Cristina Chiappini is a research scientist at the Osservatorio Astronomico di Trieste. Aside from her theoretical work on the Milky Way’s formation, she also observes planetary nebulae to trace their contribution to the Galaxy’s chemical evolution. When she’s not doing research, she enjoys dancing and traveling, especially between Italy, Brazil and the United States. Chiappini’s address: Via G.B. Tiepolo 11, Trieste - TS, 34131, Italy. Internet: chiappini@ts.astro.it