I am 27 years old and I come from… Udine!
I studied… Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Trieste.
My role in 5000genomi@Vda:
I am working on the development of bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data regarding patients with neurodegenerative diseases, in order to learn more about the genetic mechanisms underpinning them.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
a post-graduate opportunity to gain experience in bioinformatics, after having performed an internship for my Master’s degree dissertation at Burlo Garofolo Hospital in Trieste, which enabled me to learn and use specific software packages and to develop pipelines for the analysis of NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) data.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
personally, I hope to learn how to process and independently analyse large volumes of NGS data, and, for the entire scientific community, to contribute to the understanding of the causes of neurodegenerative diseases, laying the foundations for treatment and providing tangible support for doctors, both for improving diagnostics and for a better handling of disease.
My hobby is… travelling
The word that describes me best is… sensitivity
Something that is always part of my day is… a smile
My lifelong objective is… to do a job that I love, which gives me satisfaction and that can help other people
My motto is… “Carpe Diem!”
I am 28 years old and I come from… Aosta!
I studied… Medical Biotechnology at the University of Turin, and I have a Masters’ degree in Pharmaceutical Management (MAMS, Market access, Marketing and Sales)
Any significant academic/professional information: four scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals regarding the role of Vitamin D and TGFbeta in cancer development.
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
in the 5000genomi@VdA project, I work in the area of scientific communications with the objective of making the CMP3VdA research centre a focal point of genomic research integrated into the social and public health milieu of the Aosta Valley, encouraging the dissemination of scientific culture both by involving the local population and by developing contacts with other national and international institutions.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
a fine example of how the Aosta Valley is endeavouring to become part of a complex global technological context that privileges those situations with a more innovative view in the long term. This is an opportunity to enhance the region and to give the population state-of-the-art health services, developing scientific knowledge in situ.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
a burst of youthful energy, considering that there are 18 scholarship researchers, new innovative ideas and the attainment of important objectives both for local health and for scientific research.
My hobbies are... watching movies and TV series, shopping and finding out about what is going on around me
The word that describes me best is… creativity
Something that is always part of my day… a Taylor Swift song!
The objective that I would like to attain is… to succeed in “making a mark” in the world of scientific marketing and communications.
My motto is… “make a virtue of necessity”
I am 28 years old and I come from… Messina!
I studied… Law at the University of Messina, and I took a Second-Level Master’s degree in personal data protection – data protection officer (DPO) and privacy expert
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I will be involved in the analysis of standards in the field of genomics/big data and the processing of sensitive clinical and genetic data in performing health services.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
5000genomi@VdA has been a source of great fascination for me, on the basis of its predetermined objectives and for the knowledge that I will be able to develop over the course of time: to me, this seemed to be the logical development of my academic and professional interests. In fact, my degree dissertation was dedicated to European and international legislation on personal data protection in the health sector. For my Master’s degree I looked at health tracking apps.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
I think that this sort of opportunity, with a team of young and brilliant people, is absolutely unique. It is a project that brings together different fields of science and, precisely because of this combination and interaction of diverse subject areas, I am sure that I will develop skills that would be difficult to find elsewhere. I have high expectations of what I will be able to learn, developing my knowledge of the world of science and the applications of technology for improving living conditions and health. I also hope to develop bonds of lasting friendship for both my professional and personal growth.
My hobbies are... everything that has to do with cinema and theatre, literature, politics, swimming and team sports
The word that describes me best is… reliable
Something that is always part of my day… music and reading newspapers
The objective that I would like to attain is… to be useful and to consider myself satisfied with what I have become, what I have done and the people around me. Living right on the sea so that I can swim every day
My motto is: “Comu veni si cunta”, a Sicilian expression which means taking things as they come
I am 29 years old and I come from… Aosta!
I studied… Biomedical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I am part of the Machine Learning group, whose objective is the analysis of genomic data that will be provided by the genomics and bioinformatics group. This data can be used to develop algorithms that can help doctors in patient diagnostics and health care phases. More specifically, I will be working on machine vision and, therefore, the analysis of histological images by means of deep learning algorithms.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
an opportunity to perform research in the region in which I was born and grew up. In addition, it represents a challenge that can bring a small region such as Aosta Valley to a position of prominence in the area of genomics research. The project could also help improve the treatment of oncological and neurodegenerative diseases by means of the use of the precision medicine concept.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
considerable professional growth, in terms of both technical expertise and soft skills. In addition, I hope to be able to interact with other teams at the forefront of genome research in order to learn as much as possible from them. At the end of my experience as part of this project, I would like to be able to continue working in the same field in order to further develop my skills.
My hobby is… cycling
The word that describes me best is… determination
Something that is always part of my day… a training session on my bike
The objective that I would like to attain is… working in a state-of-the-art research centre in order to make a tangible contribution to the diagnosis and treatment of serious diseases
My motto is... “Do a job you love and you’ll never do a single day’s work in your whole life”
I am 26 years old and I come from… Aosta!
I studied… Medical Biotechnology at the University of Turin
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I work on the bioinformatics analysis of genomic data obtained from DNA sequencing, starting from samples taken from cancer patients at the hospital in Aosta.
For me the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
an excellent opportunity for training, learning and growth that enables me to put into practice everything that I learnt during my university studies that I have recently completed. Without doubt, the project will enable me to develop my knowledge and skills, and it will represent an important starting point for my future career.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
the chance to work with people who share my passion for science and will therefore help my professional development, so that I can find out more about the world of research and extend my knowledge about DNA. In this way I will be able to make a small contribution to the development of personalised medicine.
My hobbies are… mountains and science
The word that describes me best is… precision
Something that is always part of my day… a good cup of coffee!
The objective that I would like to attain is… doing a job that I love and that enables me to put the theorical knowledge that I acquired at university into practice
My motto is… “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today”
I am 34 years old and I come from… Puglia!
I studied… for two university degrees, one in Medical Biotechnology at the University of Bari and a Bachelor degree in Mathematics and Physics at the Open University in the United Kingdom. I have a PhD in Biotechnology for human health from the Università del Piemonte Orientale.
Prizes and awards: I performed four years of research abroad, at the University of Oslo in Norway, with a European Marie-Curie fellowship, working on nanomedicine for the targeted therapeutical treatment of tumours, free from side effects. In 2016 I won the “NanoInnovation Got Talent” prize for young researchers in the nanotechnology sector, awarded by the Bracco Foundation during the “NanoInnovation 2016” conference. In 2018 I was selected as one of the 500 young scientists worldwide to take part in the 68th Lindau Nobel Meeting in Medicine & Physiology, at which I was able to come into contact with 40 Nobel Laureates. In 2020 I was selected to take part in the Heidelberg Laureate Forum which consists of an annual networking conference in which 200 selected young mathematics and computer science researchers and graduates spend a week together with the winners of prestigious awards such as the Abel Prize, the Turing Award, the Fields Medal and the Nevanlinna Prize.
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
The project that I am working on within CMP3VdA has the objective of sequencing the genome of healthy subjects living in Aosta Valley in order to reconstruct their genetic history and identify the possible frequencies of any genetic variants that are characteristic of the Aosta Valley, comparing them with those of other populations.
More specifically, I will organise and manage the collection of biological samples and donor subject anamnesis, using state-of-the-art bioinformatics processes and identifying specific genetic variants by means of advanced data science procedures, DNA sequencing and computational genomics.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
an opportunity to help implement a preventive medical approach that can enable the early identification of the causes of diseases, operating in a targeted manner in order to both improve quality of life and make progress towards the systematic fight against ageing diseases.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
the relaunch of integrated research, in an outlook of translational medicine: in fact, the medicine of the future will have to be rapid and effective in providing treatment options for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, and above all it will have to be capable of entering in a new era of personalised medical care.
My hobbies are… astrophysics and astrobiology, Formula One and NBA basketball
The word that describes me best is… iterative awareness
Something that is always part of my day... a walk in the fresh air
The objective that I would like to attain is… a greater integration between scientific and humanistic subject areas
My motto is... “scientia est potentia”
I am 30 years old and I come from... Cagliari!
I studied... Functional Genomics at the University of Trieste, and I have a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I work on the study of neurodevelopmental diseases, including disorders in the spectrum of autism, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
the first step in the construction of a research centre based on precision, preventive and personalised medicine.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
a marked improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological and neurological pathologies. This will be made possible by genomics data in combination with information regarding clinical history and lifestyle, along with the use of specific artificial intelligence and machine learning software.
My hobbies are ... genetics and sport
The word that describes me best is... curiosity
Something that is always part of my day... coffee
The objective that I would like to attain is… to continue my professional growth as a researcher
My motto is... “Nothing can be achieved without effort”
I am 27 years old and I come from... Aosta!
I studied... Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Turin, and I have a Master’s degree in Forensic Genetics
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I work on the bioinformatics analysis of genomic data obtained from DNA-sequencing on bioptic tissues from patients with oncological diseases.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
a new and exciting opportunity to enhance my expertise, to put into practice what I learned during my studies, and to contribute to the world of research and diagnostics in the city where I was born and grew up.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
the possibility of developing not just professionally but also from the personal point of view, by means of ongoing interaction with many professionals and the greatest experts in the field.
My hobbies are... mountain trekking, climbing, other sports, reading and travelling
The word that describes me best is... sunny
Something that is always part of my day is... music
My lifelong dream is… watching the northern lights in north Norway
My motto is... “Only those who dare may fly”
I am 30 years old and I come from… Trieste!
I studied… Medical Biotechnology at the University of Trieste. I have a PhD in Functional and Structural Genomics. During my scientific research career, I published an article in an international journal about the potential impact on human diversity of specific genomic sequences named ‘transposons’. Furthermore, I co-authored two articles on human genetics. One of my works won a prize as the best scientific poster at the conference “Target Validation Using Genomics and Informatics”.
My role in the 5000genomi@VdA project:
I will be working on the bioinformatic analysis of data obtained from the sequencing of DNA from patients suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
an opportunity to improve my expertise as a researcher and contribute to the development of personalised medicine through cooperation with professionals working in different subject areas.
What I expect from the 5000genomi@VdA project:
the possibility of exploring the genetic causes of neurodevelopmental diseases, with a particular focus on autism; and to understand how these are connected to the specific clinical manifestations. At the same time I will endeavour to publish the results of my research in high-impact scientific journals.
My hobbies are: music, weight training and literature
The word that describes me best is: nuance
Something that is always part of my day is... commitment
The objectives that I would like to attain are… publishing scientific papers and writing music
My motto is… “But how are you, mentally?”
I am 27 years old and I am from... Aosta!
I studied... Statistical Methods at the University of Turin
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I work on dimensionality reduction and variables selection in genomic datasets: the objective is to apply advanced machine learning models in order to reduce the volume and complexity of the data available for the 5000genomi@VdA project, or to identify those variables that prove to be more informative than others.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
a great opportunity to enhance my expertise in the area of statistics and IT. In addition, as it is an extremely multidisciplinary environment, 5000genomi@VdA will enable me to expand my knowledge regarding other subject areas not specifically linked to my academic career.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
the chance to work with the various scholarship researchers involved in the project in order to complete all its predetermined objectives.
My hobbies are… athletics (middle distance) and theatre
The word that describes me best is… curiosity
Something that is always part of my day is... a run
The objective that I would like to attain is… to never stop learning
My motto is… “No pain, no beer!”
I am 28 years old and I come from… Cosenza!
I studied... Medical, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Parma
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I will take part in the creation of a tissue bank (also known as a “biobank”) and a clinical database regarding neurodevelopmental diseases. In addition, I will be involved in the interpretation of clinical and genomic data.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
a starting point for the career I have always wanted to conduct… scientific research. I believe that this experience will constitute part of my professional training, in part due to the multidisciplinary approach underpinning the entire project. Therefore for me it will be a voyage of discovery, in which I will have the chance to find out more about the various subject areas and facets of this fascinating world.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
from this experience, I would like to be able to put the learning from my academic career into practice, and to continue my training in an innovative and multidisciplinary working environment, so that I can master new, specific skills that are fundamental for adventuring onto new paths. I hope that this is just the start of my career!
My hobbies are… mountains, books (on mountaineering and mafia), scouting and science
The word that describes me best is… curiosity
Something that is always part of my day is... a smile and a Good Turn (a scouting classic!)
The objective that I would like to attain is… reaching my dream of entering the world of research and being able to make my own small contribution
My motto is… “Leave this world a little better than you found it” (Robert Baden-Powell)
I am 29 years old and I come from… Lecce!
I studied… Medical, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Regenerative Medicine curriculum) at the University of Parma
My role in the 5000genomi@VdA project:
I am a member of the Oncogenomics team. More specifically, I will be assessing the correlation between histological analysis and genomic data of tumoral tissue samples, and I will be performing research activities in the area of cancer biology.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
an opportunity to enhance my knowledge and my expertise, especially in genomics and molecular biology. In fact, I have the chance to work in a technologically innovative environment, alongside expert researchers, developing relations with colleagues from different academic areas, thus enabling me to expand my knowledge and my social connections.
What I expect from the 5000genomi@VdA project:
the principal challenge for the 5000genomi@VdA project is to expand the use of genomics and bioinformatics in the healthcare system and therefore to combine the information obtained from patient DNA sequencing with clinical data, in order to improve diagnosis and the treatment of human diseases. I hope this project can be a starting point for progress in the area of personalised, predictive and preventive medicine in Italy, especially for the diseases that are occurring more and more frequently, with a high social and economic impact, such as neurodegenerative pathologies, neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer.
My hobbies are… music, singing, reading, hiking, vegetarian cuisine
The word that describes me best is… thoughtful
Something that is always part of my day is... listening to music
The objectives that I would like to attain are… to perform biomedical research and visit Nordic countries
My motto is… “Have the courage to learn” (R.L. Montalcini)
I am 27 years old and I come from... Vercelli!
I studied… Psychology at the University of Turin, and I am currently studying for another degree in Political Sciences and International Relations at the Aosta Valley University
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
the analysis of standards and organisational models for the market, with specific attention to relations between public institutions and private operators in health service provision.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
an important opportunity for professional growth, working in a multidisciplinary environment comprising colleagues with significant backgrounds.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
I hope that CMP3VdA could become an important research centre in Italy and (why not?) in international circles, attracting expertise from all over the country (and beyond), enabling further steps forward in the world of precision medicine.
My hobbies are… travelling, arts and architecture, food
The word that describes me best is… ambition
Something that is always part of my day is... reading the most important newspapers
The objectives that I would like to attain are… visiting all countries in the world, and achieving success in my professional career
My motto is… “The trains always arrive at your station. The question is: which one to take?” (Mehmet Murat Ildan)
I am 28 years old and I am from... Aosta!
I studied... Biomedical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I am working on the development of machine learning algorithms applied to genomic sequences. My focus will be on the analysis of genomic sequence variants and pattern recognition in order to find shared features in individuals affected by certain illnesses, above all oncological diseases.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
the opportunity to operate in the field of scientific research applied to medicine, in the region in which I was born, and the possibility of learning and accepting a challenge, working as part of an interdisciplinary team alongside other professionals such as physicians and bioinformaticians.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
the acquisition of multidisciplinary knowledge in the areas of machine learning, bioinformatics, genome structure and the diseases relevant to the project. In addition, I look forward to working in a challenging environment that will help my personal and professional development.
My hobbies are... trekking in the mountains, skiing, reading, travelling
The word that describes me best is... patience
Something that is always part of my day is... a book to read
The objectives that I would like to attain are… to make my own small contribution to biomedical scientific research, and to visit national parks in the United States
My motto is... “Think positive”
I am 27 years old and I come from… Aosta!
I studied… Political Sciences and international relations at LUISS Guido Carli University and I took a Master’s degree in EU Projects Management & Design
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
managing, monitoring and financial reporting for the overall project, endeavouring to implement my management and business consultancy skills developed during my professional career and imparted by the IIT Project Manager. More specifically, we are trying to apply project management techniques to the complexity of the project’s strategic objectives, while dedicating attention to the needs of all partners, the Scientific Committee and the Regional authorities.
For me, 5000genomi@VdA is:
an incredible and unexpected opportunity for professional and personal growth. After the Master’s Degree and many years spent abroad, I was convinced that, like all my neo-graduate colleagues, I would have to search for professional opportunities a long way from home. Luckily, this project gave me the chance to identify a highly specialised employment context in the sector in which I was trying to find an opening: this is without doubt a massive achievement not only for me, because at last I have the chance to combine my professional career with my passion for mountain sports activities and a stable family life, but also for the Aosta Valley region and its scientific and industrial development.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
I have ambitious expectations: personally I think that the project will give me a managerial training that will represent an important part of my curriculum, and that it constitutes a unique opportunity to come into contact with the scientific world and its futuristic objectives, things that will certainly have an impact on people’s health and lifestyle. In addition, particularly important effects can also be expected in the region, as this is an entirely new type of activity for the local community. I am very happy that the Regional authorities had the courage to invest in this research project, and I hope that the results enable the creation of a scientific centre in the Aosta Valley capable of attracting interest and investment from large international research institutions, so that young graduates like myself can conduct their training in a wonderful mountain setting such as ours.
My hobbies are… mountain sports and literature
The word that describes me best is… determination
Something that is always part of my day is... a moment spent in contemplation of the natural settings in which I find myself every day
The objective that I would like to attain is… to launch an innovative start-up to improve the eco-sustainability of large-scale distribution
My motto is… "Ma pe’ mae sen!"
I am 26 years old and I come from... Verona!
I studied... Quantitative and Computational Biology at Trento University
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
as part of the Osservatorio Astronomico della Regione Autonoma Valle d'Aosta, I will be involved principally in testing and comparing the various analytical methods applied to genomic data, using bioinformatics tools that are already present in the literature with the objective of providing a preliminary interpretation – from a biological viewpoint – of results generated by Machine Learning and Deep Learning models.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
a challenge and a new experience that represents the chance to make a contribution to the advancement of personalised medicine, leading to innovation in a field that could represent the future of diagnostics. In addition, it offers an opportunity to become more familiar with a region that I have been visiting for 20 years, and to help the development of local scientific research.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
the chance to develop at both personal and professional levels, endeavouring to surpass my limits and make a substantial contribution to something that can lead to positive results for the common good and for scientific progress.
My hobbies are… woodcarving, making mead, historical fencing, tabletop gaming and videogaming
The word that describes me best is… carefree
Something that is always part of my day is... music that gives me renewed energy
The objective that I would like to attain is… to feel a sense of achievement
My motto is... “Even if life is absurd, there are endless reasons for living it”
I am 27 years old and I come from... Aosta!
I studied... Industrial Biotechnology at the University of Turin
My role in the 5000genomi@VdA project:
I will be working on the construction of a tissue bank, a clinical database for oncological diseases and the medical interpretation of clinical and genomic data.
For me the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
a challenge not to be missed, an opportunity to learn and acquire new skills, and the chance to work on an ambitious, important project for the treatment of very serious human diseases whose causes and mechanisms are still obscure.
What I expect from the 5000genomi@VdA project:
The acquisition of new and fundamental expertise in the field of medical genetics and molecular biology, more specifically in the field of oncological diseases. On a more general level, I hope to develop, together with Prof. Cavalli’s team, a more extensive knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of certain types of tumours and to investigate new possible targeted and personalised therapies for patients.
My hobbies are... I love music, I am an active member of the Corps Philharmonique de Chatillon in which I have been playing the trumpet – an instrument that I studied at the Aosta Conservatory – since I was young. In addition to music, and of course science, I love the mountains and skiing.
The word that describes me best is... dynamic
Something that is always part of my day is... a smile!
The objective that I would like to attain is… to become a researcher and make an important scientific discovery
My motto is... “The higher you go, the further you see. The further you see, the longer you dream”
I am 27 years old and I come from... Vercelli!
I studied... Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Turin
My role in 5000genomi@VdA:
I develop algorithms for the bioinformatics analysis of big data in oncology. More specifically, I work with NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) data to describe the mutational landscape of different cancer types; by means of these analyses, we will be able to assign a personalised therapy to different patients with the same disease.
For me, the 5000genomi@VdA project is:
the prospects of precision medicine were the reason why I became interested in biotechnology many years ago. Being able to work with high-profile researchers is a constant source of inspiration for me today. In my opinion, the enormous potential of this project lies in the cross-cutting skill of the individuals involved in it.
What I expect from 5000genomi@VdA:
Precision medicine has already changed the way patients are treated, and I strongly believe it will continue to revolutionise our approach, from clinical care to biomedical research. This project will have a powerful impact on the future of healthcare in the Aosta Valley and I hope that we will also set an example for the other Italian regions.
My hobby is ... travelling “like a local”
The word that describes me best is… determination
Something that is always part of my day is... time for family and friends
The objective that I would like to achieve is… to surpass my limits, one at a time
My motto is ... “When the wise man is wrong, he smiles”
