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I am a geomicrobiologist, interested in the interactions between microbes/organic molecules, and minerals 🪨🔬🦠🧫🧬🔴🪐✨
During my PhD, I investigated cyanobacterial metabolism and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production in relation to CaCO3 formation, using lab and field methods under controlled and natural conditions. In 2022, I was awarded an Agouron Institute fellowship to attend the 2-month International Geobiology Course at Caltech.
At BiGeA (UniBO), I work in the HELENA project, I focus on 1) characterizing microbial carbonate deposits (fresh and fossil samples) from extreme settings, 2) studying biomineral and organomineral formation mechanisms and 3) exploring biosignature preservation in the fossil record.
Understanding how microbes interact with their environment, influencing mineral formation and leaving imprints in rocks can improve our ability to detect biosignatures on other planets.
