Dr. Melania Ruggiero | Neuroinflammation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Melania Ruggiero is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, specializing in neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. She earned her Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology from the University of Salento in 2020, followed by a PhD in Functional and Applied Genomics and Proteomics from the University of Bari Aldo Moro in 2024. Throughout her academic journey, she has attended specialized training in neuroscience and advanced fluorescence microscopy. Her research focuses on exploring bioactive compounds for neuroprotection, reprogramming astrocytes into neurons, and mitigating neuroinflammatory processes. She has contributed extensively to scientific literature, authoring multiple publications in high-impact journals, and currently serves as a reviewer for journals such as the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Cells. Dr. Ruggiero actively collaborates with national and international research groups, contributing to innovative approaches in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Melania Ruggiero’s academic journey began with her Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology and Nanobiotechnology at the University of Salento (2020), where she gained a strong foundation in molecular biology, biotechnology, and nanomedicine. She subsequently pursued a PhD in Functional and Applied Genomics and Proteomics at the University of Bari Aldo Moro (2024), during which she engaged in extensive research focused on neurodegenerative disorders. Her doctoral studies were enriched by attending specialized courses, including the “Cellular, Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience” school and the “Fluomicro@ICGEB-ICGEB Practical Course of Fluorescence Microscopy and High Throughput Imaging.” These programs equipped her with advanced skills in cellular neuroscience, imaging, and data analysis. Her academic training provided a strong interdisciplinary foundation that bridges biotechnology, neuroscience, and clinical research, supporting her ongoing contributions to innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Ruggiero’s professional experience encompasses advanced academic research and international collaboration. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, she actively investigates neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and potential therapeutic interventions. Her research has led to seven completed and five ongoing research projects. Dr. Ruggiero’s expertise includes the study of bioactive compounds for neuroprotection, demonstrating their ability to reduce neuroinflammatory processes and promote astrocyte reprogramming. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and is actively involved in peer-review activities for journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Cells. Her collaborative network extends across various esteemed institutions, including universities in Italy and Saudi Arabia. Dr. Ruggiero’s experience reflects a commitment to cutting-edge neuroscience research, fostering translational approaches to combat neurodegenerative disorders.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not listed, Dr. Ruggiero’s scholarly contributions demonstrate substantial recognition in the scientific community. Her numerous publications in internationally indexed journals, with a current h-index of 6, signify her growing influence and impact in the field of neuroscience. Serving as a peer reviewer for prestigious journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences and Cells highlights her standing as a respected expert. Additionally, her collaborations with multiple international institutions reflect her role as a valued scientific partner in global research networks. Her research findings, particularly on the neuroprotective roles of bioactive compounds and astrocyte reprogramming, position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, acknowledging her innovative contributions to neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ruggiero’s research centers on neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic agents. Her innovative work has demonstrated that compounds such as resveratrol, vitamin C, irisin, and lactoferrin can reduce astrogliosis and microgliosis, mitigating neuroinflammatory responses that underlie neurodegeneration. Significantly, she has pioneered findings showing that lactoferrin not only attenuates astrocyte reactivity but also reprograms astrocytes into neuronal precursor cells, promoting neurogenesis and counteracting neuronal loss. This groundbreaking research contributes to developing safer, more effective therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, minimizing side effects compared to conventional treatments. Her work integrates cellular biology, molecular neuroscience, and translational medicine, advancing novel therapeutic strategies for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Her collaborations across national and international institutions further enhance the multidisciplinary nature and clinical relevance of her research.

✅ Conclusion