معرفی
Santa Olga Cacciola is a Full Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Catania, Italy, with over 30 years of experience in plant pathology, molecular diagnostics, and sustainable disease management. She is internationally recognized for her expertise in Phytophthora diseases, citrus pathology, and bioremediation strategies using fungi and oomycetes. She has coordinated and participated in numerous EU and international projects, including PRIMA, PROMETEO, and COST Actions, and has served on editorial boards of leading journals such as Plant Disease, Plants (MDPI), and Journal of Fungi.
Education and Career:
- PhD in Plant Pathology – University of Bari
- Postdoctoral fellowships: University of Bern (Roche Foundation), Johns Hopkins University (NIH), and SCRI UK (OECD/OECE)
- Associate Professor – University of Palermo (1998–2008)
- Full Professor – University of Catania (2008–present)
- National Habilitation as Full Professor – ASN 2012 & 2013
Research Interests:
Her research spans plant pathology, molecular diagnostics, bioremediation, and biological control. Key areas include:
- Phytophthora and fungal diseases of citrus and Mediterranean crops
- Molecular phylogeny and diagnostics of plant pathogens
- Metagenomics of plant pathogens
- Colletotrichum anthracnose on olive
- Genetic variability of pathogen populations
- Bioremediation using filamentous fungi
- Plant-pathogen-antagonist molecular interactions
Scientific Awards and Recognitions:
- Fulbright Grant (2017–2018)
- VQR Evaluation: Score 1 (Excellent)
- Top Scientist Award – University of Catania (2005–2009)
- Research evaluation excellence – Italian National Agency
Advising and Grants:
She has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students and has served on doctoral committees across multiple universities. She has coordinated or participated in over 20 national and international projects, including PRIMA, PROMETEO, COST Actions, and Erasmus+.
Labs and Teams:
She leads a research group at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, and collaborates extensively with international institutions such as UC Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, USDA, and The James Hutton Institute.
