EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Master's Degree in Food Science and Technology, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna [09/2021 – 04/2024]
| Final Grade: 110/110 cum laude | Thesis: "LC-MS/MS analysis for the proteomic characterization of soy and pea-based meat analogues"
Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology, University of Naples Federico II [09/2018 – 07/2021]
| Final Grade: 110/110 | Thesis: "Combined methodologies of sensory and instrumental analysis used to define the aroma of extra virgin olive oil"
WORK EXPERIENCE
Ph.D. Student, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna [11/01/2024 – Present]
In collaboration with Almo Nature Benefit S.p.A., I have developed a research project focused on innovative and sustainable methods for the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds from agro-food chain by-products.
University Tutor [10/31/2024 – Present]
Teaching assistant for the "Food Analysis" course, led by Prof. Alessandra Bendini, for the Bachelor's degree in Food Technology at Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna.
Research Fellow: Europass Scholarship Recipient in collaboration with the University of Parma and EFSA, with the project titled "Detection and Analysis of Emerging Risks in the Agro-Food Chain in the Emilia-Romagna Region" [05/2024 – 10/2024]
Focused on contamination of extra virgin olive oil by mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), obtained primarily from petroleum distillation and refinement. We aimed to:
- Design a brief questionnaire for olive oil production and processing professionals, evaluating awareness and mitigation measures across significant olive-growing areas.
- Conduct SPME-GC-MS or HS-GC-IMS analyses of real or model extra virgin olive oil samples contaminated by MOH to establish a rapid screening method for volatile markers of this contamination.
Research Fellow, "Food Chemistry, Sensory, and Instrumental Analysis" group at ALMA MATER STUDIORUM – UNIVERSITY OF BOLOGNA with the project titled "Instrumental and Sensory Analysis for Food Quality Assessment" [03/2024 – 05/2024]
This research fellowship covered:
- Analytical assessments for quality and authenticity of food, particularly extra virgin olive oils.
- Chemical and sensory characterization through volatile analysis, triglycerides, fatty acids, minor compounds, antioxidant activity, and sensory testing.
- Experimental production of virgin oils and nutraceutical oil formulations.
Internship for Master’s Thesis, Wageningen University; Food Safety and Research Department [03/2023 – 08/2023]
Led a project on plant-based meat analogues assigned by the Dutch government. The objective was to develop an analytical method for the chemical composition of these substitutes, focusing initially on protein components via LC-MS/MS analysis.
Curricular Internship, Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Instrumental and Sensory Analysis (LACASS), DISTAL, Cesena [07/2022 – 11/2022]
Performed volatile fraction analysis of tomato sauce samples using GC-MS.
Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna Startup Call [02/2022 - 07/2022]
Contributed as a team member to "SMARTFOOD," a startup focused on enhancing tomato production in Cameroon, analyzing production basins, markets, and processing.
SEMINAR PARTICIPATION
- Workshop "Innovative Analytical Methods for Food Quality Control," Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, 12/18/2023.
- Webinar: "MALDI Mass Spectrometry by Shimadzu for Food Quality Control," Shimadzu Italia, 03/15/2024.
- Webinar: "Principles and Techniques of Proteomics for Food Product Quality," Metrofood Italia, 02/06/2024.
- Webinar: "GC Troubleshooting," Phenomenex Italia, 02/19/2024.
- Webinar: "Non-Targeted Screening (NTS) Using Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ToFMS)," LECO, 04/05/2024.
- WTO Symposium: "Illicit Trade in Food and Food Fraud," online, 12/12/2023.
- Seminar: "Food Safety, Strategic Actions, and Control Systems," Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, 12/11/2023.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Native Language: Italian
Other Languages:
ENGLISH: Cambridge First Certificate in English, Level B2
Listening B2 | Reading B2 | Writing B2 | Speaking C1 | Interaction C1
FRENCH: Diplôme d'études en langue française DELF niveau B1
Listening B1 | Reading B1 | Writing B1 | Speaking B1 | Interaction B1
GERMAN: GOETHE Certificate B1
Listening B1 | Reading B1 | Writing B1 | Speaking B1 | Interaction B1
