WORK EXPERIENCE AND INTERNSHIPS
- From 03/11/2025 Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine laboratory (Via San Donato 19/2, Department of Pharmacy e Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna)
Development of lipid nanoparticles for the eradication of bacterial biofilms. The lipid nanoparticles, obtained using microfluidics, are loaded with antibacterial agents, such as conventional antibiotics or DNA analogues with antigenic activity, and are surface-functionalized to promote their accumulation in vivo at the site of infection.
- 01/02/2024 - 02/11/2025 Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Drug Delivery Research Laboratory (Via San Donato 19/2, Department of Pharmacy e Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna)
Preparation of natural extracts from liquorice roots and spanish broom flowers using eco-sustainable techniques; chemical characterisation of the extracts and their encapsulation in nanovesicular systems for treating superficial wound healing.
Development of polymeric films based on natural polysaccharides for the delivery of postbiotics with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity to treat acute and chronic wounds.
- From 08/01/2021 Academic Tutor (282 h) at the Department of Pharmacy e Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna
Support to laboratory teaching activities in the context of various study courses: "Phytocosmetic Products" and "Technology and Legislation of Herbal Products" for the Bachelor's Degree in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences; "Pharmaceutical Technology and Galenic Preparations" for the Single-cycle Degree in Pharmacy; “Modified Release Drug Delivery Systems” for the Single-cycle Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology; “Nanoformulation of Biologicals” for the Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
- 21/05/2024 – 30/05/2024 Tutor for the Pharmacy and Biotechnology Department at the Department of Pharmacy e Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna
Support the members of the Third Mission commetee to plan and realize the seminar series titled “Science Explained to Youth.”
- 01/11/2020 – 31/01/2024 Ph.D. Candidate at the Drug Delivery Research Laboratory (Via San Donato 19/2, Department of Pharmacy e Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna)
The research activity focused on the development of innovative strategies to enhance the penetration and permeation through the nasal mucosa of local and/or systemically-acting drugs. Part of the study also investigated the potential involvement of probiotics (Lactobac illus spp.) and their metabolites in the absorption of therapeutic molecules. I also participated in experimental activities related to other research topics, such as the development of nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, for the administration of antimicrobial drugs. Alongside, I contributed to the accomplishment of a mucoadhesive nasal spray delivering freeze-dried probiotic cells bearing antimicrobial activity.
- 01/10/2022 – 31/03/2023 Ph.D. Visiting Student at the Institute of Applied Biotechnology, University of Applied Science Biberach, Biberach an der riß, Germany
The aim was to practice with the use of a primary cell model of the upper respiratory developed by the labpratory of Prof. Katharina Zimmerman, to perferm permeation studies across a cell-based model relevat for testing intranasal and nose-to-brain drug delivery.
- 01/03/2019 – 29/02/2020 Internship Student at the Centro Interdipartimentale per la Ricerca sul Cancro (CIRC), S. Orsola Hospital, Pavillon 13, Bologna
Internship carried out at the laboratories of CIRC on behalf of BIOGENERA S.p.a. (Via dell’Artigianato 2, Ozzano, Bologna), a company specialized in the research and development of new personalized biological drugs based on oligonucleotides for the treatment of severe diseases, especially pediatric tumors. I was involved in in vitro and in vivo studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of an anti-MYCN peptide nucleic acid used in combination with retinoic acid for neuroblastoma treatment.
- 01/07/2019 – 20/12/2019 Guidance and Orientation Tutor (200 h) at the Settore Servizi Accademici (AFORM), Department of Pharmacy e Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna
Supporting students who approached the university for the first time; providing information regarding requirements and deadlines for enrolling in a university course.
- 01/03/2017 – 30/06/2017 Internship Student at AcZon S.r.l., Via Lavino, 256/D, Monte San Pietro, 40050, Bologna, Italy
Internship carried out at the company's laboratory, which is involved in the development, production, and commercialization of silica nanoparticles and fluorescent antibodies for diagnostic, clinical, and research purposes. I was involved in evaluating the washout phenomenon of fluorescent silica nanoparticles, thus analyzing the influence of cell proliferation on fluorescence.
EDUCATION
Institute: Department of Pharmacy e Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna
Field: Pharmaceutical Technology
Final grade: Excellent
Thesis: Alternative strategies to improve intranasal and nose-to-brain drug delivery
- 20/03/2020 Master's degree
Institute: Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna
Field:Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Final grade: 110/110 Cum Laude
Thesis: Analisi dei meccanismi molecolari e fenotipici indotti dall’inibizione del gene MYCN come agente singolo o in combinazione con l’Acido Retinoico nel Neuroblastoma
- 10/10/2017 Bachelor's Degree
Institute: Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna
Field:Biotechnology
Final grade: 110/110 Cum Laude
Thesis: Valutazione degli effetti di replicazione e washout cellulare sulla fluorescenza determinata dall’uptake di nanoparticelle fluorescenti
- 07/2014 Secondary school leaving certificate
Institute: Liceo Augusto Righi, Bologna
Field: Liceo scientifico
Final grade: 100/100
HONOURS AND AWARDS
- Premio intitolato al Prof. Alessandro Rigamonti
Awarding institution: Associazione Farmaceutici Industria (AFI)
An annual AFI initiative honoring the legacy of Professor Alessandro Rigamonti, aimed at fostering the growth of promising young talent in pharmaceutical research. Every year, 10 awards of € 5,000 are conferred to researchers under 30 years old, affiliated with universities or public research bodies, who present original research proposals in the field of Pharmaceutical Sciences. I was awarded for the project titled "BIA-heal: orange peel- derived postbiotics for wound healing", which aims to develop a sustainable and eco- friendly solution for wound healing.
Awarding institution: Università di Ferrara insieme a SITELF
Awarding institution: European Federation of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Merit scholarship for outstanding academic achievements during the year 2018/19
Awarding institution: Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna
