Coming to us from Italy, PhD students researching our local Ciona.

– Can you tell us about your project and your background?

Chiara 

I grew up near Lake Como in Italy, a really beautiful place! I then moved to Milan for my Bachelor’s degree in Biology. I was always fascinated with marine life and I wanted more environment-oriented studies, so I decided to continue with a Master’s in Marine Sciences. I also liked molecular biology, and for my thesis, I chose to work on the development of the nervous system in a crinoid.  My PhD project is about finding out how ascidians like Ciona adapt to environmental perturbations such as differences in temperatures, salinity, and pH. I am interested to know whether these induce changes in gene expression for example.

Vincenzo 

I also come from Italy but from a different region, Sardinia. I did a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in Cagliari, where I had the opportunity to have my first international experience with an internship at UCLA. I came back to Italy for my Master’s degree, in Rome this time, to study Molecular Biology, this is when I first heard of the Sars Centre. I actually did my master’s thesis in the group of Marios Chatzigeorgiou! I was looking at the role of neurotransmitters during development in Ciona. For my PhD, I will be looking into the transcription factor Mesp. It was shown that it is important for the determination of cardiac progenitor cells in both ascidians and vertebrates, and I am particularly interested in the gene-network through which Mesp affects development.  

– Why did you decide to do your PhD at the Sars Centre? 

Chiara 

I was looking for PhD opportunities, and I really wanted to experience working abroad. I was looking for institutes that combine environmental and molecular biology research, and the Sars Centre came up. I had some experience working with Ciona during my studies and I enjoyed it a lot, so I was immediately interested in Lionel’s projects. 

Vincenzo 

Like Chiara, I had a very positive experience working with Ciona so the open PhD position in Lionel’s group caught my attention. During my internship, I liked that the PIs at Sars are young and have strong networks with researchers all over the world. And I loved the city for the proximity to nature and all the outdoors activities opportunities. Overall, I thought that it was a great environment for young researchers and I was hoping to come back! 

- What are you the most excited about in this new stage of your career/position? 

Chiara 

I am really excited to work at the Sars Centre. I feel like we have very high standards for science here that will help me grow as a scientist. And I have only been here for a few weeks but I already like Bergen. It’s a beautiful city, it feels very safe and the social environment is very welcoming. I am looking forward to discovering more!  

Vincenzo 

I am excited to be again in an international environment and to get to work with scientists from all over the world.