Education

After high school graduation I enrolled in Biological Science to pursue my bachelor of science (B.Sc.). They were four intense and formative years characterized by interesting courses such as physiology, developmental biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. After the accomplishment of the B.Sc. I felt the need to expand my studies with something new, but at the same time linked to my knowledge in the field of biology. I then enrolled in Biomolecular Chemistry to pursue my master of science (M.Sc.), still at the University of Catania. This was one of the best choices of my life, in fact, the two years of the M.Sc. allowed me to study the biological processes from a different point of view and strengthen my knowledge of chemistry.

In the Italian system, courses are graded with a maximum of 30 points. Students may be awarded 30/30 with honors for exemplary work beyond the course requirements. My average score at the end of the B.Sc. and M.Sc. were 27.53 and 28.99, respectively. I have earned both B.Sc. and M.Sc. with a maximum grade of 110/110 with honors.

Bachelor Science (BSc) in

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Earned on April 2006 with grade of 110/110 with Honors

BSc thesis: Two-dimensional analysis of protein content of the metabolic fraction of extracts of wheat

The accomplishment of the B.Sc. thesis under the supervision of Prof. Vito De Pinto is my first approach with the world of lab research. Finally I have been able to practice what I have been studying for. The main aim of this work was to identify the largest possible number of protein contained in a variety of wheat called Simeto. In order to achieve such goal I used the following techniques: one-dimensional SDS gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), isoelectric focusing (IEF), two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The time spent in the lab has prepared me in the best way to the next step in the laboratory which is the thesis regarding my M.Sc. in Biomolecular Chemistry.

Master Science (MSc) in

BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY

Earned on December 2008 with grade of 110/110 with Honors

MSc thesis: Study of effects of copper and ribose on oligomerization of amyloidogenic peptides and toxicity

The goal of my thesis was focused in understanding how sugars like ribose and presence of metals like copper could influence the conformation, aggregation and, toxicity of amyloid peptides Aβ25-35 and hA17-29 (human amylin). Furthermore, the possible protective effect against the cells of different molecules such as anti-RAGE antibody and L-carnosine was evaluated only in the case of Aβ25-35. The thesis was accomplished under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Vincenzo G. Nicoletti. Some experiments have been performed in cooperation with a group part of the Chemistry Department at the University of Catania.