Find Academic Supervisors

Andrea Pieroni is a Full Professor of Ethnobotany at the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Italy. He holds a doctorate from the University of Bonn and has held academic positions at the University of London and the University of Bradford. His research focuses on cultural adaptation processes, traditional foraging practices, and biocultural diversity, with particular emphasis on the Mediterranean, Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Greater Middle East. Professor Pieroni serves as Vice-President and former President of the International Society of Ethnobiology and is founder/Chief Editor of the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. He has led research projects addressing food security, wild plant usage, and ecological sustainability, such as UNISG’s DiGe and SASS initiatives. His work bridges ethnobotanical field studies with policy advocacy, emphasizing community-centered approaches to ecological transition. Educations: Ph.D., University of Bonn; Medical Botany training, University of Pisa Research Projects: BIOESSaNS, GLN, ETHCSTWIN Grants & Awards: Leadership roles in global ethnobiology organizations, editorial roles in peer-reviewed journals His recent articles (2024-2025) explore topics such as Romani knowledge systems, desert truffle ethnoecology, and the impact of overtourism on foraging traditions. Pieroni advocates integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern sustainability frameworks, particularly in food systems.

• Ethnobotany
• Food Cultural Heritage
• Ecology and Sustainability
• +3 more

Naji Sulaiman is an Assistant Professor of Environmental and Applied Botany at the University of Gastronomic Sciences (Pollenzo Campus, Italy). His research focuses on ethnobotanical studies in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern contexts, emphasizing traditional wild plant knowledge during crises and its role in food security, cultural heritage, and sustainable systems. He holds a PhD in Tropical Agrobiology from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, with earlier degrees in Agricultural Engineering (Latakia University, Syria) and a Master’s in Tropical Crop Management. Key research areas include plant use in wartime emergencies, biocultural heritage, and cross-cultural analysis of foraging practices. He has received the 2024 Italian Botanical Society Doctoral Award for his thesis on botany and environmental applications. Sulaiman serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, reviews for 15+ journals, and actively publishes on topics like desert truffle hunting, wild hops in breadmaking, and Romani local knowledge systems. His interdisciplinary work bridges ecology, anthropology, and food systems, with recent projects addressing overtourism’s impact on foraging traditions and the nexus between traditional practices and sustainability. Collaborations span multiple Eurasian regions, focusing on marginalized communities’ ecological knowledge preservation.

• Ethnobotany
• Food Security
• Biocultural Heritage
• +6 more

Renata SOUKAND is an Associate Professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, affiliated with the Department of Environmental Sciences, Computer Science and Statistics. She serves as DAIS Representative on the Scientific Area Library Council (BAS). Her research focuses on ethnobotany, exploring traditional plant use, cultural ecology, and biodiversity conservation across diverse regions, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. She teaches courses such as Biodiversity and Global Change, Biocultural Diversity, and Ethnobotany at the graduate and doctoral levels. Prof. SOUKAND’s work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding human-plant relationships, including studies on wild food plants, medicinal uses, and the impacts of globalization on traditional knowledge. She has published extensively in journals like Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine and PLoS ONE , and leads research projects funded by the European Research Council (ERC), such as 'Ethnobotany of Divided Generations in the Context of Centralization.' Her research spans multiple geographical areas, including Estonia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Italy, with a focus on marginalized communities and cultural heritage preservation. She collaborates globally and serves on editorial boards for key ethnobotanical journals.

• Ethnobotany
• Traditional Plant Use
• Cultural Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Gaetano Laghetti is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR) of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) in Bari. He has served as the curator of the CNR's Gene Bank in Bari since 2011 and as the Italian representative in the 'Solanaceae' working group since 2012. Since October 2013, he has been deputy director of IBBR and heads the CNR work order on 'Biodiversity for the sustainability of Mediterranean agricultural systems' since 2011. Dr. Laghetti's educational background includes: 1984: Degree in Agricultural Science (cum laude) from the University of Bari, Faculty of Agriculture 1986: Passed State Examination for qualification to practice as an agronomist 1987: Awarded international scholarship by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) His research focuses on the safeguarding of plant genetic resources , with particular emphasis on Mediterranean agricultural systems. Dr. Laghetti has conducted approximately 50 exploration and collecting missions across Italy and internationally, gathering over 5,000 plant accessions. His work encompasses germplasm characterization using agronomical, morphological and biochemical traits, statistical analysis of characterization data, and taxonomic studies to identify crop origins and wild ancestors. He has significant expertise in obtaining EU quality marks for local products and holds two plant patents. Dr. Laghetti's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on agrobiodiversity conservation , with particular attention to traditional Italian crop varieties, ethnobotanical knowledge, and the documentation of crop wild relatives. His research spans plant systematics, germplasm characterization, and the application of statistical methods to genetic resource data. He has made significant contributions to documenting ancient cereal varieties in Southern Italy and studying the biogeography of edible halophytes in the Apulia region. As an active member of the scientific community, Dr. Laghetti serves on the Editorial Board of the International Journal Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution and is a peer reviewer for multiple international journals in botany and biodiversity. He has coordinated four books and authored approximately 200 scientific papers. Dr. Laghetti has supervised academic work including a Research Doctorate, a Degree Thesis, and six scholarship recipients. He has served as the scientific responsible for six internal CNR projects and seven external projects, while collaborating on 21 additional research initiatives. His field work includes establishing and managing an experimental field for scientific trials since 2003. At the institutional level, Dr. Laghetti contributes to biodiversity conservation through his leadership roles at the CNR Gene Bank in Bari and his representation of Italy in international working groups focused on plant genetic resources.

• Plant Genetic Resources
• Plant Genetics
• Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation
• +3 more

Dr. Antonella Albano is a University Researcher in Systematic Botany (BIO/02) at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento. She holds a PhD in Biology and Plant Ecology from the University of Rome 'La Sapienza' and has been affiliated with the university since 2001. Expertise in plant systematics and conservation biology Teaches Plant Biodiversity and Conservation courses at undergraduate and master's levels Director of the University Botanical Garden (2013-2021) Co-founder and former vice-president of Ofride srl spin-off Research focus: Integrates plant taxonomy with environmental monitoring and conservation strategies, including in-situ/ex-situ preservation techniques and Mediterranean biodiversity hotspots. Active in developing guidelines for rare plant species conservation and habitat restoration. Facilities: Works at the Systematic Botany and Plant Ecology Laboratory and Ecotekne Center. Office hours available by appointment via telephone or email.

• Systematic botany
• Plant ecology
• Conservation of plant biodiversity
• +3 more

Nicola Cusumano is a Full Professor in the Department of Cultures and Society at the University of Palermo. His research focuses on ancient Greek and Sicilian history, religious practices, mythological interpretation, and the intersection of politics and culture in antiquity. He holds office hours on Tuesdays, emphasizing appointment scheduling for students. His work spans analysis of classical texts (e.g., Thucydides, Euripides) and archaeological evidence, with particular attention to Sicily's cultural landscape. Key themes include religious syncretism, ritual practices, political rhetoric, and the legacy of ancient Mediterranean civilizations. He has curated volumes on topics like memory and identity in antiquity, and his publications often bridge historiography, anthropology, and literary criticism. Recent articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches, examining votive offerings, democratic deliberation, and comparative mythological analysis. His scholarship underscores the relevance of ancient studies to contemporary discussions on ethics, cultural exchange, and historical memory.

• Ancient History
• Classical Archaeology
• Religious Studies
• +5 more

Dr. Alessandra Rossi is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Parma, specializing in drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical technology. Her research focuses on polymorphism of drugs, drug-excipient interactions, oral/nasal/pulmonary delivery systems, and nano/microparticle characterization. PhD in Pure and Applied Chemistry (University of Strathclyde, 1998) Erasmus/Socrates Research Fellowship (University of Gent, 1993-1994) Novartis Pharma AG Research Fellowship (Heriot-Watt University, 1998) Key research areas include: Development of oral hydrophilic matrices for controlled drug release Characterization of nasal and pulmonary delivery systems for targeted therapies Microencapsulation and agglomeration techniques for improved bioavailability Design of dry powder inhalers and heart-targeting nanoparticle systems Application of Quality by Design in pharmaceutical development Recent publications highlight her work in Acai oil-based organogels for topical cosmetics Microparticle systems for lung-targeted antioxidants Ligand-functionalized nanocarriers for liver cancer therapy Optimization of dry powder inhalation technologies Scientific awards and fellowships: Erasmus/Socrates Research Fellowship (1993-1994) Novartis Pharma AG Fellowship (1998)

• Polymorphism of drugs
• Drug-excipient interactions
• Oral controlled drug delivery matrices
• +3 more

Emanuele De Paoli is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Genetics at the University of Udine, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A). His academic career includes postdoctoral positions at the University of Delaware's Delaware Biotechnology Institute (2007-2010) and Istituto Agrario di San Michele all'Adige (2010-2011) before joining the University of Udine as a Researcher in 2011, where he has advanced to Associate Professor. Dr. De Paoli's research focuses on plant genomics and epigenomics, plant breeding and biotechnology, and bioinformatics. His work spans multiple plant species including grapevine, poplar, and various agricultural crops, with particular emphasis on understanding genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying stress responses, phenological development, and adaptation to changing environmental conditions. His laboratory investigates DNA methylation patterns, transposable element activity, and gene regulation networks that influence plant development and resilience. His publication record shows strong trends in climate change adaptation research, particularly regarding how rising temperatures affect grapevine phenology and dormancy cycles. He has developed significant expertise in advanced genomic techniques including ddRAD sequencing, methylome analysis, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. His work bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical agricultural applications, especially in developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Dr. De Paoli teaches graduate-level courses including Genetic Technologies for Plant Innovation and Plant Breeding in the Biotechnology and Agricultural Science Master's programs. He is an active member of the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics (SIGA) and maintains extensive research collaborations across Europe as evidenced by his numerous co-authored publications. His research has been supported through various academic and institutional channels, enabling his laboratory to pursue innovative approaches to plant genomics and breeding.

• Plant Genomics
• Epigenomics
• Plant Breeding
• +4 more

Stefano Negri is a Temporary Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Verona, affiliated with the School of Science and Engineering. He serves as a PNRR Researcher for the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Spoke 6, focusing on biodiversity preservation and applied plant sciences. His research emphasizes bioprospection of phytochemicals, plant metabolomics, metabolic engineering, and ethnobotanical studies. Research Projects : He leads a notable project on vanilla production via plant cell culture (started 2020). His work intersects with spin-off companies like Microbion S.r.l. and EDIVITE S.r.l., highlighting industry-academia collaboration. Teaching : He teaches the laboratory module "FISIOLOGIA [Gruppo 1]" within the Combined Bachelor's + Master's degree in Primary Teacher Education. His third mission activities include public engagement events and continuing education programs, such as VRgreen Week in Verona. Affiliations : Member of the Biotechnology Departmental Council and involved in governance committees like the Teaching Boards. He contributes to departmental initiatives, including IT support for the Science and Engineering area and the National Plan for Biology and Biotechnology (PLS).

• Bioprospection of bioactive phytochemicals
• Plant Metabolomics
• Metabolic Engineering
• +4 more

Antonio MARCOMINI is a Full Professor at the Ca' Foscari University of Venice , specializing in Environmental Chemistry and Cultural Heritage Conservation . He holds roles as Deputy-Rector for Territorial Relations, President of the Senatorial Commission for Non-European Relations, and heads the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics. His research focuses on environmental risk assessment, climate change impacts, and sustainable nanotechnology. Key projects include Horizon 2020 initiatives like SUNRISE and SUNSHINE. He has authored over 300 publications and received awards such as the 2022 Meadows&Feller Medal. Education: Graduated from the University of Padua, with postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto and ETH Zurich. Research Interests: Climate change adaptation, marine pollution, nanomaterials safety, and ecosystem resilience. His work bridges environmental science with policy, emphasizing risk governance and sustainable technologies. Recent Articles: Focus on shipping emissions' environmental impact, pharmaceutical residues, and nanotechnology risk assessment. Collaborations span global institutions, addressing challenges in coastal zones and cultural heritage preservation. Labs/Teams: Leads the Research Institute for Complexity Sicurezza and coordinates interdisciplinary projects involving international partners.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Climate Change
• Environmental Risk Assessment
• +3 more

Renato Tomei is an Associate Professor of English Language and Translation at the University for Foreigners of Perugia, Italy, within the Department of International Human and Social Sciences (SUSI). He teaches a range of courses in English for Specific Purposes (ESP), including English for Advertising, Business English, Diplomatic English, and Professional English, across multiple undergraduate programs such as International Communication, Advertising, and International Relations. His research expertise lies at the intersection of sociolinguistics, translation studies, and postcolonial cultural analysis. Key areas include World Englishes, creoles and pidgins, translanguaging in youth and migration contexts, Afro-Caribbean studies, and the linguistic impact of Jamaican English in Ethiopia. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Africa and Jamaica, exploring how language functions as a tool of resistance, identity, and cultural continuity. The recent trend in his publications reflects a deep engagement with themes of sacred space, mysticism (particularly Rastafari), reggae music as counter-narrative, and the translation of colonial and postcolonial landscapes. His work often bridges literary, linguistic, and cultural analysis, focusing on how language mediates historical memory and identity in postcolonial societies. He frequently publishes on translanguaging strategies, especially in multimodal and humanitarian contexts, emphasizing the need for flexible, context-sensitive approaches to communication. Selected Scientific Contributions: Author of Jamaican Speech Forms in Ethiopia (2015), Advertising Culture and Translation (2017) Co-author of Law, Language and Translation (2015), Description and Translation in the Caribbean (2016) Editor of multiple volumes including Translating Ethiopia , John Bradburne: Mystic, Poet and Martyr , and special issues on literary mysticism Translator of works on John Bradburne and Italian fashion Renato Tomei actively supervises academic projects and curates scholarly publications, though specific advisees are not listed. He has no mentioned grants or scientific awards in the provided text. He is also a social activist and musical performer under the stage name Ras Tewelde, reflecting his deep engagement with cultural and spiritual expression. He is based in Perugia, Italy, and receives students by appointment at the Palazzina Valitutti. His research continues to influence interdisciplinary discourse on language, translation, and postcolonial identity.

• English Language and Translation
• English for Specific Purposes (ESP)
• World Englishes
• +12 more

Salvatore Pasta is a permanent Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR-CNR) in Palermo, Italy. His work spans Conservation Biology , Landscape Dynamics , and Island Biogeography , focusing on Mediterranean ecosystems. With a PhD in Plant Biosystematics and Ecology from the University of Florence, he has published extensively on plant conservation, urban ecology, and palaeoecological studies. Education: PhD in Plant Biosystematics and Ecology (University of Florence, 1997) Master in Natural History Sciences (University of Palermo, 1993) Research Interests: Conservation strategies for endangered species like Zelkova and Calendula Urban ecosystem dynamics and citizen science applications Historical analysis of human-vegetation interactions in Sicily Fire regime impacts on Mediterranean vegetation Notable Contributions: Developed biotechnological protocols for Calendula maritima conservation Documented trait variability in Zelkova species Contributed to IUCN Mediterranean Islands Plant Specialist Group

• Conservation Biology
• Landscape Ecology
• Floristics
• +7 more

Nicola De Pisapia is a Researcher in the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Trento . His work adopts an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with neuroscientists, psychologists, art historians, and artists to study brain activity during creative processes and states of consciousness. Notable collaborations include the MART of Rovereto, integrating art and neuroscience to explore human cognition. Research Interests De Pisapia's research spans neuroscience , cognitive science , psychology , and art . He investigates the neural dynamics of creativity, mindfulness, and altered states of consciousness, often using virtual reality and neuroimaging to understand how technology and contemplative practices influence cognitive and emotional processes. Article Trends His publications reflect a focus on psychedelics , virtual reality , and mindfulness , with recent work on immersive environments for archaeological studies, AI-driven consciousness research, and the neural bases of artistic creativity. Keywords across his work include neuroscience , virtual reality , and clinical psychology , emphasizing interdisciplinary insights.

• Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Paolo Corvo serves as Associate Professor at Italy's University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo, where he teaches Travel Cultures and Social Change, Media and Visual Sociology of Food, and New Food and Restaurant Trends. His institutional roles include Member of the Ethics Committee and Delegate for the ERASMUS program, reflecting deep integration within UNISG's academic framework. Corvo's research centers on the sociological dimensions of food systems and tourism, with primary focus areas including Food and Society, Consumption Practices, Sustainable Tourism, and Quality of Life indicators. His work examines how pandemic disruptions reshaped domestic food consumption patterns while exploring enduring themes like ethnobotanical knowledge in Italian mountain communities and the cultural significance of food heritage. This interdisciplinary approach bridges sociology, anthropology, and policy development to address contemporary challenges in sustainable food systems. Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals three dominant trajectories: 1) Pandemic impacts on domestic kitchens and school meal systems, 2) Ethnobotanical studies of traditional food knowledge in marginalized Italian regions, and 3) Sustainable gastronomic tourism frameworks connecting cultural preservation with economic development. His research consistently applies Italian case studies to global sustainability challenges while emphasizing community-level resilience. Scientific Awards: No documented awards in provided materials Corvo leads multiple research initiatives including SASS (Sustainable Agri-Food System Strategies), BIOESSaNS (Biodiversity in Sacred Natural Sites), FOOD-DRUG-FREE (food safety technology), and EUNE-CPTRA (European Culinary Tourism Network). These projects demonstrate strong institutional support for his work on sustainable food systems, though specific grant amounts aren't disclosed. His teaching portfolio indicates active mentorship of undergraduate students in gastronomic sciences, though formal advisee relationships aren't itemized. His research operates through UNISG's specialized networks including the European Network for Culinary Tourism and collaborations with public/private entities focused on territorial development. Current projects like Nourishing School and ProEnGaT indicate growing emphasis on translating academic research into practical frameworks for sustainable food policy implementation.

• Food Sociology
• Sustainable Tourism
• Quality of Life
• +5 more

Prof. Piera DI MARZIO is a Researcher at the Department of Biosciences and Territory of the University of Molise. Her work focuses on plant biodiversity, conservation genetics, and ecological restoration, particularly in Mediterranean ecosystems. She has contributed significantly to understanding the genetic and morphological diversity of oak species (Quercus spp.) across Italy and Europe, with emphasis on their ecological and taxonomic implications. Her research integrates morphometric analyses, molecular studies, and field observations to address questions in phylogeography, conservation biology, and historical ecology. Notable projects include the documentation of alimurgic flora (food plants) and the development of databases for medicinal and edible plant species. She has also led studies on habitat conservation, particularly in Natura 2000 protected areas, focusing on semi-natural grasslands and forest ecosystems. Publications emphasize the application of quantitative methods to clarify taxonomic boundaries between oak species, assess genetic diversity, and monitor forest health in urban and Mediterranean environments. Her work frequently addresses the interplay between human activities and ecological systems, including the impact of historical land use changes and the potential of traditional knowledge in modern conservation strategies.

• Plant Morphology
• Conservation Biology
• Genetic Diversity of Oaks
• +4 more