annalisa zuccarotto

Summary

I am a biochemist and molecular biologist with a PhD in Life, Health and Chemical Sciences and over five years of research experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and marine biotechnology.

I obtained my Master’s Degree in Health Biology from the University of Padua in 2019, where I developed a strong interest in molecular and cellular biology through research on zebrafish (Danio rerio) mutant lines generated by CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This work involved experimental design, zebrafish husbandry, embryo manipulation, molecular analyses, data interpretation, and scientific reporting, providing me with a solid foundation in developmental biology and functional genetics.

During my Erasmus experience at the University of Coimbra (Portugal), I further expanded my knowledge in Molecular Biology of Cancer and Neurobiology and Diseases while working in a Gene Therapy laboratory investigating Machado–Joseph Disease. There, I gained experience in cell culture, protein biochemistry, Western blotting, and mouse models.

Subsequently, I joined the University of Padua as a research fellow, where I contributed to the development of protocols for establishing continuous cell lines from Antarctic fish species. This experience strengthened my expertise in cell culture techniques, laboratory troubleshooting, experimental optimization, and scientific problem solving.

My PhD research at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (Naples) focused on the biosynthesis, molecular evolution, and biochemical characterization of ovothiols, natural sulfur-containing antioxidants found in marine organisms. During this period, I combined molecular biology, protein biochemistry, analytical chemistry, omics approaches, and bioinformatics to investigate the evolution and distribution of metabolic pathways across marine animal lineages. I acquired extensive expertise in recombinant protein production, molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, chromatography (HPLC, FPLC, HILIC), LC-MS-based metabolite characterization, and computational analysis of biological datasets.

As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Naples Federico II, I further expanded my experience in marine metabolomics, analytical chemistry, and biotechnology through the development of extraction, purification, and characterization workflows for marine-derived bioactive compounds. My work integrated experimental and computational approaches, including mass spectrometry data processing, metabolomics analyses, and bioinformatic interpretation of complex datasets.

Throughout my career, I have worked with both model and non-model organisms, including zebrafish, microalgae, marine invertebrates, bacteria, fish cell cultures, and mammalian cells. I particularly enjoy multidisciplinary research environments where molecular, biochemical, omics, and computational approaches can be integrated to answer complex biological questions.

I am highly motivated to continue my career in research and strongly interested in both fundamental and applied science. My goal is to contribute to innovative projects with potential scientific, environmental, and societal impact while continuing to develop a broad and versatile scientific profile. I enjoy collaborating with researchers from different backgrounds, learning new methodologies, and tackling challenging scientific questions with curiosity, rigor, and enthusiasm.

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Open to new opportunities: Yes