I am a PhD candidate in Science and Technology of Advanced Therapies with a strong academic background in Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Medical Biotechnology from the University of Ferrara and my Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine from the University of Palermo, graduating with honors. During my academic training, I gained research experience at the National Research Council (CNR), where I worked on microalgae-derived extracellular vesicles as innovative tools for RNA interference. I developed expertise in 2D and 3D cell culture models, extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization, gene silencing techniques, immunofluorescence, and molecular analyses. I am a qualified Biologist and have contributed to multidisciplinary research projects and international scientific publications.

My PhD project focuses on non-communicable diseases through an integrated approach combining epidemiological birth cohort studies and advanced in vitro models. Specifically, I investigate how prenatal environmental exposures influence fetal development and predispose individuals to metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders, within the framework of the DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) paradigm. I apply multi-omics analyses (methylome, transcriptomics, lipidomics) to identify early biomarkers of risk and use advanced cellular models, including 3D systems and co-cultures, to validate the molecular mechanisms underlying exposure–disease associations. My goal is to integrate clinical and experimental data to develop predictive models supporting early prevention strategies and public health interventions.