Profile

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Monica Cazzaniga

    • About Me:

      Hi! I’m from Italy and I’m doing my PhD in microbiology in Ireland. I love nature, running and singing in the university gospel choir. My favourite food is of course pizza!

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      I feel at home in places far from my hometown when I can do sports and music, and cook. These are my two biggest passions. Running made me travel for short distance races and is my way to relax and release stress. Music does the same for me. I started playing piano when I was young, then moved to guitar and ukulele. Singing brings me so much joy. Being a scientist means I spend time doing research, and my love for cooking is a bit like that too. At work, I follow recipes, but in cooking, I get to eat the results!

    • My pronouns are:

      She/Her

    • My Work:

      I study how the gut microbiome and external factors like diet influence and protect us from infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a harmful bacteria.

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      I studied biotechnology for my Bachelor’s degree and traveled to Germany for my thesis, where I studied how plants adapt to salt and how to stop bacteria using plant metabolites. It was my first time living abroad, and I loved learning new techniques and adapting to a new culture. After that, I went back to Italy for a Master’s in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics. I spent a year in Spain studying bacteria in cockroaches’ guts. That year was amazing! I learned Spanish, lived alone, and ran my first half marathon. The culture there was similar to Italy, so it was easier to adjust. Afterward, I moved to a different city in Italy to do another Master’s on stem cells and worked with a company for four months. During that time, I won a Marie Curie fellowship, which brought me to Ireland for my PhD. It’s a long journey, but the PhD is worth the time and effort!

    • My Typical Day:

      I wake up around 7 am, having breakfast at home and then going to work around 8:30 am. I mostly work in the lab but I also have a lot to read and write. I have lunch in the food area with my colleguages and friends and we normally play some quick board games. I finish to work around 5:30 pm.

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      My big dream would be to publish a scientific children book. The story is already written but I need someone to dedicate some time to read it properly. So, vote for me if you want to read soon about “Tom and Buddy’s adventures in Germopolis”.

    Curriculum Vitae

    • Education:

      I completed my primary and secondary education in a small town in Italy before moving to a larger city for high school. It was an exciting change, and I quickly learned the ropes of commuting by train and bus, as well as managing my own meals. After high school, I went to Milan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. It was an intense but rewarding time, with the challenges of balancing early mornings, busy commutes, and academic demands.

      For my thesis, I had the opportunity to spend six months in Germany. This experience was transformative; I saw how different cultures enriched the laboratory environment, with advanced equipment and a collaborative spirit. It was during this time that I realized Italy might not be the place I wanted to settle long-term. However, after completing my thesis, I returned to Italy to pursue a Master’s degree.

      As part of my Master’s, I spent a year in Spain working on my thesis. I found it easy to adapt to life there—Spain’s culture felt familiar, yet vibrant, and I was able to immerse myself fully, even picking up Spanish along the way. Returning to Italy coincided with the onset of COVID-19, which prompted me to take on a second Master’s program. I relocated to Turin for about nine months during this time while actively applying for PhD positions.

      Finally, when I received a PhD offer from Ireland, I knew it was the right next step. I left Italy to begin this new chapter, and I’m now here, excited for what lies ahead.

    • Qualifications:

      B.Sc. in Biotechnology

      M.Sc. in Molecular Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

      M.Sc. in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

       

      APC Award for Public Engagment with Research (2023 and 2024)

      Marie Curie Alumni

    • Work History:

      Supermarket

      Ice cream shop

      Demonstrator in School of Microbiology

      PhD student, I’m fully immersed in research.

    • Current Job:

      PhD student in Microbiology

    • Employer

      University College Cork

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Sun-chaser, Lifesplosion, Plan-thusiast

        What was your favourite subject at school?

        Math

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Divorce Lawyer

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Not really

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Gastroenterologist

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        Sam Smith

        What's your favourite food?

        Pizza

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        Discover something important, Building my own Family, Being rich

        Tell us a joke.

        How do you call a Spanish Man that lost his car? CarLos

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