GoNEXUS Researcher: Introducing Daniele Peano
Every few months GoNEXUS puts the spotlight on our young researchers. These are researchers who have recently graduated with their PhD or who are currently studying and who contribute actively to the research of the GoNEXUS project.
Introducing Daniele Peano, a Junior Scientist fellow in the Climate Simulation and Prediction division of the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation (CMCC). Daniele is Italian and is based in Bologna, Italy. He studied at the University of Torino and did his PhD in the ‘Science and Management of Climate Change’ at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.
What are you working on in GoNEXUS? Is it the first project you’ve worked on?
As part of GoNEXUS, I’m working on selecting and tailoring the climate scenarios required to force the toolbox at different scales, from global to local. I have previously worked on the European projects CRESCENDO and PRIMAVERA focused on developing the CMCC Earth system model. I have also been involved in COACCH, which aimed to advance knowledge regarding climate change impacts and policies that can be used directly by stakeholder communities.
What is the most interesting thing you learned so far working on GoNEXUS?
This is my first time working on the Water Energy Food Ecosystems nexus. I am finding that it is indeed an engaging topic and I am learning new innovative ways to use climate data produced by our Earth system model. The aim of my work is to develop the land surface component of our Earth system model.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself continuing to work on land surface modelling and struggling with new aspects to improve and new ways to employ the model results.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I was born in a small town close to the Alps which meant I was in close contact with the surrounding mountains, glaciers, vegetation, and nature. I always wanted to learn more about nature and am happy with my current job as it allows me to do this.
Who is your science idol? Someone you wish you could have a conversation with (from the past or contemporary).
I would say my science idol is Giuseppe Peano. As you can imagine, this choice stems from my having the same family name. In addition, he was a famous Italian mathematician who worked on developing symbolic logic and differential calculus.
Which GoNEXUS research outcome/Work Package/expert (other than your own) are you most excited to learn about or collaborate with?
I look forward to collaborating with the global and local toolbox modellers to understand how climate data can be used to achieve information on the WEFE nexus.
Have you read any interesting books/articles recently that really made you think?
I’m working now on plant phenology, the annually recurring sequence of plant developmental stages. For this reason, I read the paper “Plant phenology and global climate change: Current progresses and challenges” from Shilong Piao and colleagues. This paper provided me with with state-of-the-art on Phenology studies and gave many references to expand my knowledge on this topic which is an integral part of my research.
If GoNEXUS held a party, which song would you request from the DJ?
I would request “The river” from Bruce Springsteen.
