Biologist, malacologist. She specializes in the ecology, diversity, systematics, and taxonomy of Italian terrestrial molluscs and is particularly interested in urban biodiversity and citizen science to engage the public in scientific research. She has participated in citizen science events in collaboration with universities, museums, and environmental associations and has coordinated both local and national citizen science projects for urban biodiversity monitoring. She has contributed to European projects on soil biodiversity and regional studies for the monitoring of species of conservation concern. Actively involved in science communication, she is responsible for educational activities at the Natural History Museum of the Accademia dei Fisiocritici.
Research Areas
- Study of diversity patterns and ecology of terrestrial and freshwater malacofauna in both natural habitats (e.g., forest environments) and anthropized areas (e.g., urban environments).
- Research on the systematics, morphology, phylogeny, and biogeography of terrestrial and freshwater molluscs.
- Compilation of non-marine mollusc faunal checklists, with a particular focus on the introduction of alien species; specifically, cataloging and taxonomic and biogeographic assessment of alien molluscs found in the tropical greenhouses of Italian botanical gardens (XenoDOMuS project).
- Assessment and monitoring of terrestrial and freshwater mollusc taxa of particular ecological, biogeographical, and/or conservation concern, aiming at habitat and biodiversity protection and enhancement.
- Cross-taxon studies to evaluate interspecific relationships with the environment and other taxonomic groups within soil biodiversity.
- Environmental education and science communication on soil biodiversity.
- Design, management, and scientific coordination of citizen science projects to actively involve the public in scientific research, particularly focusing on less charismatic organism groups.