Silvia Pomes
NIMS Postdoctoral Researcher, Mechanical Properties Group, Materials Evaluation Field, Research Center for Structural Materials
Motto
Thoughts become things, choose the good ones
Hobbies
Try new restaurants, travel, make Italian desserts, jogging
Places I have been in Japan
Initially, I visited renowned places like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more. Later, I ventured off the beaten path to discover equally unique destinations. I explored small towns in Ibaraki prefecture, Ishigaki island in Okinawa, camped at Tanuki lake with a view of Mt. Fuji, and explored Takamatsu, Naoshima, traditional neighborhoods in Toyama and Kanazawa, and enjoyed a sunset at Enoshima island. Many prefectures remain on my list! Cycling Shimanami Kaido could be my next adventure.
C.V. (As of September 2024）
2008.09-2013.06
High School - Liceo Scientifico Statale "G. Battaglini" Taranto - ITALY
2013.10-2016.10
Bachelor Degree Mechanical Engineering - Politecnico di Torino - ITALY
2015.08-2015.12
Exchange student - University of Teneessee, Knoxville - USA
2016.10-2019.10
Master Degree Mechanical Engineering - Politecnico di Torino - ITALY
2018.08-2 weeks
Workshop - "Project and People Management School", Comau (Shanghai) Engineering Co. Ltd. - CHINA
2019.03-2019.06
Internship student - High Strenght Materials Group, RCSM, NIMS - JAPAN 
2019.10-2020.10
Research scholarship holder - National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology @Politecnico di Torino, Department of Applied Science and Technology - ITALY
2021.04-ongoing
PhD student - Kyushu University - JAPAN 
2022.04-ongoing
Junior researcher - Mechanical Properties Group, RCSM, NIMS - JAPAN 
Q＆A
Q：How did you get involved in materials research?
A：As a university student, I struggled the most with materials science. Also, as my university studies were predominantly theoretical with traditional classroom lectures, pursuing a career in research was not on my radar at the time. During my final year of master's degree, I sought internship opportunities abroad and I stumbled upon a materials science project in Japan. Intrigued by the project's details, I found myself captivated by the subject and its potential. I decided to take a chance and joined NIMS as an intern for three months. These months transformed my life and ignited my passion for research.
Q：What is the attraction of NIMS?
A：NIMS offers a unique environment for professional and personal development. As international students, adapting to Japanese culture can be challenging and NIMS provides robust support in daily life and research. NIMS offers valuable career paths such as internships, graduate programs, and ICYS, tailoring experiences with cutting-edge technology and a network of skilled professors and researchers, fostering learning and collaboration to advance science.
Q：What is your research topic and what attracts you to it?
A：I am presently investigating bulk metallic glasses. These distinct metallic materials feature an amorphous microstructure and are susceptible to sudden, catastrophic failure attributed to the emergence and spread of shear bands within their disordered matrix. The central challenge in this field revolves around comprehending this disorder and harnessing it to facilitate the application of metallic glasses in structural contexts. Our research employs nanomechanical characterization techniques like nanoindentation, coupled with statistical and numerical methodologies, to tackle these challenges. From a broader perspective, my interest extends to comprehending the elemental atomic motion during deformation and the governing dynamics.
Q：How is it living in Tsukuba?
A：Tsukuba is a rapidly growing, international city. Initially, it felt unusual not to have a centralized city center, a main square, or a bustling shopping street with people casually strolling, window-shopping, or savoring street food. Over time, I realized that these activities thrive in shopping malls, of which Tsukuba boasts two major ones accessible by bike, bus, or car. In my experience, living in Tsukuba is highly enjoyable, especially if you have access to a car. Given the city's expansive layout due to its rapid growth, a car ensures convenient and swift access to all amenities, including the delightful onsen. It is a true gem for me!