BARBERINI VALENTINA

I have an honors degree in Geological Sciences (2000) and a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences (2004).

Since my undergraduate thesis, I've been passionate about laboratory work (which makes me a somewhat atypical geologist). In addition to various equipment for experimental rock deformation tests, during my studies and subsequent activities (post-doc), I've had the opportunity to learn and apply various analytical techniques (X-ray powder diffraction, SEM, EDS and WDS microprobe, X-ray fluorescence, neutron diffraction applied to texture/LPO studies). During my Ph.D. and post-doc activities, I worked abroad for a total period of one year (University of Manchester, UK; ETH Zurich, CH; ILL, Grenoble F).

Since October 1, 2007, I have been working as a laboratory technician at the Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences (formerly the Department of Geological Sciences and Geotechnologies). During this time, I have been involved in rock mechanics, soil characterization, and X-ray tomography. In addition to acquiring new technical skills, I have also been involved in laboratory management: from researching and purchasing laboratory materials and equipment to managing faults and maintenance.

Under the supervision of Prof. Igor Villa, I have been involved in setting up the laboratory housing the noble gas mass spectrometer and installing this instrument (which is partly a prototype, with all the associated challenges).

Since 2012, after a period of fine-tuning, I have been responsible for 40Ar/39Ar dating analyses and managing the mass spectrometer.

Since 2016, I have been managing the DISAT website, which I "built" in its Wordpress and then Drupal versions, together with colleagues from the Web Services Office (Information Systems).

Since 2018, as part of the Department of Excellence Project, I have been supporting the GEMMA Center (Geo-Environmental Measuring and Monitoring from multiple platforms) in equipment procurement and management.

Since 2020, I have been involved in the valorization project of university infrastructures, which started with the census and collection of data in IRIS with the aim of creating a website for businesses.

Since 2022, with the support of colleagues from the Web Services Office (Information Systems), I have set up the SharePoint intranet site for DISAT and the Science Services Center 1. For DISAT, I have also implemented the Booked Scheduler reservation system, which staff use for meeting rooms, classrooms, vehicles, and equipment.

Since 2023, together with Prof. Igor Villa and Prof. Andrea Rizzo, we have begun fine-tuning the mass spectrometer for measuring 3He and 4He isotopes, which will expand the laboratory's analytical capabilities.