University of Catania, Italy
B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry
Training in chemistry provided the foundation for studying molecular systems, biomolecular interactions, and the physical principles that govern biological membranes.
Academic path
From Catania to Helsinki to Heidelberg
My scientific journey through chemistry, physics, and biology, with a focus on lipid and protein–membrane interactions.
University of Helsinki, Finland
Ph.D. in Computational Biophysics
In the laboratory of Prof. Ilpo Vattulainen, I used molecular modeling and simulations to investigate interactions between biomacromolecules and lipid membranes.
Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, Germany
Postdoctoral Researcher
In the laboratory of Prof. Walter Nickel, I investigated the unconventional secretion mechanism of Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 by combining biochemical reconstitution experiments with computer simulations.
Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center, Germany
Independent Group Leader
Since July 2024
My group investigates the mechanisms of protein–membrane interactions across Scales