Agata Di Stefano

Agata Di Stefano is a Full Professor of Stratigraphic Geology and Sedimentology (GEO/02) at the University of Catania, where she has held academic positions since 2002. She currently serves as President of the Bachelor's Degree Course in Geological Sciences (L-34) and Head of the Marine Geology Laboratory. Her academic journey includes roles as PhD Coordinator for Earth and Environmental Sciences (2017-2023) and prior leadership in the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences’ Erasmus initiatives.

• PhD in Geological Evolution of Mediterranean-Type Orogens (1993)
• Professional Geologist certification (1990)
• University of Catania faculty member since 2002

Her research focuses on bio-chronostratigraphic analysis, paleoclimatic modeling, and coastal environmental protection, with emphasis on Mediterranean and oceanic Neogene-Quaternary sequences. She has contributed to international ocean drilling projects (ODP/IODP) and polar sediment studies (ANDRILL), while leading geological cartography under the CARG project.

Key projects include:

• National Coordinator, MIUR-PRIN 2022 'Timing of Early Pleistocene Climate Transitions'
• Scientific Director, Interreg V SIMIT_THARSY Tsunami Hazard Reduction System
• Lead Partner, Interreg VI SANDLAND coastal sediment protection

Awards:

• 2013 'Feature Article' in 'Ocean & Coastal Management'
• 1994 Young Researchers Award (Earth Sciences) from Gioenia Academy

As an educator, she teaches 'Stratigraphic Geology', 'Marine Geology', and 'Innovative Methods in Marine Geology', supervising over 88 theses across all academic levels. She serves on editorial boards for the Italian Journal of Geological Science and International Journal of Geoscience, and collaborates with institutions like CNR, INGV, and international universities.