"Haruki Murakami, acclaimed author, and sea enthusiast embraces a blend of introversion and extroversion."
In Cristina Prandi's office, the afternoon air is thick as techies struggle to fix a tiny AC unit. "I just turned it on; my eco-conscious colleague's not here yet... But it can get toasty sometimes..." It's crazy to think she Scored her dream corner a year and a half ago. Space is golden in Chemistry, and she didn't want to hog it all. "It felt unfair." Currently, they're a duo in the digs. Call it solidarity—you need folks to get anywhere, even in the lab. "Let me tell ya, it's all about the team."
A Regular Jane from Bellinzago Novarese
Her office shelf's a trove of gizmos from everywhere, confab swag, and ever-ready Bordeaux nail polish. Then there's that holdover from the first election—a bottle untouched. Just like other times, Prandi dealt with her pre-election jitters in seclusion: her hubby, her pro-rectractor Gianluca Cuniberti, and the Pixies' “Where Is My Mind?” as the soundtrack. Hard to believe she'd once never fathomed becoming a rector. Truth is, she didn't grow up breathless for science. That "ordinary" girl from Bellinzago Novarese, born '65, eldest of three siblings, child of a worker and a homemaker, had one true passion: learning.
Not Just Books and Exams
"Self- professed nerd, still am" she quips, and it shows. But it's not all about academics. She digs rhythmic gymnastics, music, socializing, and a good swim. Discovered science in Turin, first at the scientific high school Volta, then at the university. She opted for Biology, but it was Organic Chemistry's first test that won her heart: the perfect blend of precision and artistry. Now, young Prandi felt seen, whole, and privileged. "Echoes of my researcher days."
The 'What If'
Rolled up her sleeves post-PhD and dove into research for a decade. Her one regret from that stint? She wishes she'd had the nerve to jet off to the U.S for a few months to work alongside her professor. "No excuses, I should've been more proactive. Maybe that's why I've been hollering for international projects ever since."
Career Climbing and Family Life
Only in 2006 did she make it to associate professor. Ten more years before she'd ascend to full professor. "An unrushed career journey, step by step, no shortcuts, matter to me." Tied the knot—met her academic spouse on a train to University of Eastern Piedmont in Alessandria—and birthed two girls along the way. Balancing all was a struggle, but she battled on. "Got myself labeled a workhorse, always aiming to disspell that stereotype."
Meanwhile, she's sprinting forward while losing herself in Haruki Murakami's "The Art of Running." She's a sponge for new experiences. That constant connection with young minds gives her a fresh perspective. She's discovered eco-anxiety, discussed it at home, even with her girls. She's detached from social media but immersed in indie tunes. Her midnight serenade the night of the election? Fulminacci. The day after, the last track on Spotify was by the rapper and singer-songwriter Bresh. "I also jam out to Calcutta and Willie Peyote. I may be a bit embarrassed to admit it, but ever since someone said I'm lacking refinement, I've been self-conscious. But I love their beats, can't help it—that's me."
The Father's Legacy
At 59, she cares little for criticism. Particularly during the election campaign, comments flew round like bullets. "Time's a great teacher, teaching me to shrug off opinions: I am who I am." Her Papa, though, still gifted her a snazzy bicycle just before the race—her old ride was beat up and unfit for the campaign. A car was never an option. It's a family thing. "Dad's still pedaling at 90. I grew up to appreciate sustainability." The forest hikes around her Liguria pad, DIY Fimo projects, painting; because "creation's fulfilling."
And then, heading home each evening, getting lost in "normal things" like seeing friends, spending time with family, going to the flicks, getting a pizza, and unwinding with a cold one. That juxtaposition of work and personal life that Prandi calls "intimacy" is what she aims to restore university-wide throughout her six-year term. Stemming from her vision of empathy and respect for others, it aligns with her core belief that "humanity's beautiful and precious." Other favorite activities? Beaming at fellow travelers in airports, wondering what their tales are.
- Although her office is filled with the necessities of a high-powered career in Chemistry, Cristina Prandi also enjoys a well-rounded average lifestyle, immersing herself in activities like rhythmic gymnastics, music, socializing, and swimming.
- In her personal growth journey, Prandi attributes her success to a strong focus on education and self-development, having discovered her passion for Organic Chemistry while studying at the university in Turin.
- One area of personal growth that Prandi is actively pursuing is career development, having regretted not taking the opportunity to work alongside her professor in the US during her research years and now advocating for international projects.
