Quick links

A Moka with Andrea Poillucci

Near Bologna, Italy, Andrea Poillucci starts his day with a ritual that’s as bold as his personality: a full moka pot of strong Italian coffee. “I need strong coffee to move,” he laughs. “I used to live far from work, so I had to wake up early. Now I’m closer, but the moka remains.”

Though naturally a night owl, Andrea has adapted to early mornings for work, usually waking around 6 or 6:30 a.m. His workday varies depending on whether he’s working from home or commuting to the office. “If I’m home, I just climb the stairs to my small studio. If I go to the company, I take care of my cat Giacomo first, then drive in.”

Andrea’s role as a Stability Center Coordinator within R&D is dynamic. Some days are filled with meetings, especially when collaborating with international colleagues on product changes or shelf-life discussions. Other days are quiet and focused, dedicated to documentation and data analysis. “There’s no routine,” he says. “It depends on the period. Sometimes I only talk to one single colleague all day!”

His journey to Fresenius Kabi began through a postgraduate scholarship program at Bologna University, where he specialized in polymeric materials for medical devices. During his internship, he met the R&D lead in Mirandola and quickly connected with the team. Andrea was drawn to the biomedical field not only by professional interest but also by personal experience – he understood firsthand the importance of the products being developed. The welcoming atmosphere and meaningful work made joining the company a natural next step.

Andrea, Stability Center Coordinator at Fresenius Kabi Italia, holding a large moka cup, smiling at the camera.

Andrea’s home life – and office – includes Giacomo, a big orange cat named after his father. “He’s completely crazy,” Andrea says jokingly. “Once he started licking the camera while we were working.”

When the workday ends, Andrea dives into his passions. He plays guitar and bass, often experimenting with recording in his home studio. “I like grunge and alternative rock,” he shares. Bologna’s underground music scene was a big reason he settled there.

But music isn’t his only creative outlet. Andrea also studies Japanese, describing his level as “elementary school kid.” He began learning with a teacher who became a close friend – a woman from Japan who moved to Bologna over 30 years ago. “We started with lessons and along the way we became friends,” he says warmly.

Andrea wears a beanie and plays guitar in red room lighting.

Want to know more about Andrea?

We asked him a couple of questions:

What did you study, and how did that lead to your current role?

I did a postgraduate master’s in polymeric materials for medical devices at Bologna University. Through that program, I got the chance to do an internship where I met the R&D lead at Fresenius Kabi in Mirandola. That’s how I got to know the company.

What do you enjoy most about working at Fresenius Kabi?

For family reasons, I understand what it means to use our products. I’ve always wanted to work in the biomedical and pharmaceutical field, so I was genuinely happy to join the company for these reasons. But in the end, I really enjoy the people here – the culture and the climate within the company. It’s very different from other places I’ve worked.

How do you start your day?

I’m a night owl. But for work, I had to switch. It’s not easy, but when I can, I prefer being a night person. That’s why I need my moka in the mornings.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I play guitar and bass. I also have a small studio in my house to record some music. I really like grunge and alternative rock, especially U.S. music. I also enjoy Italian music, but more underground. That’s one reason I settled in Bologna – it’s famous for its music scene.

Do you also produce your own music and what inspires you?

Yes, I have some stuff. But just for experimenting really. I have some inspirations: Kurt Cobain, J Mascis, Buzz Osborne … Those kinds of artists.

What is life like with an orange cat?

He’s completely crazy! Once he started licking the camera while we were working. It’s hilarious. But if I want to calm him down, I turn on the amplifier, and he immediately sits and relaxes. 

Andrea’s orange cat Giacomo sits on his desk near the keyboard and monitors.