I am a PHD student at the Okeanos Institute, University of the Azores. I began my scientific studies in Italy where I graduated in Biology at the University of Rome "La Sapienza". I then joined the international master program "Erasmus Mindus Marine Biodiversity and Conservation" graduating with greatest distinction at the University of Ghent. I first moved to the Azores to prepare my master theses on seamounts ecosystems. Currently, my PHD work focuses on habitat-structuring deeps-sea cold-water corals, in particular on coral species considered ecologically important and vulnerable.

My research focuses on the description of biodiversity patterns of deep-sea communities both in space and time. In particular on how environmental heterogeneity, anthropogenic pressures and community-assembly processes influence the distribution of deep-sea organisms. One of the objectives of my work is to provide sound policy advice that can be of use to define marine conservation strategies that are essential to ensure healthy oceans both for present and future generations.