There are many people to whom I owe a lot: first my parents (all four of them), siblings, spouse, and children. And of course let’s not forget the sheer luck of growing up without hunger or war, and with privileges such as going to school and traveling. But here I want to acknowledge a few special individuals who nudged me in critical ways at key moments of my life, and whom I have neglected to thank for too long:

• Lea Marchi, my 2nd-grade teacher, turned me on to how amazing and fun science is.
• Andrea Frova, my 1st-year intro physics professor, pointed me toward exciting research.
• Domenico Parisi, my undergraduate thesis advisor, was an incredible mentor and friend who made me a scientist.
• Rik Belew, my PhD advisor, taught me much, including a focus on what matters.

To you and many other teachers, friends, colleagues, mentors and dear ones: thank you!