Federica Calderaro
Tell us something about your background.
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Biotechnologies (University of Bari, Italy) and a Master’s Degree in Medical, Pharmaceutical and Veterinary Biotechnologies (University of Parma, Italy). During my studies I carried out an internship in the Department of Pharmacology at University of Parma that lasted one year, and I spent four months in the Department of Internal Medicine at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam.
Tell us a bit about your PhD project in OXYTRAIN and your research interests.
My project in OXYTRAIN: Knowledge-driven improvement of industrial applications of monooxygenase
By applied mechanistic studies, the understanding of the kinetics of oxidative enzymes during industrial applications like lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysis or raw material conversion will be improved.
My scientific interests
I’ve always been interested in Biotechnologies and their practical applications, especially in their potential use in improving green chemistry. In particular, Plant biomass is an abundant renewable resource that can be used to produce bioproducts and chemicals so I believe it’s really important to invest in such an innovative research field.
What do you expect from OXYTRAIN?
I expect to grow up from both a professional and personal point of view. The program is a perfect chance to gain more knowledge in such an interesting topic and to develop interdisciplinary skills. Nonetheless the chance to collaborate with many different ESRs involved in this project is a stimulus to learn more about different aspects of monooxygenases. I think Collaboration and communication between different research groups can make a big difference in solving the problems we may face.
What do you like to do in your free time, your hobbies, interests, what motivates you.
I like outdoor activities such as kayaking, running and swimming. I also like doing Yoga in my free time.
I’m a curious person, always trying to find out how something works and therefore I chose to do a PhD program. I’m highly motivated to find out more and satisfy my curiosity to learn about new research topics and challenges.