Sandra Torriani

Sandra Torriani is a Full Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Verona, specializing in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Microbiology (AGRI-08/A). She serves on multiple academic committees including the Faculty Board of PhD in Smart Agrifood Sciences and the Biotechnology Teaching Committee.

Her research focuses on microbial ecology of food ecosystems, polyphasic and biotechnological characterization of strains for use as starters in the agri-food sector and as probiotics, food safety, horizontal gene transfer, biopreservation, and the impact of diet on the gut microbiome. She leads the Food Microbiology Laboratory which specializes in molecular studies of microorganisms related to food production and preservation.

Professor Torriani has been actively involved in numerous research projects from 2002 through 2025, with recent work focusing on genomic approaches to food microbiology, traceability of microorganisms in agro-food processes, and development of natural alternatives for disease control in vineyards.

She teaches several key courses including:

• Food Microbiology and Traceability of Microorganisms for the Master's degree in Agri-Food Biotechnology
• General Microbiology for the Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology
• Agricultural and Wine Microbiology for the Bachelor's degree in Viticultural and Oenological Science and Technology

Her academic contributions span teaching, research, and service to the department through committee work and academic governance.