I am interested in the biology of insect reproduction, with a morpho-functional and biochemical approach, particularly sperm transfer/storage and the secretion of accessory reproductive glands. One of my lines of research concerns antimicrobial peptides related to animal reproduction. Graduated in Biology (1986), PhD (1990) and postdoctoral (1991) in Animal Biology at the University of Siena. Visiting scientist (1988-1992) at the Department of Human Genetics, State University, Leiden (NL). Assistant professor at University of Siena since 1991 (Comparative Anatomy and Cytology), I have been qualified as Associate Professor in Zoology (2014). Since 2012, I have been involved in the initial and ongoing training of secondary school science teachers (Active Training Internship, Special Qualification Programs, 24-CFU Training Program, and Training/Refresher Courses). Since 2023-24, I have been Director of the 60-CFU Training Program for initial teacher training, class A050 (Natural, Chemical, Biological Sciences) at the University of Siena. Since 2026, I have been a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Teaching Commission of the Italian Zoological Union, having previously served as a member of the same Commission since 2022. Since 2014, I have been the University of Siena's Representative for the National Plan for Scientific Degrees in Biology and Biotechnology and the Orientation Delegate (from 2022-23, Orientation and Tutoring) of the Department of Life Sciences.