Current research

I am interested in the effects caused by human interventions on ecosystems, such as by human pollution or by human activities favoring the spread of alien species.

At the University of Fribourg, I collaborated in a joint initiative between different institutions in the framework of a CTI project, with the aim to develop a biological control product against Rumex obtusifolius (Blacke, Patience sauvage). Rumex obtusifolius is considered a major weed in agriculture, especially in organic farming.

My part of the work was to clarify bio-safety aspects, especially the study of the host specificity of the potential biocontrol agent Pyropteron chrysidiforme, a European Sesiid moth (Lepidoptera) both under laboratory and in open-field conditions; furthermore, I evaluated effects of open-field release upon the local natural communities.

Curriculum vitae

M.Sc. (2011t)	University of Fribourg M.Sc. in Biology, option Ecology and Evolution Thesis: Non-target effects of a biological control agent against Rumex obtusifolius.
B.Sc. (2009)	Uninsubria University, Varese, Italy. Analysis and Management of Natural Resources Thesis: Qualitative Analysis of tributaries and of the emissary of Muzzano's lake, Switzerland.