I graduated with top honors in Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine from the University of Palermo in 2019. After my Master’s degree, I won a postgraduate research fellowship at the Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), where I studied hypoxia-induced non-coding RNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Driven by strong personal motivation and a desire to contribute to translational research, I was admitted to the PhD program in Experimental Oncology and Surgery (XXXVI Cycle), developing a project focused on the role of ncRNAs, particularly the long non-coding RNA H19 and its intragenic microRNAs, in CRC progression and chemoresistance.

In 2024, I obtained my PhD and license to practice as a Biologist (Class A) with the top honors.

Following, I was granted a postdoctoral research fellowship funded by the AIRC (Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro) as Principal Investigator, studying novel epigenetic drugs to overcome 5-Fluorouracil resistance in CRC.

During these years, I have actively participated in teaching laboratory activities and attended national and international conferences, receiving awards for best posters and oral presentations, which further strengthened my passion and dedication to research. Motivated by a desire to deepen and consolidate my scientific background, I also gained the qualification of Subject Expert at the University of Palermo.

Currently, I work as a Scientist in Cell Biology and Biochemistry at the Unit for Identification, Screening, and Modulation of Therapeutic Targets at the Ri.MED Foundation, under the supervision of Group Leader Dr. Chiara Cipollina.

From my Master’s studies through to my recent postdoctoral experience, my research has focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC tumour progression and chemoresistance, allowing me to develop both theoretical and practical skills aimed at designing personalised therapeutic strategies for solid tumours.

My scientific experience combines expertise in cellular, molecular, and biochemical biology applied to cancer research, with a particular interest in drug resistance mechanisms.

Currently, at the Ri.MED Foundation, under the supervision of Dr. Cipollina and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, I contribute to the NABUCCO project. The project focuses on developing innovative therapeutic approaches and employing advanced high-content imaging technologies to identify novel pharmacological targets in oncology. Within the screening platform, I am specifically involved in designing and conducting primary and secondary cellular and biochemical assays for small-molecule screening and mechanistic studies, utilising automated liquid-handling systems, high-content imaging, cell lines, and primary cultures.

I am also the author of several publications in international journals, a member of the Young Board of the Italian Society of Experimental Biology (SIBS) and the Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB), and I assist as a peer reviewer and associate editor for multiple scientific journals. Finally, I am actively engaged in science communication and volunteer activities with AIRC, promoting research and cancer prevention.