9/6/2016
Written by
The AVS Membership Committee is recognizing Mauro Sardela, Jr., Frederick Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, for Excellence in Leadership. The AVS seeks to recognize individuals who not only excel in science and/or engineering, but who also, through mentoring, have enhanced the careers of future generations who might not otherwise have considered or had access to opportunities in science, engineering, and technology. Their leadership in the effort to develop fully the world's human resources is critical to the best scientific and engineering progress. Recipients of this honor will have their profile displayed on the AVS Website, featured in the Beneath the AVS Surface newslwetter and will receive a certificate of recognition.
Q: Describe a typical day in your life.
A: As a director of a large research facility, every day is bit different but the common tasks would be meeting scientists to discuss on going and upcoming research projects, meeting the staff to discuss current instrumentation issues or staff needs, searching the scientific literature for news and breakthroughs relevant to my area, looking at the lab budget, planning new outreach activities, etc.
Q: What are your leisurely interests and activities?
A: I am involved in soccer activities in the community and on a private life I enjoy movies, working outdoors, home improvement, etc.
Q: Choose one word you feel explains you best.
A: Persistence.
Q: What do you feel you are best known for?
A: That is difficult to answer in an objective manner. I think most people I interact with indicate they like my direct approach to solving issues and the good quality of my work.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: Trying to make a positive impact in several people's professional lives.
Q: Is there a quote you live by or that inspires you, if so what is it?
A: "True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure" (Robert McKee)
Q: How did you become affiliated with AVS?
A: I became a member as soon as moved to the US in 1994 since several colleagues were members.
Q: Have you always wanted to be a member? What motivated you to join?
A: I was motivated by the wide reach of the organization and the way it facilitated interactions between members.
Q: What has been your paramount experience with AVS?
A: The best thing about being a member of the AVS is the truly wide, international professional and personal scope of interactions with other people.
Q: What is the next big step in your career you plan on tackling?
A: I don't actually have a detailed master plan but the correct approach is to try to do my best right now so that bigger, better things will come naturally.
Q: If you could leave one piece of advice for our future generations, whether it is science related or not, what would it be?
A: Try to choose a career that will be bring you new ideas and activities throughout your day. Avoid being bored.