ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
- 01/11/2023-ongoing. PhD in Veterinary Sciences, XXXIXth Cycle, at the Equine Clinical Service, Laboratory of Reproduction and Animal Biotechnology (SERE-LRBA) of the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences at Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna.
Project title: "The dog as a model to study mesenchymal stromal cell, extracellular vesicle and secretome therapy for pulmonary artery obstruction/hypoplasia in pediatric age."
Supervisor: Prof. Eleonora Iacono
Cosupervisors: Prof. Luciana Giardino, Prof. Barbara Merlo
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
- 15/03/2023. Master's degree in Animal Biotechnology (LM-9 Medical, Veterinary and Pharmacenutical Biotechnology) at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bologna.
Thesis title: "Ex vivo study of sub-ventricular zone neural stem cells during Neonatal Encephalopathy."
Evaluation 110/110 cum laude.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES
- 15/09/2025 – 15/03/2026. Visiting PhD Student. Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), University of Galway, Ireland.
- 01/05/23-31/10/23. Young researcher at IRET ETS Foundation, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO) Italy.
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
- 18/11/24-01/04/25. Teaching tutor (40h): laboratory teaching support activities, Degree Programme in Animal Biotechnology, Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Ozzano dell’Emilia (BO).
- 20/09/2024 – 30/04/2025. Theoretical and practical lessons on cell culture techniques for international exchange students (IVSA programme – students from Cornell University, Cyprus and South Africa).
- Academic Years 2023/2024 – 2024/2025. Undergraduate Thesis Co-supervisor. Support in supervising undergraduate students in the Animal Biotechnology degree programme, including experimental project development, laboratory activities, data analysis and thesis writing.
- 22/01/2025 – 20/03/2026. Tutor for High School Students (PCTO Programme).
- 01/02/22-31/03/22. IT Tutor (170h) at the Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Ozzano dell'Emilia (BO).
TECHNICAL SKILLS AND EXPERTISE
• Set-up of primary cell cultures (cultures of neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, fetal and adult neural stem cells) and manipulation of cell lines;
• Molecular biology techniques: Real-time PCR; nucleic acid extraction and quantification; electrophoresis;
• Imaging: optical, fluorescence, confocal and High Content Screening (HCS) microscopy;
• IT skills: experience with software for image analysis software (ImageJ; NisElements) and statistical data processing (GraphPad Prism), use of Microsoft Office suite.
CONGRESSES, CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
- 25-26/11/2022. "From basic research to the Center for Reproductive Medicine...and back". Bologna, Italy.
- 28/11/23. "Development of complex in vitro models to address new therapeutic approaches in the preclinical setting". Bologna, Italy.
- 04-05/02/25. "FISV for Young Researchers: Advanced Technologies in Single Cell Omics". Milan, Italy.
- 08-09/05/25. GISM Annual meeting 2025. Perugia, Italia.
Abstract & Poster: Equine Colostrum-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Potential Resource for Veterinary Regenerative Medicine. Capone, A., Merlo, B., Begni, F., & Iacono, E.
- 22–23/01/2026. ISGCT Annual Meeting 2026, Galway, Ireland.
Abstract & Poster: Oxygen-dependent immunomodulatory and regenerative properties of canine mesenchymal stromal cells: implications for pulmonary vascular repair. Capone, A., Arshaghi, T.E., Morrison A., Barry F., Iacono, E.
- 12–13/03/2026. 3rd International StemNet Meeting, Bologna, Italy.
Abstract & Poster: Hypoxia-driven functional modulation of canine umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stromal cells: implications for pulmonary vascular regeneration. Capone, A., Merlo B., Baldassarro V.A., Iacono E.
AWARDS
- 04/12/23. Graduation merit award to the graduates of the A.Y. 2021/2022. Aula Magna Santa Lucia, Bologna, Italy.
