Sara Merlo
Tell us about yourself: what is your educational and academic background?
I graduated in Biological Sciences at the University of “Roma Tre” in 2002 and obtained a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of “Tor Vergata” (Rome), in 2006. I continued my career as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Piemonte Orientale (Novara) and at the University of Catania, working in the field of neuropharmacology. During these years I have actively participated in a multidisciplinary network of national and international collaborations, taking part in several research projects funded by MIUR and by private institutions/companies. In 2008, I was a Visiting Scientist at the University of Saint Louis, School of Medicine in Missouri, USA. In 2012, I was awarded the “Premio Farmindustria” for pharmacological research (for the publication: “Distinct effects of pramipexole on the proliferation of adult mouse sub-ventricular zone-derived cells and the appearance of a neuronal phenotype”. Merlo S, Canonico PL, Sortino MA. Neuropharmacology. 2011, 60:892-900). Dissemination of my work has been an important part of my activity, as I have attended several conventions as a speaker and poster presenter and I have been involved in the organization of local “monothematic conferences”, as a member of the Italian Society of Pharmacology. During my post-doctoral years, I had the opportunity to interact with students and young scientists visiting from abroad and to co-tutor several graduate and PhD students. Thanks to the multidisciplinary approach characterizing my research, I obtained the Italian national scientific qualification as associate professor in five different scientific disciplinary sectors. Currently, I am an assistant professor (RTDb) in Pharmacology (BIO/14) in the Department of Drug and Health Sciences of the University of Catania.
Can you briefly introduce your research?
My main area of research has been focused on the identification of new pharmacological targets of therapeutical interest for neurodegenerative conditions, using in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo models. In particular, I have dedicated my efforts to the field of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), especially focusing on the neuroinflammatory aspects of this condition, identifying intracellular mediators that can be modulated by pharmacological intervention. In this context, particular attention has also been given to the interplay among different cell types of the central nervous system.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
The main challenge in my activity is the set-up of the correct and most rigorous conditions for the in vitro and in vivo modeling of human diseases. This is an essential step to obtain reproducible and significant results, leading to the discoveries that will ultimately advance our knowledge in pharmacology.
What are the most "intriguing" and fulfilling aspects of your research?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my research is publishing the results in peer-reviewed journals, making them available for the scientific community. Each completed project represents an opportunity to help push forward pharmacology, with the final goal to promote translational developments that will positively impact public health.
THAT'S ME in few words! What are your outside hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, better yet if travelling together. I love hiking all year long. When home, I enjoy gardening, art crafting and reading.