International Trainings & Courses
Introduction to Forensic Acarology
University of Reading
Funded by the MSCA project "Natural Traces". Throughout the week, participants explored: 🔹 Mite biology, adaptations, and ecological diversity 🌿 🔹 Taxonomy and identification of forensically important mite groups 🔍 🔹 Sampling and processing biological evidence 🧪 🔹 Microscopy techniques for mite identification 🔬 🔹 Mites associated with humans, stored products, and decomposing remains 🕸️ 🔹 The role of mites and ticks in forensic investigations ⚖️ 🔹 Molecular approaches in acarology 🧬 🔹 Real forensic case studies and emerging applications of forensic acarology 📖 ✨ A major highlight of the workshop was the extensive practical training, where participants developed hands-on skills in specimen preparation, microscopy, and taxonomic identification. These sessions provided valuable experience in recognizing and interpreting trace biological evidence that can contribute to forensic investigations.
Introduction to Forensic Entomology and immature stages of forensically important insects
Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
Funded by the MSCA project "Natural Traces". This workshop combined theoretical knowledge with intensive hands-on training in "forensic entomology, insect identification, crime-scene temperature reconstruction, field sampling, forensic casework and scientific reporting". 🚔 The fieldwork, conducted with the involvement of the police department, provided practical experience with insect sampling and forensic evidence collection under realistic field conditions. 🪰 During the identification sessions, the DCs examined adult and immature stages of forensically important insects. 🔎 A key highlight was the real-world casework. DCs worked in groups on realistic forensic cases, analysed entomological and temperature data, interpreted evidence, and prepared professional forensic reports by applying their knowledge to challenges encountered in real forensic investigations. ⚖️ The workshop concluded with a mock trial, where the DCs presented and defended their findings in a simulated courtroom setting.
Interpreting Non-Human Molecular Trace Evidence
i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto
Funded by the MSCA project "Natural Traces". Throughout the workshop, we explored: 🔹 The foundations, methodologies, interpretation, and applications of non-human forensic genetics. 🔹 Exceptions, pitfalls, and challenges in the interpretation of molecular evidence. 🔹 DNA-based identification of non-human biological evidence and associated laboratory workflows. 🔹 Sequence analysis using bioinformatics tools, including Geneious, BLAST, and BOLD. 🔹 Sequence curation, quality control, alignment, phylogenetic inference, and database searches. 🔹 Biological sequence formats, metadata, databases, annotation, and retrieval. 🔹 An introduction to metagenomics and microbiome research. 🔹 Quality control and processing of raw sequencing data. 🔹 Microbial identification, classification, amplicon analysis, and microbial community profiling. 🔹 The interpretation and reporting of molecular data through real case studies. 🧬💻A major highlight of the workshop was the hands-on training, where participants applied molecular identification and sequence analysis workflows using bioinformatics tools and real forensic data. 🦠🔬The programme also introduced participants to biological sequence databases and metagenomic data analysis, covering data quality control, sequence interpretation, microbial identification, and community profiling.
Summer Schools
Climate-Friendly Agricultural Practices
Slovenian Forestry Institute· Murska Sobota, Slovenia
- Scholarship funded by the European project LIFE IP CARE4CLIMATE.
- Studied organic farming, greenhouse-gas reduction and plant & soil health strategies.
- Field visits to Rakičan, Farm Cigut and the Climate Farm Demo project.
- Presented a group project on converting conventional farms to organic systems.
Plant Health in the Wake of AI
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences / UNITUS / ELLS· Pieve Tesino, Italy
- Explored plant resistance breeding, plant protection and bioinformatics for disease diagnostics.
- Presented a case study on organic breeding of carrots resistant to Alternaria dauci.
- Knowledge exchange on AI applications in plant health with experts and peers.
- Field visits to NaturGresta and Bio Beltrami farms.
Conferences & Events
Field Trip to University of Wageningen, Netherlands
May 2024Organized by University of Tuscia, Italy
Where the work has taken me.
A geography of study, research and training conducted by me in different countries.
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Each point marks a place where I have studied, researched or trained across different countries and continents.