My academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and a master’s degree in Human Nutrition with a biomedical curriculum from the University of Pisa. Throughout my studies, I have approached the topic of nutrition from various angles, including physical and psychological health, environmental impact, and in the context food-related policies. 

During my master’s program, I completed an internship at the “Food Policy” office of the Municipality of Capannori in Tuscany (Italy). I was involved in the evolution process of the Plain of Food (“Piana del Cibo”), the first and still only intermunicipality food policy in Italy. This experience allowed me to engage directly in participatory processes, giving me insight into the dynamics of local food policies. 

In January 2024, I defended my thesis titled “Food Policies for Healthy and Sustainable Diets: A Mapping Exercise of the Food Environment in the Municipality of Capannori.” For this work, I received the award for Best Thesis on “Sustainable Nutrition” from the Commission for Sustainable Development (CoSA) – https://sostenibile.unipi.it/ -. 

My PhD research within the PAGE group investigates the sustainable transformation of food systems, with a particular focus on the food environment. Drawing on my background as a nutritionist, I aim to explore how food systems can be redesigned to promote healthier dietary choices and enhance overall community well-being. 

RESEARCH INTERESTS 

• Food security  
• Food policy 
• Health and nutrition 
• Food environment

CORE COMPETENCES 

• Participatory methods 
• Experience with multistakeholder and participatory research approaches 
• Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach  
• Experience with food education projects for children 

CURRENT PROJECT 

• FoodCLIC – integrated urban FOOD policies – developing sustainability Co-benefits, spatial Linkages, social Inclusion and sectoral Connections to transform food systems in city-regions 

See the list of all projects the group is involved in here