Name

Francesco Aloi

Passport photo

Phone:

+39 3404528375

E-mail:

francesco.aloi@unipa.it

Sede:

Department of Agriculture, Food, Forest and Environmental Science (SAAF) of the University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, Building 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy.

Profile

Francesco Aloi studied at the University of Catania (Italy) where in 2016 he graduated in Environmental Sciences with a score of 110/110 cum laude. Experimental thesis in Plant Pathology. Supervisor: Prof. Cacciola Santa Olga; co-supervisor: Dott. Sciandrello Saverio.

-       2016 April - 2017 February, Grant holder at the Di3A of the University of Catania (Italy). Supervisor: Prof. S. O. Cacciola

-       (2017 May – 2017 October, Grant holder at the Department of Agriculture, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria (Italy). Supervisor: Prof. G. Magnano di San Lio

-       02/04/2017 - 14/04/2017; 10-06-2017 - 24-04-2017, COST Action FP1406 Pine pitch canker - Strategies for management of Gibberella circinata in greenhouses and forests (‘’PINESTRENGTH’’) at the ANSES - Laboratoire de la Santé des Végétaux / Plant Health Laboratory - Unité de Mycologie / mycology unit – Nancy (Francia). Supervisor: Dr. R. Ioos

In 2017 he was awarded with a 3 years PhD scholarship funded by Palermo University.

Research activity and Publications

His research concerns fungal disease of plants from nurseries, agriculture crops and natural environments, with specific reference to those caused by oomycetes belonging to Phytophthora genus.

A. Pane, S.O. Cacciola, G. Granata, I. Puglisi, M. Evoli, F. Aloi, F. La Spada (2017). First Report of Root and Basal Stem Rot Caused by Phytophthora cryptogea and P. inundata on Dwarf Banana (Musa acuminata) in Italy. Plant Disease.

S.O. Cacciola, F. Aloi, M.V. Tri, T. Jung, L. Schena (2017).Phytophthora prodigiosa Cacciola & M.V. Tri, sp. nov. PERSOONIA Fungal Planet description sheets: 558–624, Molecular Phylogeny and Evolution of Fungi, 38 (June), 240-384. 
https://doi.org/10.3767/003158517X698941

A. Pane, G. Granata, S.O. Cacciola, I. Puglisi, M. Evoli, F. Aloi, F. La Spada (2017). 
First Report of Root Rot of White Mulberry Caused by Simultaneous Infections of Phytophthora megasperma and P. multivora in Italy. Plant Disease, 101 (1), 260.

C. Rizza, S. Scibetta, A. Pane, F. Maetzke, D. S. La Mela Veca, S. Cullotta, G. Granata, F. La Spada, F. Aloi, R. Faedda, S.O. Cacciola (2016). A new approach in the monitoring of the phytosanitary conditions of forests: the case of oak and beech stands in the Sicilian Regional Parks. Italian Journal of Mycology, 45(1), 29-46.

I. Puglisi, F. Aloi, F. La Spada, M. Evoli, A. Pane, G. Di Miceli, L. Schena, G. Magnano di San Lio, S.O. Cacciola (2016). A decline of lentil (Lens culinaris) crops in the Ustica island caused by Phytophthora species. Journal of Plant Pathology, 98, N° 4sup, 88.

I. Puglisi, F. Aloi, F. La Spada, A. De Patrizio, D. Ruano-Rosa, A. Pane, G.E. Agosteo, L. Schena, M. Horta, T. Jung, S.O. Cacciola. (2016) Widespread occurrence of Phytophthora multivora in eastern Sicily. Journal of Plant Pathology, 98, N° 4sup, 89.

T. Jung, S.O. Cacciola, F. La Spada, M. Evoli, F. Aloi, G. Magnano di San Lio, B. Scanu, M. Horta Jung, R. Faedda, C. Rizza, I. Puglisi, L. Schena, A. Pane. Diversity and distribution of Phytophthora species in Sicilian Protected Natural Areas. Diversity and Distributions, in press.

Supervisor (s)

Prof. Santa Olga Cacciola, associate Professor in Plant Pathology, University of Catania

Thesis title/topic

“Characterization of fungal species belonging to families of Botryosphaeriaceae and Mycosphaerellaceae, associated with declining Citrus in southern Italy and development of molecular methods for the diagnosis”.

Aims:

-     Identification and characterization of fungal species belonging to Botryosphaeriaceae family associated with diseases of citrus in southern Italy.

-     Identification and characterization of fungal species belonging to Mycosphaerellaceae family associated with leaf diseases of citrus (i.e.: greasy spot) in southern Italy.

-     Pathogenicity and biological activity of Botryosphaeriaceae and Mycosphaerellaceae.

-     Development of rapid and reliable molecular methods for the diagnosis of emerging and quarantine phytopathogenic fungi.

Expertise

Classical and molecular methods for detection, isolation and identification of Phytophthora and Pythium spp. from plant tissues, soil and water. Preparation of agar media; Isolation procedures of oomycetes; DNA extraction of fungal organisms.

Amplification of specific regions of fungal genomic DNA by using PCR techniques.

International Mobility

Name

JUBINA BENNY

Passport photo

Phone:

+39-3283225618

E-mail:

jubina.benny@unipa.it

Sede:

XXXIII

Profile

(max 10 lines)

Jubina studied at the University of Kerala, India. In 2011 she got her bachelor’s in Computer Science and in 2013 completed her Master’s in Computer Science. She was also awarded with Master’s of Philosophy in Bioinformatics.

She was working as a bioinformatics analyst in Agrigenome Labs Pvt. Ltd., India till October 2017.

In 2017, she was awarded with a 3 years PhD scholarship funded by Palermo University.

Research activity (max 3 lines) and Publications

Shed lights into the molecular key genes responsible for abiotic stress responses in tree fruit crops. The aim of the study was to reveal the key genes, gene sets and gene networks involved in different developmental stages of fruit tree crops through bioinformatics methodology and systems biology approach.

Supervisor (s)

Prof. Tiziano Caruso , Prof. Federico Martenelli

Thesis title/topic

Deciphering the molecular regulatory networks of abiotic stress responses in tree fruit crops through a systems biology approach.

Expertise (max 5 lines)

Transcriptomic analysis, Bioinformatics, Metagenomics, RNA-Seq analysis, Statistical analysis, computer programming

International Mobility

United Kingdom

Name

Arafat Hanani

Passport photo

Phone:

+39 3246248909

E-mail:

Arafat.hanani@unipa.comArafat.samra@gmail.com

Sede:

SCIENZE AGRARIE, ALIMENTARI, FORESTALI E AMBIENTALI, D028 - SCIENZE AGRARIE, ALIMENTARI, FORESTALI E AMBIENTALI (Dottorato di ricerca)

Profile

I am Arafat Hanani originated from Palestinian territories. I have studied Bachelor degree in An-Najah University –Biotechnology department– with honor graduation certificate. Moreover, in 2017, I had also accomplished the master degree in the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM_IAM). In 2016, I was accepted in short term training (4 months) in CORE center for organic agriculture. Later in 2017, I was awarded with 3 years PhD position in the University of Palermo under the collaboration of CIHEAM-IAM and the funding of CURE XF program.

Research activity and Publications

According the previous research experience, I have gained the experience in dealing with plant protection. Specifically speaking, Plant pathology; surveillance and monitoring, detection and reporting, molecular genomic manipulation, Bioinformatics and phylogenetic studies.

Supervisor (s)

Prof. Salvatore Davino, Dr. Franco Valentini

Thesis title/topic

INVESTIGATION OF ENDOPHYTIC MICROORGANISMS’ POPULATION DIVERSITY AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA IN DIFFERENT OLEA EUROPEA VARIETIES.

Expertise

-Faculty Research Assistant at Instituto Agronómico Mediterráneo de Bari - CIHEAM, Bari /November 2016 – December 2017

-Life Science Research Assistant at Palestinian Agriculture Relief Committees, Nablus

May 2015 – October 2015

-Social work professional at Youth Development Association, Nablus/February 2013 – May 2015.

International Mobility

International Summer School on "X. fastidiosa - detection, epidemiology and control measures" scheduled to start in 10-September to 17-October.

Name

Giulia Mirabile

Passport photo

Phone:

09123896049 - 09123896051

E-mail:

giulia.mirabile@unipa.it

Sede:

Università degli Studi di Palermo

Profile

Giulia Mirabile studied at the University of Palermo (Italy) where in 2017 she graduated in “Imprenditorialità e Qualità per il Sistema Agroalimentare” (LM-69).

In 2017 she was awarded with a 3 years PhD without scholarship by Palermo University

Research activity and Publications

Detection of fungal contamination in food and feed; morphological, molecular and enzymatic characterization of fungi; apply of LAMP essay; biocontrol of contaminating fungi.

Supervisor (s)

Prof. Salvatore W. Davino (Tutor); Dott. Livio Torta (co-tutor)

Thesis title/topic

Fungi and mycotoxins contaminating food and feed.

Expertise

Plant pathology, Mycology, molecular analysis, food safety.

International Mobility

Name

Angelo Moscarelli

Passport photo

Phone:

+393886537597

E-mail:

angelo.moscarelli@unipa.it

Sede:

Viale delle Scienze, Edificio 4, Ingr. G

Profile

(max 10 lines)

He studied at the University of Palermo (Italy) where in 2015 he obtained three-year degree with the highest marks. Then, at the same University, in 2017 he obtained the master's degree, with the highest marks too, and with the mention for the degree thesis.

In 2017 he was awarded with a 3 years PhD scholarship funded by Palermo University.

Research activity (max 3 lines) and Publications

Phage biodiversity in artisanal cheese wheys reflects the complexity of the fermentation process, Viruses , 9, e45. Jennifer Mahony, Angelo Moscarelli, Philip Kelleher, Gabriele A. Lugli, Marco Ventura, Luca Settanni and Douwe Van Sinderen.

Genome-wide association study reveals the locus responsible for microtia in Valle del Belice sheep breed. Animal Genetics,49, 636–640. Mastrangelo Salvatore, Sottile Gianluca, Sutera Anna Maria, Di Gerlando Rosalia, Tolone Marco, Moscarelli Angelo, Sardina Maria Teresa, Portolano Baldassare.

Supervisor (s)

Prof. Baldassare Portolano, D.ssa Maria Teresa Sardina

Thesis title/topic

Strategie operative per il miglioramento della competitività della razza ovina valle del belice.

Expertise (max 5 lines)

- Estrazioni e analisi del DNA, per indagini genetiche;

- Analisi qualitative sul latte con Milkoscan e Fossomatic;

- Caseificazioni sperimentali;

- Predisposizione di piani di campionamento;

- Progettazione in seno a linee di finanziamento.

International Mobility

University College of Cork (IE) - Erasmus + for Traineeship

Name

Rizzo Giuseppina

Passport photo

Phone:

E-mail:

Giuseppina.rizzo03@unipa.it

Sede:

Profile

(max 10 lines)

Giuseppina studied at the University of Palermo (Italy) where in 2016 she graduated in Forest and Environmental Sciences.In 2017 she was awarded with a 3 years PhD scholarship funded by Palermo University.

Research activity (max 3 lines) and Publications

Giuseppina studies the organic food consumers, analyzing their evolution over time.

At present, she has a publication:

• A. Galati, S. Tinervia, A. Tulone, M. Crescimanno, G. Rizzo (2018). Label Style and Color Contribution to Explain Market Price Difference in Italian Red Wines Sold in the Chinese Wine Market. Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing, 30:2, 175-190, DOI: 10.1080/08974438.2017.1402728

Supervisor (s)

Giorgio Schifani and Giuseppina Migliore

Thesis title/topic

The organic food consumers

Expertise (max 5 lines)

The first year of Ph.D. allowed Giuseppina to develop good skills in critical text analysis. She is also currently learning to process data by Stata software.

International Mobility

Name

Ilenia Tinebra

Passport photo

Phone:

Telephone: +39 091 23896090

Phone: +39 345 5870487

E-mail:

ilenia.tinebra@unipa.it

Sede:

Università degli Studi di Palermo,

Viale delle Scienze, Ed. 4, Ingr. H

90128 Palermo-Italy

Profile

(max 10 lines)

She studied at the University of Palermo (Italy) where in 2017 she graduated in “Environmental Requalification and Naturalistic Engineering”.

Graduated with honours, she also obtained the license of Doctor Agronomist and Forestry. She has many collaborations in research activities and has conducted an internship at international level.

In 2018 she was awarded with a 3 years PhD scholarship funded by Palermo University.

Research activity (max 3 lines) and Publications

Implementation of tools and techniques to extend the post-harvest life and shelf life of fruits. Studies on the role of fruits in the prevention of degenerative diseases.

Under review: “Physico-chemical, nutraceutical and sensory traits of six papaya (Carica papaya L) genotypes cultivated in greenhouse under Mediterranean climate”

Supervisor (s)

Prof. Vittorio Farina

Thesis title/topic

Development of post-harvest innovative technologies to maintain organoleptic and nutraceutical quality in fruits.

Expertise (max 5 lines)

Good communication, organization and management skills in the experimental field.

Good ability to work autonomously and in groups.

Excellent knowledge of MAP, RR and gaschromatography techniques.

Good skills in Office tools and specialist programs.

Excellent English and Spanish language knowledge.

International Mobility

Erasmus+ Traineeship

Università Politecnica de Valencia (Spagna)

Academic year 2017/2018

Name

Shameem Younuskunjus

Passport photo

Phone:

+974 55625085

E-mail:

Shameembio356@gmail.com

Sede:

Profile

(max 10 lines)

Shameem Younuskunju, studied at the Indian Institute of Information Technology - Allahabad (India) where in 2012 he graduated in Master in Information Technology with specialisation in Bioinformatics.

In 2018 he was joined a 3 years PhD program (Supernumerary Positions) at the University of Palermo.

Research activity (max 3 lines) and Publications

As part of PhD course, I have started project works on genetic marker identification of fruit’s color of date palm by combining image analysis and Genome wide analysis study (GWAS). I have finished image analysis process on 1600 fruits images of 200 genus of date palm and made a list of phenotype features of fruits color. I also carried out genome alignment of 200 date palm genomes against reference genome and made a VCF file (genotype) by GATK pipeline.

Supervisor (s)

Federico Martinelli , Prof . Tiziano Caruso

Thesis title/topic

Genome wide Analysis study (GWAS) of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and identify the genetic markers of fruit’s length and color

Expertise (max 5 lines)

Well Expert in NGS data analysis such Denovo Genome assembly, Hybrid genome assembly, Transcriptome analysis, miRNA analysis and software application development b

International Mobility