Dr. Manuela Mauro | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuela Mauro, University of Palermo, Italy

Dr. Manuela Mauro (b. May 19, 1990) is a researcher (RTT, BIO/05) at the University of Palermo, specializing in zoology and biodiversity conservation. With a Ph.D. in Mediterranean Biodiversity from the University of Palermo and the Polytechnic University of Valencia, she focuses on biodiversity monitoring, environmental DNA analysis, and aquatic ecosystem health. She has published 45 scientific papers, accumulating 515 citations with an h-index of 15. Dr. Mauro is an expert in marine invertebrates, bioactive molecules, and environmental stress responses, contributing to teaching, research, and conservation initiatives across academia and applied sciences. 🌊🔬📚

Professional Profile:

Scopus

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Suitability for Best Researcher Award 🏆🔬

Dr. Manuela Mauro is a highly suitable candidate for a Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional contributions to zoology, biodiversity conservation, and environmental monitoring. Her extensive research portfolio, academic excellence, and impact on marine conservation science make her a strong contender for this recognition.

Education & Experience 🎓👩‍🔬

Ph.D. in Mediterranean Biodiversity (Doctor Europaeus, Cum Laude) – Univ. of Palermo & Polytechnic Univ. of Valencia (2020) 🎓🔬
Researcher (RTT, BIO/05) – University of Palermo (2024–Present) 🏛️🔬
Researcher (RTDA, PON-GREEN) – Univ. of Palermo (2021–2024) 🌿🌊
National Scientific Qualification for Associate Professor (Zoology & Anthropology, 2023) 🏅📖
Master’s in Environmental Sciences – Univ. of Palermo (2014, 110/110 cum laude) 🌍🧪
Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences – Univ. of Palermo (2012, 110/110 cum laude) 🦋📘
Scientific High School Diploma (2008, Grade 100) 🏫📜

Professional Development 📚💡

Dr. Mauro has undergone extensive professional training, enhancing her expertise in environmental sciences, biodiversity, and zoology. She has completed courses in university teaching methodologies, statistics, and foreign languages (Spanish & English). Her international training includes advanced courses in marine ecosystem monitoring, underwater acoustics, and animal health in aquaculture at institutions such as the Polytechnic University of Valencia, University of Murcia, and University of Padua. She has also participated in summer schools and specialized workshops on marine biodiversity, environmental conservation, and laboratory safety. Her diverse training has strengthened her ability to address critical ecological challenges. 🌊📊🦠

Research Focus 🔬🌿

Dr. Mauro’s research is centered on marine biodiversity, conservation biology, and environmental monitoring. Her work focuses on evaluating the impact of human activities, including mining extraction in ocean depths, pollution, and habitat degradation, on aquatic ecosystems. She specializes in environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, marine invertebrate biology, and bioactive molecules. Her research contributes to biodiversity restoration efforts, including the reintroduction of native aquatic species. Additionally, she investigates the immune responses of aquatic organisms to environmental stressors, advancing knowledge in ecological resilience, conservation strategies, and sustainable aquaculture practices. 🌊🦑🧬

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

National Scientific Qualification for Associate Professor (Zoology & Anthropology, 2023) 🎓🏅
Doctor Europaeus Title for Ph.D. in Mediterranean Biodiversity (2020) 🌍📖
Ph.D. Cum Laude – University of Palermo & Polytechnic University of Valencia (2020) 🎖️🔬
Master’s Degree with 110/110 Cum Laude – University of Palermo (2014) 🏆🎓
Bachelor’s Degree with 110/110 Cum Laude – University of Palermo (2012) 📜🥇
Scientific High School Diploma with Grade 100 (2008) 🏫🌟

Publication Top Notes:

“Bioactive Molecules from the Invasive Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Exoskeleton: Evaluation of Reducing, Radical Scavenging, and Antitumor Activities” (2025) . 🦀🧪
“Bioactive Molecules from the Exoskeleton of Procambarus clarkii: Reducing Capacity, Radical Scavenger, and Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Activities” (2024) – 1 citation. 🦞🧫
“Effects of seismic water guns on the peristomial membrane of sea urchins (Arbacia lixula, Linnaeus 1758)” (2024) . 🌊🦔
“Physiological responses of Holothuria grisea during a wound healing event: An integrated approach combining tissue, cellular and humoral evidence” (2024) 🧬🐚
“Contamination Profiles of Selected Pollutants in Procambarus clarkii Non-Edible Portions Highlight Their Potential Exploitation Applications” (2024) – 3 citations. 🦐⚗️

Dr.Giuseppe Bagnato , Lancaster University , United Kingdom

Dr. Giuseppe Bagnato is a highly accomplished chemical engineer specializing in catalytic processes and sustainable technologies, particularly in the context of net-zero carbon initiatives. With a solid background in both academia and research, Dr. Bagnato has made significant contributions to the fields of chemical recycling, hydrogen storage, and biomass conversion. He currently holds a position as a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Lancaster University, where he combines teaching, research, and industry engagement.

Summary:

Dr. Giuseppe Bagnato is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions and achievements in the field of Chemical Engineering. His current role as a Lecturer at Lancaster University demonstrates his commitment to advancing net-zero carbon themes and his involvement in both teaching and cutting-edge research.

🎓Education:

In 2022, an individual pursued a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education at Teesside University in the UK, achieving an EQF Level 7 qualification. Prior to this, they completed a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University in the UK, between June 2016 and April 2020. Their doctoral research focused on the catalytic conversion of biomass into fuels and commodity chemicals, culminating in an EQF Level 8 qualification.

🔬Research Experience:

Between April and July 2023, an individual served as a Visiting Scholar at Ca’ Foscari Venice University, where their research centered on the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of bio-oil using mono- and bi-metallic catalysts. Prior to this, they were a Visiting Scholar at Heriot-Watt University from July to September 2022, focusing on novel materials for CO2 utilization. From August 2020 to October 2021, they worked as a Research Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, where their research covered areas such as reactive extractions, gas/liquid separations, and ionic liquids. Additionally, they held the position of Research Associate at Heriot-Watt University from February to July 2020, working on a project that involved the technical and economic assessment of biorefineries.

🏢Teaching Experience:

Since September 2022, this individual has been serving as a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at Lancaster University, where they teach modules on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies, as well as the Chemical Process Design Project. Before this, from October 2021 to September 2022, they were a Lecturer in Engineering at Teesside University, where they instructed students on Sustainability in Chemical Engineering and Environmental and Sustainable Processing. Prior to that, from September 2020 to October 2021, they were a Teaching Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, teaching modules on Chemical Plant Design and Heat and Mass Transfer.

Publication Top Notes:

“Stabilization of the Aqueous Phase Fraction of Pine Wood Bio-Oil Using Zirconia-Supported Fe/Cu/Pd Nano-Catalysts Under Mild Conditions”
“Chemical Recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate, an Industrial and Sustainable Opportunity for Northwest of England”
“Conceptual Evaluation of an Integrated CCU Technology Based on Na-Salts pH Swing Mineral Carbonation”
“Highly Selective Hydropyrolysis of Lignin Waste to Benzene, Toluene and Xylene in Presence of Zirconia Supported Iron Catalyst”
“Development of Ru-PEEK-WC Catalytic Membrane Using a More Sustainable Solvent for Stable Hydrogenation Reactions”