction of an eruption, identified in time, space and extent. At the moment, obviously, it is not possible, but improving with the multidisciplinarity of knowledge is fundamental.
What would you have liked to invent, among the inventions of the past?
I have no doubts: the telephone. Being able to talk to a person who is on the other side of the world always excites me.
Have you ever thought about giving up research?
Many times in the past I have lost my enthusiasm. I had tasks that I didn't feel "on my skin". But really give up no, never!
What's your X-Factor?
The tenacity and ability to bring people together towards the realization of a project.
Is there something that makes you anxious?
Beyond "health" (which is always the first thing), one thought that gives me anxiety is the precariousness of my colleagues, with uncertain employment contracts.
Listen to the music?
Yes a lot… "Old style"… Mina, Patty Pravo, Renato Zero, but also Latin American, salsa, tango… I'm a tangera!
Why is sea blue your favorite colour?
Because it instinctively gives me tranquility and energy, like the sea…
The book of life?
Without a doubt: "The late Mattia Pascal" by Luigi Pirandello. I find his narration of social conventions and the attempt to escape from them without succeeding because it is impossible to be incredibly topical.
What do you do when you're not a researcher?
I dedicate myself to my family. I have wonderful parents and taking care of them is part of my life. When I can, then, I travel.
What makes you feel good?
I will say something trivial but when the people around me are fine, there are no tensions, my day always has a positive value.
Your best luck?
Beyond the family, being surrounded by friends I can trust and feel protected by: close and true relationships.
Do you have a hobby?
Yes, traveling and collecting rocks and coins from my travels.
What is your possible mission?
Make an effective contribution to thermal and gas monitoring with the help of drones.
How did you get interested in flying drones?
It had happened to me several times to fly in a helicopter and have the desire to be able to look beyond the cockpit. Drones weren't widespread but I always thought how many more possibilities there are for scientific research with the close-up vision in flight that only drones can achieve.
Can't be missing in your suitcase?
The costume, strictly monochromatic, strictly in shades of blue
The trip you haven't taken yet and the one you think you'll never take?
I would like to go to South Africa, go on a safari (I dream about it as a child) or go to the Fiji Islands in French Polynesia.
But the journey that I will certainly never take is the one towards the South Pole
Do you have a place of the heart?
My favorite place is London, always kind to me because the many times I've been there it has always made me find the sun and never a drop of rain…. It makes me happy.
The thing you understood when you grew up
That you always need to empathize with other people's problems, have empathy because there is never a single explanation for events.
A quality you recognize in the male gender and one in the female gender
In men I recognize their "simplicity" of action. In women, on the other hand, I recognize their being "multitasking".
What do you keep from your childhood
Parties at home, on every occasion.
Last question: The song you would never stop listening to.
In this period "A mano a mano" by Rino Gaetano.