RIccardo Meneghetti

I am Riccardo, I am 23 years old and I am attending the master's degree in Energy Engineering - Renewables and Environmental Sustainability at the Polytechnic University of Milan.

Since I was a child, I have always been interested in topics such as environmental sustainability, renewable energy, ecology, and material recycling: since I was ten years old, I have been going around the house like a police officer, scolding my family when they don't separate waste, don't turn off the lights, or waste water (and I still do it!). Probably they can't stand it anymore (although they have learned a little by now), but it is only with determination and small steps that change is implemented, isn't it?

I have always been good at school and I particularly liked writing; perhaps that's why my Italian teacher in middle school pushed me to enroll in a classical high school. I'm not saying I didn't like it, but after three years I was already tired of studying literature, philosophy, and art history, so I became more passionate about scientific subjects. In the end, I completed the classical studies, partly to not leave my friends, partly out of pride, but when it was time to choose a university, I had almost no doubts: I wanted to study engineering.

The fields of engineering are countless and all incredibly interesting, but energy was what truly managed to marry my interests and passions.
Of course, the beginning was a bit traumatic. The difficulties, the different rhythms, the workload and especially the comparison with my classmates coming from a scientific background who seemed to have an edge: it was all quite demotivating. But if you have the tenacity and determination to continue to strive, you can overcome everything.

Now here I am, after five years, already an engineer after the three-year degree and ready to become one again soon; about to start a thesis project on fuel cells and electrolyzers and, in the end, satisfied with that choice made years ago.

What motivates me every day is the belief that through my work as an energy engineer, I will be able to participate, in my own small way, in the change, contribute to designing and building solutions for a greener and more sustainable future.

My dream is to be able to travel as much as possible, discover new places and explore the most fascinating corners of our wonderful planet. The first of these trips will probably be a "mental-recovery" vacation, to recover from the stress and anxiety of these years of study, in a distant, solitary and quiet place!