About
Summary
PhD project: focused on studying the behavior of the gut human microbiota. The main interest was the chemical characterization of peptidic molecules with antibacterial properties produced by Lactobacillus strains, so as to understand how they manage to interact with the host. For three years my work focused on strains isolated from human samples. The evaluation of probiotic properties by Lactobacillus strains were investigated. The goal was to find a specific strain able to maintain the proper balance in case of gastrointestinal disorders. I had the opportunity to present some of the results to international conferences.
Collaboration with the Peptide Group of Prof. Nissen-Meyer (University of Oslo): the project was focus on the evaluation of the dynamics that lead to the production of bacteriocins and to study the structure and mode of action.
I also, previously, achieved a Master’s degree in "Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies". The study programme particularly examined chemical, biochemical, physiological, pharmacological and chemical-pharmaceutical disciplines. This multidisciplinary approach allows me to be able to work in many areas of the biomedical sectors.
Positions
Visiting Researcher Mar 2016 -
Università degli Studi di Catania, Dep. BIOMETEC
Research project: study of gut microbiome with characterization of probiotic strains isolated from human samples and description of antimicrobial peptide molecules produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB).
Guest Researcher Aug 2014 - Jan 2015
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo
Research project: NMR-spectroscopy and site-directed in vitro mutagenesis of antibacterial peptides produced by LAB.
PhD student Jan 2013 - Feb 2016
Università degli Studi di Catania, Dep. BIOMETEC
Research project: Probiotic activity of Lactobacillus spp., isolated from human samples and evaluation of cytotoxicity by bacteriocin producers strains towards different cell lines. Parallel research project: antimicrobial activity of natural products from Sicily (chestnut honey, essential oils) and synthetic drugs (SLN loaded with antibiotics).
Education
Università degli Studi di Catania 2004 - 2011
Field of study: Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences
Degree: BSc and MSc in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology
Research project: in vitro activity of Xenorhabdus spp and antimicrobial activity of secondary metabolites.
Skills
• Team working, Autonomy, Organization, Problem solving
• Experience writing scientific manuscripts
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Experience with analytical chemistry techniques (AKTA, HPLC)
• Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel)
• Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, EndNote
• Paint, CorelDRAW and Adobe Photoshop
• knowledge and experience with the human microbiome, bioactive small molecules
• Satisfactory English, Fluent French, Basic Chinese
Professional interests
gut microbiome, colorectal cancer, probiotics, inflammatory bowel diseases, bioactive small molecules, proteomic
CV
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