- Dario Piselli, Coordinatore – Responsabile Biodiversità e Oceani
I was born in Grosseto, Italy on October 31st, 1990. In 2009 I graduated from my hometown’s Liceo Classico and then decided to 
become a law student at University of Siena. My areas of interest are international law, biodiversity, natural resources and endangered species. Though endorsing many praiseworthy associations and societies working towards the conservation of our planet and the solution of the climate crisis, I have decided not to get engaged in any of them yet, mainly following the example of activist Ric O’Barry, who has stated in multiple occasions that charity and non-profit has sometimes become a trick to raise remarkable sums trough massive advertising campaigns that don’t really address earth’s issues. I am a strong supporter of WikiLeaks and, in general, of net neutrality and freedom of information, which in my opinion constitute the first and foremost principles to defend in order to reach a genuine democracy (or, at least, one not dominated by a centrally-imposed ideology), capturing people’s attention and interest over specific problems and leading to the creation of a public opinion movement who will hopefully deliver a change in politics all over the world. Being a strenuous vegetarian, my involvement in environmental campaigns also pursues the goal of a consciousness awakening about the food that we eat, and the necessity of quitting over-consumption (if not consumption at all) of meat and fish, as well as the exploitation of animals for our taste’s sake. Moreover, I have always been advocating a steady turn in international policies aimed at creating this deregulated, globalized marketplace which increases poverty, perpetuates unsustainable practices, facilitates big corporations’ profits, puts our health and safety at risk and definitely favors the success of fascistic ideals throughout the planet. Needless to say, I am not a black bloc, but I do believe that only another type of society, more man- and nature-bounded, could achieve success over the challenges that we face.
In my life I am also a spare time poet, a writer, and a self-proclaimed disciple of American philosopher Henry David Thoreau. My hobbies include music, cinema, arts and sports. That said, I am a bit of a primitivist.
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- Rino Bisconti, Co-coordinatore – Responsabile Agricoltura e Sviluppo
I was born in Grosseto on April 2, 1989. In 2008 I graduated in agriculture from the Istituto Tecnico Agrario Statale in Grosseto; in the same year, I began my law studies at University of Siena. My dedication to ecosystems and the environment grows out of direct contact with nature and the curious observation of its harmony and, over the years, I have tried to cultivate this interest from different points of view: firstly as an agriculturalist, then as a law student, and now with Greening USiena’s experience. The idea of a student environmental network sounded immediately convincing to me, as what we tried to realize was a spontaneous link between positive thinkers who see the environment as a primary good, one to protect and conserve. In my opinion, a better future lies in a healthier biosphere, as well as in the humble comprehension that we, as a human species and as individuals, are an indivisible part of a complex system which connects us to the rest of nature.
Other interests: sports, arts, music, philosophy, literature.
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- Maria Chiara Basile, Responsabile Risorse Naturali
I hold a degree in Philosophy, which I obtained at University of Siena, and collaborate with the editorial staff of a publishing house; in addition, I have gained some experience in the communication and publishing sectors. A vegetarian (as difficult as it might seem, in the Tuscan countryside) and a nature’s lover throughout my life, I believe that a project like Greening USiena could be a great occasion to increase students’ consciousness about fundamental (yet neglected) issues like environmental conservation and the exploitation of natural resources. In a period in which words like “green” and “eco” are too often used in a wrong way, it is necessary to develop a communication that be both effective and pertinent on those very same issues, and I think the interdisciplinary approach that arises from our different backgrounds can represent a key strength of this initiative.
In my spare time I love to read and go hiking on mountain trails along with my dog Birba.
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- Dario Bettaccini, Co-Responsabile Energia
When you grow up in Tuscany, you learn since your childhood to love and respect your region, your people and your home. That’s my debt towards my parents and my best friend. The first ones transmitted me their love and interest in nature, the last one his passion for the world. That’s why I began to care about green energy, because I love the world, because we are the present and the immediate future, that’s our time. With a true love for the game of chess and basketball, I was born in Pistoia, a small city next to Florence, and after my degree in my hometown Lyceum and many travels I decided to begin my studies in Economics in Siena, so far one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
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- Nour Hemida, Responsabile Economia Ambientale
Born in the heart of Italy (Florence) in 1991, half Italian half egyptian. I grew up in loving family passionate about sports cars, football, horses, dogs and traveling. To my late grandfather I owe the person I am today: a third year finance student whose interests do not include trading stocks day and night. I want everything I do (at least I try) to be useful and good for others:. that’s why I’m writing right here, right now. I am not obsessed by being eco-friendly even when I’m sleeping, I am not an activist: as economic theories suggest in fact the no pollution is not efficient unless we give up our primary needs, but considering the present situation there’s huge room for improvement. I had the awesome chance to study at LSE during summer 2012 and the enviromental economics course was mind-blowing. Although I may seem a boring person, I make jokes 24/7 (do not sit next to me in class if you want to take notes seriously!). First thing I do in the morning is eating a huge bowl of cereals and watching cartoons, since 1991. I speak English, French, Italian and a bit of Arabic. My favorite movies are Jurassic Park and Independence Day: I think this tells enough about me. Talking about books if I like one I don’t sleep ’til it’s over. I cried when I read The Audacity of Hope, Steve Jobs bio and the last line of Harry Potter: yes I’m an adult.
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- Federica Zambuto, Responsabile Alimentazione
Being born in Agrigento (Sicily), surrounded by prickly pears’ pads, windmill blades, orange blossoms and almond trees, and having not a blue blood but a green one running through my veins, I have always been highly sensitive about everything that is leafy, winged, rich in petals or biologically edible. My law studies, which I chose to conduct in Siena also because of the extracurricular, social and educational opportunities that can be lived here, are helping me to be even more environmentally-conscious as time passes. In a period in which environmental issues often tend to be overlooked, a network like Greening USiena is fundamental, as it needs to act as a tool to spread awareness about the state of our planet.
Life philosophy: “eating is a necessity, eating well is an art”.
