Who we are

After graduating in Experimental Psychology from the University of Florence, she was admitted to SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati) in Trieste, where she obtained a PhD cum laude in cognitive neuroscience with a thesis on the mechanisms of attention. She has conducted experimental studies on the topics of perception, visual-tactile integration, attention processes, aging and Cognitive Reserve.
After her PhD, to pursue her dream of creating Optimens, she completed a Master’s degree in Complex Actions and other training focused on developing entrepreneurial skills in the field of innovation.
From 2014 to 2021, she worked in science communication, coordinating projects dedicated to schools of all levels, first and foremost SISSA FOR SCHOOLS. She has contributed to the training of young scientists in communicating with the public, designing interactive scientific activities and participating in research projects focusing on the relationship between science and society. She created and led cognitive enhancement and training courses for students, teachers, adults and elderly.
She is the author of several research articles published in international scientific journals on attention, cognitive decline, science and society.

She obtained her Master’s degree in Neuroscience at the University of Trieste by taking part in experimental studies in neurobiology and neuropsychology focusing on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. During her academic career, she was the winner of two scholarships (Erasmus and Leonardo) that allowed her to further her education in neuroscience abroad, both in academia and business.
Increasingly attracted to the clinical aspects of neuroscience, she furthered her education at University College Dublin, obtaining a graduate certificate in Clinical and Translational Research from one of the world’s largest clinical research organisations, undertaking an internship at St. Vincent Private Hospital and Mater Hospital.
From 2019 to 2021, she developed her skills in the field of science communication and education by working on projects that included the management of exhibitions and events in the ‘Trieste City of Knowledge’ Space. She took part in the design and implementation of CURIoSA (ICGEB, University of Trieste, Science Centre Immaginario Scientifico, Sissa Medialab), a health promotion and education project targeted at teenagers.
Since 2016, after meeting Olga Puccioni, she has contributed to the development of the Optimens project, participating in the design and implementation of cognitive training courses aimed at senior citizens and teaching staff.

She began her academic training in Rome, earning a Master’s degree in physics at La Sapienza University, and then moved to Paris where she obtained a PhD in physics, working in the Physique des Solides Laboratory at the Université Paris-Sud. She continued his academic career with a post-doc in the Laboratoire Polymeres et Materiaux aux Interfaces at the Université d’Evry, a certificate in programming at EPFL in Lausanne, and a research period at SISSA in Trieste.
In addition to a solid background in physics and mathematics, during the years of scientific research she built strong skills in statistical analysis, data modelling, problem solving and experimental design. Her laboratory work and subsequent professional experience also led her to acquire strong management, organisational and teamwork skills.
Since 2019, she has delved into the field of science communication, coordinating and managing outreach projects, citizen science, interactive in-person and remote events, and training programmes.
The fellowship and commonality of values with the other members of the team, developed over years of working together, led her to the Optimens project; her passion for the interaction between science and society then made her want to be part of it, contributing to it personally.

Her background ranges from a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature – obtained at the Lucian Blaga University in Sibiu, Romania, her home country – to business, thanks to an MBA in International Business obtained with honour at the MIB in Trieste. Her motto is ‘never stop learning’: she also has an MA (Master of Arts) in translation and interpreting, a Master in Science Communication and various leadership training certificates.
Passionate about communication and people development, after a career in various corporate and institutional settings, she specialised in all-round science communication. Her work ranges from designing and delivering tailor-made training solutions for researchers (within scientific institutions and EU projects), to organising conferences/events and drafting communication plans for national and international research institutions. She has been also PM within Trieste Città della Conoscenza (Trieste City of Knowledge), a scientific network that aims to promote a lasting relationship between the city of Trieste and the various scientific bodies/institutes distributed throughout the territory.
The enthusiasm and skills demonstrated in her various professional experiences led her to be elected President of the Alumni Association of the MIB Trieste School of Management, a role she held for the three-year period 2017-2020.
Her expertise in business environments, focusing on networking, personal development and project management, made her an indispensable member of the Optimens team.

He began his career as a developer at an IT company linked to the European Space Agency and specialised in satellite image processing, where he acquired advanced programming skills due to the type of projects closely related to the world of science and research. Part of the team was later acquired by the Reply Group, a multinational IT company. It thus enters a new reality, focused on the world of consulting and business. Here, in addition to perfecting his programming skills, he acquired the necessary skills to manage a team, from a technical, strategic and economic point of view, carrying out important projects for companies such as RAI, MBC Dubai and Thales, in the security field.
In 2012, he joined the communications agency of the Reply Group, where he held the position of Head of Technology until 2018, with the aim of putting technology at the service of communications and marketing. In this new role, in close contact with creative figures, he perfected his management, strategy and communication skills, thus putting technology at the service of people.
From 2018 to 2021, he was Technology Director at Caffeina, a digital communication company in Parma.
In 2021 he decided to tackle a new adventure: to put his experience at the disposal of start-ups, to help them grow. This is how he joined the Optimens team, with the aim of realising his lifelong dream: to use technology in the service of the Silver Age.