Vittoria Mallia

Research interests

Identification of compounds with endocrine disrupting activity in the cyanobacteria genera Microcystis and Planktothrix. Cyanobacteria, especially known as hepatotoxins producers, are investigated with a multidisciplinary approach, including chemical and biochemical methodologies: cultivation, cell-based assays, instrumental analyses (LC/MS, NMR), isolation/purification. The aim is to trace the measured bioactivity to specific compounds in the cultures’ extracts.

Background

Bachelor degree in Collaborator Restorer and bachelor degree in Chemistry, both from the University of Perugia (Italy). Master degree in Organic Chemistry (Drug Discovery field, Chemoinformatics tools, in silico thesis’ work) from the University of Perugia. Internship at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France), about quantification and removal of organic pollutants (drugs) from water and soil. Vittoria is currently undertaking a PhD entitled “Endocrine Disrupting compounds in Cyanobacteria”; she’s based at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute of Oslo (Norway) and University of Oslo. The project is part of the PROTECTED (Protection against Endocrine Disruptors) Innovative Training Network (Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN), where Vittoria is involved as Early Stage Researcher.