Great lessons from the back of the envelope

I have had the rare opportunity of learning electronics from some of the world's best scientists in the field. For sure, Prof. Rinaldo Castello has a special place among them. Back in 2001, I had just become a PhD student. I arrived in Pavia in April that year, visiting the Microelectronics Laboratory led by Prof. Castello where I remained until the end of 2001. It was an intense period of time during which I learned far more than I was able to understand at the moment. I was surrounded by nice people, bright minds, and participated in many exciting discussions. Besides Rinaldo, I had the chance of meeting other great people, Prof. Francesco Svelto and Prof. Andrea Baschirotto, just to name a few, as well as many fellow-students at the time who are now well established professionals both in academia and industry worldwide and, most importantly, still dear friends. In addition, I recall with pleasure all the smart and friendly people working at the ?Studio di Microelettronica?. The atmosphere was very stimulating and friendly, as Rinaldo wanted it to be.