ACADEMIC CAREER
Since July 2024: Coordinator of the PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Bologna.
Since October 2022: Full Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna.
July 2017: Achievement of the National Scientific Qualification in Biochemistry for Full Professor.
From October 2016 to May 2020: Founding Member of the Spin-off BROWSer - Bioinformatics Resource for Omics Wide Services at the University of Bari Aldo Moro.
October 2015 – October 2022: Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna.
June 2014: Achievement of the National Scientific Qualification in Biochemistry for Associate Professor.
2012 – 2015: Assistant Professor in Biochemistry at the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna.
2012 – Present: Research Staff at CIRI - Life Sciences and Technologies for Health, University of Bologna.
2008 – 2011: Assistant Professor in Biochemistry at the Faculty of Sciences MM.FF.NN., Department of Biology, University of Bologna.
2000 – 2001: Adjunct Professor at the University of Bologna, Degree Program in Biological Sciences, Teaching "Biochemistry Laboratory" (Integrated Course in Biochemistry II).
1997: Qualification to practice as a Biologist obtained at the University of Bologna (2nd session 1997).
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
March 2007 – March 2009: Fellowship funded by the "L. Galvani" Interdepartmental Center for Integrated Studies in Bioinformatics, Biophysics, and Biocomplexity, University of Bologna. Project Title: "Mitochondrial Genome Mutations in Cancer Predisposition."
October 2006 – February 2007: Postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Bologna. Project Title: "Mitochondrial DNA Mutations and Cell Invasiveness in Thyroid Oncocytoma: Biochemical Analysis Using the Cybrid Cell Model."
April 2006 – September 2006: Fellowship funded by Pfizer at the Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna. Project Title: "Cybrids: A Cell Model for Studying the Role of Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups in Cellular Sensitivity to Zyvox."
January 2004 – December 2005: Research contract at the Department of Experimental Biology, University of Bologna. Project Title: "Analysis of Early Apoptotic Events: Biosynthesis and Functional Characterization of pH-sensitive Recombinant Proteins Targeted to Mitochondrial Compartments."
March 2003 – December 2003: Post-doc at the Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, USA), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab. Project Title: "Role of Ceramide and Ceramidase in Cell Growth and Apoptosis."
August 2001 – July 2003: Research contract at the Department of Experimental Biology, University of Bologna. Project Title: "Analysis of Early Apoptotic Events: Biosynthesis and Functional Characterization of pH-sensitive Recombinant Proteins Targeted to Mitochondrial Compartments."
April 2001 – June 2001: Research contract with the “La nostra famiglia” Association, Ponte Lambro (Como), for biochemical analysis in cells with mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms within the research project “Functional Significance of Polymorphisms in mtDNA: In Vitro Evaluation of Sensitivity to ROS Exposure and Apoptosis Activation.”
1999 – 2001: Visiting Researcher at the laboratory of Prof. R. Rizzuto, Department of Experimental Medicine and Diagnostics, University of Ferrara. Project Title: "Generation and Expression of a YFP Variant for Determining Mitochondrial pH."
October 1996 – October 2000: PhD felloowship in "Cell Biology and Physiology," Department of Experimental Biology, University of Bologna.
July 1996: Degree in Biological Sciences, Biomolecular track (110/110 with honors), University of Bologna. Title of the experimental thesis: "Interaction Between Anion Exchanger and CFTR in Chloride Ion Secretion in Epithelial Cells."
INSTITUTIONAL ACTIVITIES
2024 – Present: Member of the University’s Informal Scientific Committee for Animal Housing Facilities.
2024 – Present: Member of the Torre Biomedica Commission.
2024 – Present: Member of the Building and Equipment Working Group and the Research Commission of FaBiT.
2021 – Present: Member of the Biomedical Research Center (CRBA) Council, University of Bologna (appointed by the Director of FaBiT).
2020 – 2024: Member of the Executive Board of the Association of Cell Biology and Differentiation (ABCD).
2018 – 2021: Elected representative of Associate Professors in the Department Council of the Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology.
2018 – Present: Lecturer and Member of the PhD College in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Bologna.
2016 – 2018: Member of the Research and Related Activities (RAC) Commission of FaBiT.
2012 – 2015: External reviewer for the PhD School in Biomedical and Technological Sciences, University of Udine.
She has participated in and is still a member of the following committees:
- Examination Committees for PhD Program Admission: PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Bologna; PhD in Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (34th cycle), University of Ferrara.
- Final Evaluation Committees for PhD Theses at the University of Bologna, University of Padua, University of Foggia, and University of Salento.
- Selection Committees for the Awarding of PhD Titles at the University of Bologna and the University of Padua.
- Evaluation Committees for the Quality of Degree Programs: International Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Master’s Degree in Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, FaBiT, UNIBO.
- Examination Committees for Admission to Degree Programs – FaBiT-UNIBO: Molecular and Cell Biology Master’s Program; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Master’s Program; Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology Master’s Program; Molecular and Cellular Biology Program.
TUTORING ACTIVITIES
Supervisor of over 40 Master's theses as the main supervisor, over 20 as a co-supervisor, and supervisor of more than 10 PhD theses. She has also been a tutor for more than 10 research fellows and scholarship holders.
AWARDS
2002: "Marco Polo" fellowship for studying abroad, University of Bologna. Project Title: "Mitochondrial Ceramidase in Cell Proliferation and Cell Death." This project was carried out at the Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, USA), in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab.
2003: "Assunta Baccarini-Melandri 2002 Award" from the Italian Group of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes. Project Title: "Apoptotic Cell Death Induced by Mutations in Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy in Cybrids Undergoing Metabolic Stress: Role of Mitochondria in Regulating Ceramide Levels." This project was carried out at the Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, USA), in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab.
2006: "L’Oréal Italia for Women in Science" Award, L'Oréal Italia in collaboration with the Italian National Commission for UNESCO for conducting the research project "Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in the Tumorigenicity of Thyroid Oncocytomas."
RESEARCH FUNDING
10/2022 – 10/2025: European Union – NextGenerationEU through the Italian Ministry of University and Research under PNRR – M4C2-I1.3 Project PE_00000019 "HEAL ITALIA." Role: Scientific Staff and Researcher.
2022: Alma Equipment 2022 Call, Line 2 New Equipment “Integrated Multifoton Microscopy System.” Role: Scientific Coordinator.
04/2022 – 04/2025: National Interest Research Project (PRIN 2020RRJP5L004) “Biochemical Mechanisms and Cellular Consequences of Mitochondrial Cation Flux: From Bioenergetics to Metabolic Rewiring.” Role: Scientific Coordinator of the Research Unit.
01/2021 – 12/2025: AIRC Grant IG24494. “Dissecting the Metabolic Signature of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: A Challenge to Overcome Chemotherapy – MOnARCHY.” Role: Project Coordinator.
2020 – 2022: AIRC Fellowships. “INhibition of Respiratory Complex I and Survival Pathways: A Synthetic Lethality Approach for Ovarian Cancer–INCEPTiON.” Role: Supervisor and Coordinator of Research Activities.
2019 – 2020: Del Monte Foundation, Bologna. "Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer: A Technology for Large-Scale Study of Cellular Energy Metabolism." Role: Project Coordinator.
2017 – 2021: European Training Network (ETN) People Horizon2020 - Marie Curie Action. “Translating the Role of Mitochondria in Tumorigenesis - TRANSMIT” (https://www.transmit-project.eu/). Role: Project Coordinator and European Consortium Coordinator.
2016 – 2018: AIRC IG 17387. “Taxane Resistance in Ovarian Cancer: Understanding the Contribution of Mitochondrial Metabolism Defects – TOUChMe.” Role: Project Coordinator.
2015: Barbariga Study Center, Padua. “Biochemical Methodologies for Analyzing Mitochondrial Function.” Role: Project Coordinator.
2014 – 2015: Umberto Veronesi Foundation (FUV) Fellowships. “Metabolic Remodeling in Cell Models Bearing Different Degrees of Bioenergetic Dysfunctions.” Role: Supervisor and Coordinator of Research Activities.
2013 – 2014: Umberto Veronesi Foundation (FUV) Fellowships. “Mitochondrial Contribution to Neuroblastoma Tumor Progression.” Role: Supervisor and Coordinator of Research Activities.
2010 – 2012: National Interest Research Project (PRIN 2008SW44CS003). “Role of Mitochondria in the Regulation of Apoptosis and Autophagy: Molecular Mechanisms and Effects of Pathogenic Mutations.” Role: Scientific Coordinator of the Research Unit.
RESEARCH FUNDING PARTICIPATION AND MANAGEMENT
2023 – 2025: PRIN2022 (prot. 2022722LY8W). "Exploiting Advanced Models to Target Glucose Deprivation Resistance During Anti-Angiogenic Therapy in Ovarian Cancer-EMOTICON." Research Unit Leader: Prof. G. Gasparre, DIMEC. Role: Member of the UNIBO Research Unit.
2020 – 2024: AIRC IG22921. “Assessing the Efficacy of Mitochondrial Complex I Targeting in Combined Therapies for Ovarian Cancer - AMICO” (Coordinator: Prof. G. Gasparre, University of Bologna). Role: Internal Researcher/Collaborator.
2016 – 2018: Worldwide Cancer Research. “Understanding the Determinants of Homoplasmic Shift of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations in Families with Recurrent Oncocytomas - DhoMoS” (Coordinator: Prof. G. Gasparre, University of Bologna). Role: Co-Coordinator.
2014 – 2017: AIRC IG14242. “From the Oncojanus Function of Mitochondrial Genes to Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Strategies - JANEUTICS” (Coordinator: Prof. G. Gasparre, University of Bologna). Role: Internal Researcher/Collaborator.
2012 – 2013: Umberto Veronesi Foundation (FUV). “Disrupting Mitochondrial Complex I to Trigger Pseudonormoxia: An Anticancer Strategy - DISCO TRIP” (Coordinator: Prof. G. Gasparre, University of Bologna). Role: Internal Researcher/Collaborator.
2011 – 2012: Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative (USA). “CD99 Engagement and Apoptosis in Ewing’s Sarcoma: The Role of Mitochondria and Mitochondrial DNA Mutations” (Coordinator: Dr. K. Scotlandi, Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli; Prof. M. Rugolo, University of Bologna). Role: Internal Researcher.
2009 – 2012: AIRC IG8810. “Translational Significance of Mitochondrial Mutations in Tumors” (Coordinator: Prof. G. Romeo, University of Bologna). Role: Internal Non-Contractual Researcher.
2006 – 2008: National Interest Research Project (PRIN) “Variability and Function of Mitochondrial Mutations in Physiological and Pathological Conditions” (Coordinator: Prof. G. Romeo, University of Bologna). Role: Internal Non-Contractual Researcher.
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Since 2008, she has been involved in teaching BIOS/07 core, elective courses, and laboratory activities for the Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, Master's Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology; Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology; Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, and the International Master's Degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and Pharmaceuticals Biotechnology.
MEMBERSHIP IN SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES
2021 – Present: Member of the Italian Association for Cell Cultures (AICC).
2021 – Present: Member of the Tumor Biochemistry Group (SIB).
2020 – 2024: Member of the Executive Board of the Association for Cell Biology and Differentiation (ABCD).
2017 – Present: Member of the Italian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SIB).
2016 – Present: Member of the International Society for Cancer Metabolism (ISCAM).
2016 – Present: Member of the Association for Cell Biology and Differentiation (ABCD).
1999 – Present: Member of the Italian Biomembranes and Bioenergetics Group (GIBB).
PEER REVIEW ACTIVITIES for the following journals: Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes; Journal of Signal Transduction; Journal of Cellular Physiology; The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism; Oncotarget; Scientific Reports; Frontiers in Oncology; Cells; Cell Reports Medicine; Seminars in Cell and Developmental Biology; Digestive and Liver Disease; Cell Death and Differentiation.
REVIEWER FOR FUNDING AGENCIES
2023: Reviewer for a project from the Luxembourg Institute of Health.
2021: Reviewer for Fixed-term Researcher Projects, University of Florence.
2019: Reviewer for a project funded by the Czech Science Foundation.
2015: Reviewer for a Hertha Firnberg Programme project funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), Austria.
2012: Reviewer for a Clinical Research Training Fellowship project funded by Barts London Charity, UK.
