Meet The Team

My main research interests are in marine biology, functional genomics and marine biotechnology. Currently, I am testing the bioactivity (e. g. antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetes) of marine organisms, mainly microalgae, to isolate biologically active compounds for human applications. I am also analysing microalgal transcriptomes to study enzymes involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds and their regulation at epigenetic level.  

I am a molecular biologist, after my bachelor degree in General and Applied Biology, I attended the master's degree in biomolecular biology and a PhD in Applied Biology and Experimental Medicine (University of Messina) focusing on the study of microalgae as a source of molecules with immunomodulatory activity. Currently, I am a postdoc in the laboratory of Dr. Chiara Lauritano and I deal with the isolation of anti-cancer compounds from Antarctic marine bacteria and microalgae within a project funded by the PNRA (National Antarctic Research Program).

Microalgae are unicellular eukaryotic organisms with remarkable chemical diversity, capable of producing compounds with promising applications in human health, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory effects and immunomodulatory activities. Despite their potential, molecular data and functional studies remain limited, and the role of epigenetic regulation in controlling microalgal biosynthetic pathways has only been investigated in a few species compared to the thousands of existing microalgae on earth. The general objective of my PhD project is to explore the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the biosynthesis of bioactive molecules in selected diatoms by using a multidisciplinary approach. This project will characterize the epigenetic landscape linked to bioactive compound production, identify conditions that enhance metabolite yields, and ultimately provide novel insights for ecological studies as well as for biotechnological exploitation of microalgae.

My project explores anticancer potential of marine algae (microalgae) mainly from polar environments. 

My PhD is focused on the screening of the bioactivity od deep marine organisms and the role of mesopelagic fishes as microplastic vectors.

My main research interests lie in marine biotechnology and microbial ecology, with a particular focus on microorganisms living in extreme environments. Currently, my PhD project aims at discovering novel biosurfactants produced by bacteria and microalgae inhabiting extreme marine ecosystems.