St Cross MPhil Scholarship in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Joining us from: Italy
MPhil Environmental Change and Management (2022)
Mattia studied PPE at Goldsmiths, University of London. He founded the multi-awarded start-up PROSPERAH that helps small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) and not-for-profit organisations transitioning towards sustainability. He is also part of the advocacy committee at Mentoring Europe to make mentoring a policy tool to reduce socio-economic inequalities and marginalisation in Europe. His current key professional area include working with communities and stakeholder engagement for community-based projects and systems of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).
Mattia aims to broaden the analysis of mainstream conservation initiatives from a socio-ecological perspective by looking at the feasibility of a more ecologically-informed and socio-economic just climate governance. He has always been passionate about social justice and great care for the environment with a particular focus on the Political Economy of the Environment as key exploration area in his undergrad experience. In his MPhil studies, he’s been looking at the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in stimulating community-led conservation practices. His MPhil research area focuses on community-grounded aesthetic sensibilities of nature recovery in accessible urban green spaces aiming at creating spaces for local ownership of common green spaces by directly enquiring residents, and supporting a planning of accessible green spaces in Oxford which is more equitable and responsive to the needs and values of communities inhabiting those spaces.
His interests include yoga as a body and mindfulness activity, and the philosophy of life. Receiving this scholarship has contributed in mitigating the financial impact of the degree itself and supported Mattia's stress management when thinking of personal sustainability outside tuition fees during the course.