Born in Caltanissetta, Italy, in 1994, my academic journey reflects my dedication to scientific exploration. I hold a Master’s Degree in Medical, Veterinary, and Forensic Biotechnological Sciences from the University of Perugia, earned with 110 cum Laude mark in 2017. My educational path also includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnology from the University of Urbino, completed in 2015, with a final mark of 101/110, igniting my passion for scientific inquiry. Currently, as a Doctoral Student in Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics at the University of Palermo, Italy, I have started working in collaboration with the group of experimental lung research headed by Doctor Chiara Cipollina in Ri.MED. Beyond my current role, I’ve undertaken doctoral studies in Science and Technology at the University of Tartu, Estonia, from 2019 to 2020, addressing the pressing challenge of combating persistent infections and antibiotic resistance. Responsibilities included optimizing infection models, characterizing bacterial aggregation phenotypes, and conducting meticulous tests of FDA-approved drugs against these resilient pathogens. My international experience includes a crucial internship at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research in the United Kingdom, where I delved into the biology of arboviruses affecting livestock. I also emphasize my commitment to addressing antibiotic resistance from a one-health perspective, as evident in an internship at the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Perugia, which aimed to bridge the gap between human and animal health in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. My diverse technical skills encompass proficiency in cell culture techniques, cell viability assays, caspase activity assays, immunofluorescence, and experience with various pathogens and cell lines, emphasizing adaptability in the laboratory setting. Fluent in both English and Italian, I am well-equipped for global communication and collaboration.

The project I am working at focuses on the intricate world of inflammasomes and their role in cigarette smoke-associated inflammation, with a strong emphasis on fibroblasts. My research involves investigating inflammasome activation in lung fibroblasts cell line, exploring inflammasome components, and rigorously validating findings in patients derived lung fibroblasts from non-smoker subjects. This research holds great promise for shedding light on the molecular intricacies underlying chronic lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).