Each member of our laboratory contributes specific expertise to the study of photosynthesis
Principal Investigators
Prof. Tomas Morosinotto
tomas.morosinotto@unipd.it
Full professor in Plant Physiology, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova. Since 2021, Director of the Botanical Garden of the University of Padova (https://ortobotanico1545.it/).
Current research focuses on studying photosynthesis across various organisms to understand how evolution has shaped the regulation of this metabolic process—from algae to mosses to higher plants. Insights from this fundamental research are being used to develop genetically engineered algal strains and plants with enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and increased biomass productivity.
Ass. Prof. Alessandro Alboresi
alessandro.alboresi@unipd.it
Our group investigates the evolution of plant adaptation, focusing on the sinergy between nutrient availability and photosynthetic efficiency. By integrating genetics, biochemistry, and spectroscopy in the model bryophyte Physcomitrium patens, we study the molecular mechanisms that drive phenotypic plasticity in photosynthetic organisms.
Prof. Nicoletta La Rocca
Prof. Giorgio Perin
PhD members:
Nicholas Rizzetto
nicholas.rizzetto@phd.unipd.it
My interests in research are on the alternative electron transport pathways angiosperms can activate when they face stressful light conditions, in order to identify mechanisms that could be exploited for agricultural improvement. When I’m not captivated by plants in the lab I spend my time writing, playing volleyball and hanging out with my friends (not necessarily in this order)
Tommaso Storti
I am conducting research on the biotechnological enhancement of oil-rich microalgae cultivation, focusing on improving photorespiration pathway to increase biomass yield and contribute to sustainable biofuel production. Outside of my research, I enjoy working on DIY projects and participating in volunteer activities.
Francesco Paolo Tranne
francescopaolo.tranne@phd.unipd.it
My research is focused on studying the photoprotection mechanisms of Photosystem I in Physcomitrium patens, and how their absence impacts the redox regulation of photosynthesis under variable light conditions. Outside the laboratory, I love swimming
Elisabetta Liistro
My research interest is on photosynthesis in far-red light and its astrobiological relapses. I focus on the photoacclimations exhibited by some microalgae and cyanobacteria in far-red light, that help us understand the limits and potentialities of oxygenic photosynthesis in planetary contexts beyond Earth. In my free time you can find me gardening, playing sports (swimming, yoga and running are my top 3), or exploring some new craft project.
Eleonora Mezzadrelli
eleonora.mezzadrelli@phd.unipd.it
My research interests are the investigation of the photosynthetic electron chain in industrially relevant microalgae, such as Nannochloropsis and Picochlorum, with the objective of optimizing the light-to-biomass conversion efficiency. At the moment, I mainly focus on photoprotective mechanisms around Photosystems I and II. I really enjoy cooking pizza and spending quality time with friends and colleagues.
Filippo Fiorin
Isabella Migliorati
Claudia Beraldo
Sara Natale
Alumni
Dr. Anna Santin
Dr. Flavio Collura
Dr. Shunling Tan
Dr. Huang Xing
Dr. Eleonora Traverso
Dr. Francesca Papini
Dr. Micol Caichiolo
Dr. Tim Michelberger
Dr. Mariano Battistuzzi
Dr. Mattia Storti
Dr. Raffaella Zampieri
Dr. Antoni Mateu Veira
Dr. Francesca Bucci
Dr. Marco Mellon
Prof. Caterina Gerotto
Dr. Marco Armellin
Dr. Diana Simionato
Dr. Stefania Basso
Dr. Andrea Meneghesso