Visiting PhD student Luca Altavilla

Meet Luca Altavilla, he is a visiting PhD student from the University of Venice, Italy. Part of his research is in collaboration with the University of Iceland, Research Centre of the Westfjords to explore how sculpins (Cottoidae spp.) could be used as ecological indicators within fjord systems. Acoustic telemetry will be used to track the movement and behaviour of these fish.

In simpler terms for a younger audience, he would describe his work as: “I try to ‘build’ a nice sea and ask the fish if I am doing a good job because they live there and can tell me.”

The Back Story

As a child, he wanted to make documentaries and later got interested in studying animal behaviour. Since high school, he had always disliked Darwin’s evolutionary theories where he thought Lamarck’s theory was much more interesting. By learning about Lamarck’s theory, he then became interested in natural selection, animal behaviour, and sexual selection. To him, the most beautiful part about being a scientist is seeing that animals are often able to make decisions, think, and come up with much more intelligent solutions than he could do.

The Ups and Downs

Luca has been enjoying his time as a PhD, especially since he has the freedom to study what he likes. However, the part that he dislikes is the feeling of pressure to finish and the uncertainty of what he will do next. In his spare time and breaks from his work, he enjoys mountaineering, hiking, and camping in the mountains. In the future, he plans to write a European project with his colleagues so that they can continue working together.

Advice From Luca For Future Peers

“First of all, know that your thesis topic is not binding. There is always time to change! Then, remember that the research world is challenging and gives no security. But if you are truly passionate, there is no better job. The key to becoming a scientist is asking yourself many questions and being willing to find the answers. It takes passion, not just skill”.