Potenza People: Meet Sergio Castro

I moved from Colombia in 2023, where I worked as a Professor in the Electronics faculties at various universities. Additionally, at the National Training Service of Colombia, I developed hardware for various knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) projects with private companies and the Colombian government.

I have mainly worked as a researcher and university professor. After earning my Bachelor’s in Mechatronics, I pursued a Master’s in Materials Science at Universidad Nacional de Colombia. This allowed me to start my teaching career, where I enjoyed transferring my knowledge and experience to young people. Teaching electronics was challenging, as I had to continuously learn to answer my students’ queries. I also learned about electrification, EVs, and renewable energies, which shifted my career focus in that direction.

Fortunately, I earned a scholarship to study a PhD anywhere I wanted, so I moved to Rome (one of my favourite cities, especially because of the movie Gladiator) and enrolled in the PhD program in Electronic Engineering at the University of Rome – Tor Vergata. My PhD focused on new-generation photovoltaics, allowing me to delve into nanoelectronics physics and publish several scientific papers. I thoroughly enjoyed that period, and my hard work paid off as some of my papers contributed to the state of the art in photovoltaics. Even though I left that field four years ago, I still reap the benefits of that work.

After my PhD, I received an offer to move to Brazil to develop a new generation of photovoltaics. My job in Brazil was exciting, as I had to research advanced topics in photovoltaics and then apply them at the industry level. Now, at Potenza, I try to use this knowledge in the projects I am involved in. I believe engineering is transversal, and anything you learn can be applied to other topics to enhance what you do. As my father always said, ‘Do anything you want to do, but always do your best.’ This principle has guided me throughout my life, making me a hardworking and committed person. Even though I sometimes procrastinate a little, I always give my 100%.

The best part of my job is working with highly competent people from different countries and cultures.

My greatest motivation is to create solutions that improve people’s lives. I firmly believe that the products we design at Potenza will enhance urban mobility systems. With IVECO EVs like the eDaily, we will significantly contribute to reducing CO2 emissions in the market.

Now for the fun bit, getting to know Sergio outside of the working environment:

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a scientist like Nikola Tesla. This passion sometimes got me into trouble, especially when I played with wall sockets and accidentally caused short circuits at home. I also loved dismantling my toys and reassembling them, often ending up with more pieces than I started with!

What was your favourite subject at school?

Maths. I love the logic and simplicity of numbers, but what I love most is having the best teacher at home—my dad.

What would be your spirit animal?

Maybe a dragon

What kind of music do you like?

A Colombian music style called Vallenato, where the lyrics tell love stories and the main instruments are the guitar and the accordion

What is your favourite food?

Colombian food, of course! Especially when it is made by my mom. For example, the rice with chicken, which consists of long grain rice mixed with chicken breast slices, green beans, tomato sauce, bacon, carrot, and sausage.t

Whats your favourite time of year and why?

Summer, but a proper summer, not an English summer. I’m a tropical-born person, so I need my vitamin D.

Where has been your favourite place to travel?

I have been so lucky to have had the opportunity to travel many times and visit many places: the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, and the USA. However, I still have a dream to visit Japan.

Are you a lark (morning person) or owl (night person)?

Owl!! For me is too hard to wake up early!

Share what you like to do outside of work/ in your spare time

Spending time with my favourite person, who is my wife. We love to visit different restaurants, and when we are at home, we enjoy playing video games.

Tell us something that your colleagues may not know about you, a hidden talent or skill

I enjoy playing chess; I’ve played it since I was a child. I also love Judo, where I’m a yellow belt (amateur). Although I love music, I’m terrible at playing instruments!