Dr. Annamaria Russo | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award

University of Messina | Italy

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Annamaria Russo embarked on her scientific journey with a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Messina in 1997, graduating with top honors (110/110). Her experimental thesis on the functional properties of dolphin hemoglobin marked the beginning of a lifelong interest in comparative and clinical biochemistry. She earned her Professional Biologist Certification and later pursued a Ph.D. in Cellular Biology and Biotechnology in 2014, exploring the metabolic mechanisms and functionality of red blood cells through exogenous molecules.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Russo's career has interwoven research, teaching, and academic mentorship. She began as a research fellow at the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences (Chibiofaram), focusing on the structural and functional analysis of respiratory proteins in marine organisms. She also held postgraduate research positions in international institutions, including a notable stay at the Institute of Physiology at the Academy of Sciences in Prague. Parallel to her research, she has been a tenured mathematics and science teacher in several secondary schools in Sicily. Since 2006, she has held the title of “Cultore della Materia” in Biochemistry, consistently participating in exam boards and teaching activities.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Russo's research focuses on biochemistry, erythrocyte metabolism, oxidative stress, protein-ligand interactions, and the thermodynamic characterization of blood components. She has extensively studied the Band 3 protein, hemoglobin functionalities, and interactions in both human and marine organisms. Her studies span from environmental biochemistry to medical applications, including research on red blood cells in diseases like ALS, sickle cell anemia, and the biochemical impact of COVID-19. Her research also explores natural antioxidant compounds and their role in protecting red blood cells, such as polyphenols and caffeine. Additionally, she has contributed to the development of bioplastics and biosensors for environmental applications.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

With 43 scientific publications, 757 citations, and an H-index of 17, Dr. Russo has established herself as a respected voice in her field. She has served as an editorial board member for high-impact journals such as Stresses and Biology and has been a guest editor for thematic issues in journals like Antioxidants and IJMS (International Journal of Molecular Sciences). She also regularly reviews articles for prominent journals including Molecules and The Journal of Neuroscience Research.

Her research collaborations include prestigious institutions such as:

CNR (Rome, Milan, Messina)
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
University of Palermo
University of Enna “Kore”
ARPACAL Calabria
University of Cassino

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Russo has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory settings and thesis projects, shaping the next generation of biochemists. Her work on erythrocyte metabolism and natural antioxidants has implications for clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and neurodegenerative disease prevention. Her multidisciplinary collaborations have allowed her to bridge fundamental science with practical applications.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With ongoing research in the biochemical implications of environmental stressors, cell metabolism, and sustainable material development, Dr. Russo remains at the forefront of scientific innovation. Her latest conference presentations in 2025 on bioplastic sensors and biochemical characterization of metastasis underscore her commitment to translational research that benefits both health and the environment. Her legacy is that of a passionate scientist and educator dedicated to advancing knowledge in biochemistry while mentoring future scholars and contributing meaningfully to both academic and applied scientific communities.

Publications

📄 Epicatechin Influence on Biochemical Modification of Human Erythrocyte Metabolism and Membrane Integrity
Authors: Russo, Annamaria; Patanè, Giuseppe Tancredi; Laganá, Giuseppina; Tellone, Ester; Putaggio, Stefano
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2024

📄 Crosstalk Between Sickle Cell Disease and Ferroptosis
Authors: Russo, Annamaria; Patanè, Giuseppe Tancredi; Calderaro, Antonella; Tellone, Ester; Putaggio, Stefano
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2025

📄 Emerging Ferroptosis Involvement in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathogenesis: Neuroprotective Activity of Polyphenols
Authors: Russo, Annamaria; Putaggio, Stefano; Tellone, Ester; Barreca, Davide; Patanè, Giuseppe Tancredi
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025

📄 Canine and Human Red Blood Cells: Biochemical Mechanisms for the Control of Heat Dissipation
Authors: Russo, Annamaria; Patanè, Giuseppe Tancredi; Putaggio, Stefano; Barreca, Davide; Laganà, Giuseppina
Journal: Stresses
Year: 2024

Congratulations, Dr. Elisabetta Sforza’s, on Your Outstanding Achievement as the Best Researcher!

Dr. ELISABETTA SFORZA -Neurosciences

Dr. Elisabetta Sforza’s achievement in receiving the Best Researcher Award at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy is a remarkable acknowledgment of her outstanding dedication and contributions to the field of research. Her commitment to advancing knowledge and making significant strides in various areas, notably in neurosciences, speech therapy, and rehabilitation sciences, has been instrumental in shaping advancements in these domains. Her extensive publications, active engagement in academic events, and exceptional academic journey have evidently set a high standard within the academic and research community. This award not only recognizes her achievements but also highlights her ongoing impact and commitment to excellence in research.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

High School Diploma in Classical Studies (A), 2005-2010
Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Therapy-1st class-honours180 ECTS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campobasso-Italy, 2010-2013
MSc in Deglutology -1st class-honours60 ECTS, Università degli studi di Torino- Italy, 2014
MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences -1st class-honours120 ECTS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma-Italy, 2017-2019

Professional Journey:

Speech and Language Therapist I.R.C.S.S. NEUROMED Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo ITALY, 16/09/2015 – 26/09/2019
Guest lecturer Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Campobasso ITALY, Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy, 2019- ongoing
PhD Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Roma ITALY, 01/11/2020 -ongoing

Honors & Awards:

Dr. Elisabetta Sforza's dedication and excellence in her work. This recognition specifically highlights her commitment to investigating and contributing to the field of ALS, showcasing her scholarly efforts and valuable research in understanding this neurological disorder. Such accolades underscore her significant contributions to the scientific community's understanding of ALS and its implications.The award received on 08/06/2015 for a thesis and research on ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, stands as a testament

Publications & Contributions:

Dr. Elisabetta Sforza has made significant contributions through her publications and citations during her tenure at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy. Her extensive body of work reflects her expertise in various domains including neurosciences, speech therapy, rehabilitation sciences, and related interdisciplinary areas. Some notable publications authored or co-authored by Dr. Sforza during this period include

Publications:

14 documents indexed in Scopus

Citations:

A total of 23 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

Diversification & Impact Studies (2022 - Present)

From Feeding Challenges to Oral-Motor Dyspraxia: A Comprehensive Description of 10 New Cases with CTNNB1 Syndrome Sept 2023. Genes.Corresponding author

How pain affect real life of children and adults with achondroplasia: A systematic review. Sept 2023 Eur J Med Genet.Corresponding author

Metabolic Profile of Patients with Smith-Magenis Syndrome: An Observational Study with Literature Review.Aug 2023, Children. Co-author

Nasal polyposis in pediatric patients with Cornelia de Lange syndrome: endoscopic diagnosis, treatment and follow up in two case reports. Italian journal of pediatrics. July 2023. Co-author

Longitudinal “FEEDS (FEeding Eating Deglutition Skills)” Study of Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome, June 2023. European journal of pediatrics. Corresponding author

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale in a special healthcare needs population. International journal of language & communication disorders, Feb 2023 First and corresponding author

Predicting the clinical trajectory of feeding and swallowing abilities in CHARGE syndrome.European journal of pediatrics, Feb 2023 Corresponding author

The Impact of Blenderized Tube Feeding on Gastrointestinal Symptoms, a Scoping Review. Applied Sciences, Feb 2023 First author

What to Expect of Feeding Abilities and Nutritional Aspects in Achondroplasia Patients: A Narrative Review. Genes (Basel), Jan 2023. First author

Management of nutritional and gastrointestinal issues in RASopathies: A narrative review. American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics, Dec 2022 Co-author

Quantitative acoustical analysis of genetic syndromes in the number listing task. Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, Oct 2022 Co-author

Drooling outcome measures in paediatric disability: a systematic review European Journal of Pediatrics, Apr 2022 First and corresponding author

Annamaria Russo | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research Award