Name: Davide Coco
Age: 34
My Newton Room: Newton Rome
Location: Rome, Fiumicino Airport
You have been a part of Newton since: 2024
Professional Background:
I’m a Space Engineer and Science Communicator. After graduating in 2021, I worked for three years on nanosatellite projects, even sending one into space in 2022. At the same time, I never left my parallel path in science communication, which I began back in 2015. Today, I’m a full-time science communicator, involved in various projects—including Newton Rome, which I’ve followed since its very beginning in Italy.
Life Outside of Work:
I’m a big nerd at heart—I love everything about that world! Video games have been the backbone of my hobbies since I was eight years old. I’m also into role-playing games (mainly D&D), LEGO, comics, and DIY projects. I live with my wonderful girlfriend Giorgia, and we have two cats: Peggy and Pongo.
Davide Coco in action at Newton Rome, guiding students through hands-on STEM activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence. Photo: Newton Rome
What sparked your interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) in the first place?
“As a kid, I always felt at ease with STEM subjects, especially maths. It just came naturally to me, maybe thanks to my primary school teachers, who knew how to make it fun and engaging. I’ve always had this curiosity about how things work and why. My educational path, from a high school focused on aeronautics to a university degree in space engineering, kept fuelling that desire to understand how the world functions.”
What do you love most about working in a Newton Room?
“I love seeing students completely focused on solving maths problems without even realising they’re studying maths! Making mistakes in a non-school setting helps them learn faster and with less pressure. We often notice that students who say they struggle in class actually thrive in the Newton Room. It’s beautiful to see this almost natural shift in attitude.”
What’s your favourite topic or module to teach, and why?
“Right now, we only run “Up in the Air with Numbers,” but I really enjoy the discussion that happens after the first activity on distance, time, and speed. That’s when students start sharing their reasoning, and it becomes a great moment of exchange and reflection.”
"I love seeing students completely focused on solving maths problems without even realising they’re studying maths," says Davide. Photo: Newton Rome
What do you hope students and teachers take away from their visit to your Newton Room?
“For teachers, I hope they leave with the awareness that teaching isn’t just about giving grades, it’s also about allowing mistakes, because that’s how true learning happens.
For students, I hope that something from what we explore together, through play, curiosity, and an environment that doesn’t judge, stays with them and helps them in their future paths.”
Can you share a fun or inspiring story from your Newton Room?
“Definitely the moments with students who have learning or physical disabilities. It’s amazing to see how determined they are to complete the tasks. One story that really touched me was about a girl with severe motor disabilities, who completed her flight simulation route like a true pilot. Seeing her joy at the end was unforgettable."
How can we best inspire children and young people to pursue STEM education and careers?
“By showing them that you don’t need to be 'naturally gifted' in a subject to love it. Passion comes first. Some students will be more interested, others less, and that’s perfectly fine, but that doesn’t mean STEM careers are out of reach. The spark of curiosity can appear at any moment, and it’s our job to help light it whenever we can.”
If you could meet one famous scientist, past or present, who would it be and why?
“Carl Sagan. He was an inspiration to science communicators and to an entire generation fascinated by space exploration. His way of speaking about the cosmos still defines how many of us imagine it today.”
What are three things on your bucket list? (private or professional)
In no particular order:
– Travel to Japan
– Meet the astronaut who will set foot on Mars
– Visit every country in Europe
Newton Rome
Newton Rome opened on 28 May 2024 and is based in Terminal 1 of Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino. This is the first permanent classroom of its kind in Italy, a result of the collaboration between Aeroporti di Roma, Boeing and FIRST Scandinavia.
The Newton Room is open throughout the school year for students aged 13 to 16 from middle and high schools in the region. Here, they can explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects related to the world of air transport through the educational module “Up in the Air with Numbers.”
Photo: Newton Rome
