Email: c.eck@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: The Maritime Spaces in a Globalized World: Economics and Environment  

Tutor: Giulio Mellinato  

Short Description:  

My research focuses on the intersection of ecology and social sciences, especially the role people play in the social-ecological systems of coastlines and marine areas. I’m particularly interested in the management of marine resources and marine protected areas. Besides research, I have a deep passion for music.

Email: m.facchinelli@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: Extraction of Natural Polymers and Chemicals from Marine Sources  

Tutor: Athanassia Athanassiou  

Short Description:  

I studied Marine Sciences at the University of MilanoBicocca and have a strong interest in corals, particularly coral diseases and zooxanthellae cultures. My passion has taken me around the world, from the Maldives to Hawaii, where I completed my master’s thesis. I am currently developing biodegradable materials for underwater delivery systems in the Smart Materials group at the Italian Institute of Technology in Genova. My favorite hobby is scuba diving.

Email: e.gabrielli1@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: Restoration of Native Oyster Beds (Ostrea edulis) in the Gulf of La Spezia  

Tutor: Davide Seveso  

Short Description:  

I'm a marine biologist with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Florence and a master's degree in Marine Sciences from the University of Milano-Bicocca. I am currently working on my PhD in collaboration with the ENEA Research Centre and the University of Milano-Bicocca. I am studying the physiological and morphological responses of native oysters in the Gulf of La Spezia in order to help them recover and restore their habitat. Some of my non-academic interests include fantasy novels, Japanese manga, cinema, travelling and scuba diving.

Email: f.hemmateenejad@campus.unimib.it   

Thesis Title: The Application of 3D Photogrammetry and Geospatial Modelling Techniques for ColdSeeps Habitat Classification in the Arctic Ocean  

Tutor: Alessandra Savini  

Short Description:  

I am a marine geologist with a BSc in Geology from Shiraz University (Iran) and an MSc in Marine Sciences from the University of Milano Bicocca. I have developed expertise in ROV video analysis through various research fellowships. My PhD focuses on using advanced technology to classify Arctic Ocean cold seep habitats. I’m passionate about understanding marine environments through geospatial and video data analysis.

Email: l.marino27@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: Geospatial Modeling for Evaluating Restoration Suitability of Marine Ecosystems of the Mediterranean Seas and Tropical Regions  

Tutor: Alessandra Savini  

Short Description:  

I’m Luca, a PhD student in the Marine Science, Technology, and Management program. With a Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences and a Master’s in Marine Sciences from the University of Milano Bicocca, my PhD research focuses on geospatial modeling and object-based image analysis for marine restoration projects. In my free time I enjoy playing my guitar and going for free diving and scuba diving whenever I get the chance!

Email: r.nicolai1@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: Investigating the Molecular Diversity and Chemical Adaptations of MangroveAssociated Algae from the Republic of the Maldives  

Tutor: Paolo Galli  

Short Description:  

With a Master’s in Ecology from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand), I have worked in the field of algal cultivation for commercial purposes. My PhD focuses on the molecular diversity and physiological adaptations of benthic algae in Maldivian mangroves, particularly those related to osmolytes and UV protecting molecules. My work has potential commercial applications.

Email: g.senna@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: IdentiFISH: Tools for Characterization of Mangrove Fish Communities  

Tutor: Davide Seveso  

Short Description:  

I am a marine biologist who graduated from the University of Groningen, Netherlands. Previously, I worked on metabolomics of freshwater fish and the physiology of sea slugs. My PhD focuses on using new DNA technologies for extracting and sequencing eDNA from water samples in tropical mangrove habitats.

Email: g.sinesi@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: Synthesis of New Materials for Sustainable Cosmetics  

Tutor: Miriam Colombo  

Short Description:  

I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Insubria. My PhD research involves developing sustainable materials for cosmetics. Outside of my academic life, I’m passionate about makeup, reading, sports (including running, gym, and freediving), and volunteering with Apwoyo ONLUS and Amnesty International.

Email: d.yesuraj@campus.unimib.it  

Thesis Title: Exploring the Cosmeceutical Potential of Native Seaweeds from the Arabian Gulf: Formulation and Evaluation of Seaweed Extracts in Skincare Products  

Tutor: Paolo Galli  

Short Description:  

I’m Daina Yesuraj, a lecturer at the University of Dubai with a Master’s in Biology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics. My expertise lies in seaweed technology and molecular biology, which I integrate into my teaching and research. I enjoy singing, dancing, and taking care of pets in my free time.

Email: a.becchi1@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Towards Marine Sustainability in Luxury Packaging and Textiles: Insights into Polymer Photodegradation by Advanced Mass Spectrometry Techniques

Tutor: Marina Lasagni

Short Description:

I graduated with a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Milano-Bicocca. My research focuses on the sustainability of luxury packaging using advanced mass spectrometry techniques to study polymer photodegradation. In my free time, I enjoy sports, photography, and travel to explore new cultures and nature.

Email: c.bises@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Effects of Coral Diseases on the Performance of Large-Scale Coral Restoration Projects

Tutor: Simone Montano

Short Description:

After earning my bachelor’s degree in Biology, I discovered a deep passion for marine life and a true love for corals, the foundation of one of the most amazing ecosystems. To further this passion, I earned my MSc from the University of Milano-Bicocca and began pursuing a PhD in Marine Sciences, Technologies, and Management. My research focuses on studying coral diseases in the Maldives, with a particular emphasis on coral tumors.

All my passion for underwater life wouldn’t be the same without scuba diving. As a dive guide, I strive to help people discover their own connection to the ocean, just as I have found mine.

Email: c.canella@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: The Legal Basis for Representative Networks of Marine Protected Areas and the Implementation of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures in the Maldives and the Wider Indian Ocean Region

Tutor: Ilaria Tani

Short Description:

As a graduate in Marine Sciences with expertise in International Law of the Sea and marine policies, complemented by a Bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences, I am well-prepared to address multidisciplinary challenges. My diverse background cultivates critical thinking and fuels my passion for exploring innovative marine conservation, sustainable exploitation of natural resources, and climate-smart measures. I enjoy deepening my knowledge of Indigenous Traditions, foraging for wild berries and herbs in the forest, and practicing Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga.

Email: f.cerri@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Ocean Bioprospecting: Exploring the Pharmaceutical Potential of Tropical Marine Organisms

Tutor: Paolo Galli

Short Description:

I obtained my Master’s degree in Biology at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Starting with my thesis project, I worked in the field of marine bioprospecting, which is now my research field. My PhD project focuses on the bioprospecting of mangroves, assessing their phytochemistry and potential therapeutic uses, with the aim of finding new promising drug candidates from these natural sources. Moreover, my research studies the mangrove ecosystems in the Maldives, assessing the habitats and identifying the species.

I enjoy doing research, working in the field, teaching, and supervising students. These are the reasons I started the PhD programme in Marine Sciences, Technology, and Management. The subject of my work, mangroves, allows me to enjoy my two passions: plants and the sea!

Email: g.corigliano2@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Bioinspired robots for marine biodiversity

Tutor: Athanassia Athanassiou

Short Description:

I graduated in Biomedical Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano University and I’m currently a PhD student at the University of Milan-Bicocca and the Italian Institute of Technology in Marine Sciences. I am working on intelligent materials for coral restoration and soft underwater robotics.

In my free time I enjoy being outdoors and doing sports.

Email: b.desantes@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Search of Natural Alternatives for the Development of Solid and Semisolid Cosmetic Formulations

Tutor: Miriam Colombo

Short Description:

I graduated in Biology in the University of Milano-Bicocca. I have expertise in drug-delivery nanoformulations and I am currently a PhD student in a sustainable cosmetics project funded by the European Union (MUSA), focused on researching new natural molecules and developing solid and semisolid formulations.

Email: a.delgreco1@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Making Luxury Sustainable: An Exploration of Consumers’ Needs, Perceptions and Behaviours

Tutor: Maria Grazia Strepparava

Short Description:

I am a psychologist with a specialization in sustainability. I am particularly interested in behavioral economics, nudges, and communication. Currently, I am a PhD student at the University of Milano-Bicocca. My research is mainly about luxury and consumer behavior, with the specific aim of exploring how to make sustainable luxury products accepted and valued by consumers.

My other interests include human-animal interactions and veterinarians’ well-being.

Email: m.fanto1@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Invasive Alien Species from a Sociocultural Perspective: Ethnographic Research on Human-Animal Interactions in the Mediterranean Area

Tutor: Marcella Schmidt di Friedberg

Short Description:

I graduated in Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (MA) at the University of Milano-Bicocca, after completing a BA in Intercultural Communication (with a focus on Arabic cultures and language) at the same university. My main research interests are human-animal studies and ethnographic methods. I also investigate thanatopolitics in relation to animal species eradication projects, biological invasions, and companion animals. My ethnographic and historical research explores the cultural, social, and political implications of the spread of an alien invasive marine species in the Kerkennah Islands, Tunisia.

Email: g.ferrari63@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Effects of Plastic Pollution on Sea Microfauna and Corals

Tutor: Athanassia Athanassiou

Short Description:

I have a bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and a master’s degree in Marine Sciences, both obtained at the University of Milano-Bicocca. I did my master thesis about coral diseases at Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean.

Email: a.madaschi1@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Merging Thermal and Chemical Preconditioning as a Possible Technique to Enhance Coral’s Thermal Tolerance Against Coral Bleaching

Tutor: Davide Seveso

Short Description:

I have a Master’s in Marine Science and a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from the University of Milano-Bicocca. My research focuses on the cellular response of corals to coral bleaching and investigates preconditioning as a potential bleaching mitigation technique in tropical stony corals, in collaboration with the MaRHE research center and Acquario di Genova. In my free time, I enjoy rolling for initiative.

Email: a.mazumdar@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Ecological assessment of mangrove stands in al-zorah protected area United Arab Emirates

Tutor: Marina Lasagni

Short Description:

I am a PhD student working on the ecological assessment of mangrove stands in the Al Zorah protected area, UAE. I obtained my MSc in Marine Science from UNIMIB. I am particularly interested in ocean chemistry and am currently working on analyzing pigments, metabolites, and other bio-volatiles within marine organisms such as mangroves, algae, and coral. I use advanced chemistry techniques like GC-MS and HPLC. My main hobby is music, and I enjoy playing the guitar.

Email: c.rinaldi6@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Advanced Sustainable Materials to Protect and Heal Reefs from Coral Bleaching Events

Tutor: Despina Fraguli

Short Description:

After earning my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, I continued my studies in Marine Sciences, conducting my thesis research in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. I am now working at the Italian Institute of Technology on the project Advanced Sustainable Materials to Protect and Heal Reefs from Coral Bleaching Events. Sporty and passionate about communication, I divide my life between the laboratory, aerial silk, climbing, and scientific dissemination.

Email: a.rota58@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Using Marine Environmental DNA for Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation Planning

Tutor: Andrea Galimberti

Short Description:

After graduating in Experimental and Applied Biology at the University of Pavia, where my interest in genetics first started, I decided to specialize in molecular ecology. My current research focuses on studying marine megafauna using non-invasive molecular tools for conservation purposes. During my academic formation, the many experiences abroad were pivotal in developing a multidisciplinary mindset and approach for smarter conservation-headed research.

Outside the lab, I enjoy diving, surfing, hiking, and climbing.

Email: federica.siena@unimib.it

Thesis Title: Outreach and Citizen Science for Marine Conservation and Restoration

Tutor: Simone Montano

Short Description:

As a PhD student in the Marine Sciences, Technologies, and Management course at the University of Milano-Bicocca, I am deeply interested in collaborating with citizens to protect and restore marine ecosystems. My primary focus is on using ocean literacy and citizen science as tools to promote positive conservation behaviors and restoration practices across oceans and communities. I am currently working on two incredible projects: Map the Giants and Playing with Corals. The first project aims to locate, study, and protect the largest and oldest coral colonies on the planet, while the second uses football as a tool to engage with young Maldivians and foster marine conservation principles.

I earned my MSc from the University of Milano-Bicocca after spending several years in the tourism industry, working on dissemination, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. I am also a passionate diver and diving instructor, dedicating as much time as possible to teaching and engaging with people about ocean creatures, particularly my beloved corals.

Email: f.spena2@campus.unimib.it

Thesis Title: Search for Novel Sustainable Materials from Marine Sources for Replacing Synthetic Substances in Cosmetics

Tutor: Miriam Colombo

Short Description:

Graduated in Biology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, currently a second-year PhD student in Marine Sciences, Technologies, and Management. My research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic evaluation of polymeric nanoparticles, extraction of molecules from plant sources, and the synthesis and characterization of green microparticles for cosmetic use. I am also developing sustainable formulations for cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions.