RESEARCH FELLOW
sara.villa(AT)ipsp.cnr.it
055.522.5525
publications: Orcid
personal details and research activity: People
Curriculum Vitae
My research activity at CNR-IPSP concerns the genetic and bioinformatic analysis of populations of different plant species, such as Phoenix dactylifera, Ulmus glabra, Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa, mainly for conservation purposes. After graduating in Nature Sciences, I pursued a PhD at the University of Milan, focusing on the population genomics and reproductive ecology of Campanula raineri, a stenoendemic species of the Prealps, in Northern Italy. During my PhD, I acquired expertise in the extraction of high-quality DNA from different species (both plant and animal), PCR amplification for identification by DNA-barcoding, 2b-RAD library preparation, bioinformatic analysis of genomic data, in-vitro propagation of rare species such as Campanula raineri and Spiranthes aestivalis, and reproductive fitness analysis by germination tests on both seeds and pollen. I have also had the opportunity to investigate pollinators of Campanula raineri by field monitoring, identification by DNA-barcoding and eDNA metabarcoding. Finally, I have experience in developing distribution models of plant species under different climate scenarios. Through my studies and occasional collaborations, I have gained experience in carrying out vegetation surveys.