Radiana COZZA

Radiana COZZA is an Associate Professor of General Botany (BIO/01) at the Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences (DiBEST), University of Calabria, Italy. She has been a faculty member since 2006, following a full-time researcher role from 1992 to 2006. She teaches courses such as Plant Biology, Biotechnologies for Environmental Management, and Marine Botany at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She also contributes to teacher training programs in Natural Sciences.

Her research focuses on molecular and epigenetic mechanisms in metal-tolerant algae, coastal marine monitoring using multiscale approaches (gene expression, biochemical, and morphological analyses), phytoplankton community characterization with classical and molecular techniques, and bioprospecting for functional foods and bioactive molecules from algae and xerophytic plants. She employs advanced methodologies including PCR, FISH, immuno-cytochemistry, and omics approaches.

Her recent publications highlight trends in algal stress responses, DNA methylation, toxic diatom detection, and sustainable food production from microalgae. These works span disciplines such as environmental botany, marine biotechnology, molecular ecology, and ecotoxicology, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary focus on plant and algal responses to environmental stressors.

• Zanichelli Editore Award 2012 for best scientific contribution in Environmental Botany at the 107th Congress of the Italian Botanical Society

She has supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, serving as thesis supervisor for multiple PhD cycles in Plant Science and Life Sciences. She leads or participates in significant research projects such as DIRCA, PRoDIA, DEMETRA, and MUSMAP, often as local principal investigator or scientific referent. Her grants focus on coastal monitoring, food safety, and environmental protection.

Radiana COZZA is a key member of the Plant Biology Laboratory (BioVeLab) and the 'Biologia Vegetale' research group at DiBEST. She also contributes to public engagement through Researchers' Night, school orientation, and scientific dissemination initiatives under the PLS (Piano Lauree Scientifiche) program.