Spotlight on Federica Scotellaro

This week the spotlight is on Federica Scotellaro, Communications Officer at

unive.it/pag/13526/" target="_self">Ca' Foscari University of Venice and a visitor to UCL Communications and Marketing, as part of an Erasmus training programme.

What is your role and what does it involve?

I'm Communications Officer at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. I'm in charge of our web magazine, Cafoscarinews, and a weekly enewsletter that we send to a mailing list of about 35,000 people, both internal and external. 

I also create, with my colleagues, specific promotional materials, and I'm involved in press office activity: writing press releases, contacting journalists, organising press conferences and more.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I'm at UCL for Erasmus staff training, and it's been an amazing opportunity to share knowledge and thoughts with colleagues from another higher education institution. 

I have been working in the communications office of Ca' Foscari University since 2008. Previously, I worked in the research office and the press office of an international fashion competition based in Trieste.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

This year, I've been in charge of the first Kids University Venezia event. For one week, 900 primary and secondary school children and young teenagers attended courses at our new science campus. The aim of the initiative was to help young people understand the significance and importance of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to make them feel a part of it.

Alongside the initiative, we organised an art and literature competition focused on sustainability. The response was excellent - we received almost 500 entries from 60 schools.

Tell us about a project you are working on now that is top of your to-do list.

I am looking to find a sponsor for publishing a digital book that will contain the entries we received from the participants of our Kids University competition. The quality of the entries was excellent.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

Album: OK Computer by Radiohead. 

Novel: Anna Karenina. 

Films: Really hard to say... Recently I enjoyed La Pazza Gioia by Italian director Paolo Virzì.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

In the psychologist's room:

Patient: "Hello doctor, no one listens to me."
Doctor: "Next please!"

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Maybe Frida Kahlo - I'm sure I would have fun with her: she is a model of creativity, strength and passion.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Keep calm and carry on! Life is a journey.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

Maybe that for a while I was a Downton Abbey addict.

What is your favourite place?

I really like travelling, but my favourite place is probably home.