Work experience

Dates

2002-PRESENT

Occupation or position held

SENIOR RESEARCHER, TENURED

Scientific field

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Name and address of employer

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORENCE (ITALY), Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Italy)

Dates

2001-2002

Occupation or position held

RESEARCH GRANT: “Characterization of South American genotypes of bean under abiotic stresses”

Scientific field

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Name and address of employer

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT BIOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF PISA (ITALY), Viale delle Piagge 23, 56100, Pisa (Italy)

Dates

1999-2001

Occupation or position held

POST-DOC: “Water relations and water-use efficiency in nursery-cultivated ornamentals”

Scientific field

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Name and address of employer

SCUOLA S.ANNA, PISA (ITALY), P.zza Martiri della Libertà 1, 56100 Pisa (Italy)

           Education and training

Dates

1995-1999

Title of qualification awarded

PhD IN HORTICULTURE (curriculum Plant propagation)

Dissertation title

“Root restriction: morpho-physiological effects in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) and Tagetes patula L.”

Name and type of organisation providing education and training

UNIVERSITY OF PISA (ITALY)

Dates

1988-1994

Title of qualification awarded

MASTER’S DEGREE IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Dissertation title

“Function and functionality of ornamental woody plants: water consumption and leaf gas exchange in Nerium oleander L.”

Name and type of organisation providing education and training

UNIVERSITY OF PISA (ITALY)

Research areas of interest. Expertise.

• Responsible for the Space Biology area at the International Lab for Plant Neurobiology (LINV, www.linv.org), University of Florence (Italy), directed by Prof. S. Mancuso. Plant neurobiology is a brand new discipline of plant biology that studies the strict relationships between signal perception and its transmission/transduction inside plant cells and tissues, as well as plant-to-plant or plant-to-animal communication. The peculiar nature of this discipline perfectly fits with the theoretical/experimental approaches to explain the nature of gravitropism in plants.
• Participant in numerous past and present international research projects in the field of plant physiology as principal investigator as well as co-investigator.
• Author of more than 60 publications in peer-reviewed international scientific journals, conference proceedings and international book chapters.
• Referee for important scientific journals.
• Assistant Professor of university courses at the University of Florence, Italy.

Expertise in the field of space biology is strongly focused on the scientific background and the organization of experiments related to the study of the first events that occur inside the plants, particularly in the root apex, following gravity modifications. These experiments have been conducted both on ground and at ESA facilities, such as parabolic flight, drop tower and ISS (see the list of Projects below). The main roles of the candidate in these space projects were: 1) experiment planning and preparation; 2) design/development of the hardware (mainly experimental racks); 3) ESDP (Experiment Safety Data Package) director, concerning all the safety issues related to each project (mechanical failures, chemical toxicity, experimental protocols, hazard reports); 4) interfacing with scientific institutes, industries and organizations (i.e. ESA, Novespace, Kayser Italia) on experiment preparation status.

Projects related to microgravity studies:

• 2011: “Co-investigator” in the Arabidops-ISS experiment (BIOKIS Project financed by ASI, leader: Kayser Italia) to be performed in the next STS-134 (launch is scheduled on 19^th April 2011)
• 2011:“Endorsing professor”in the ESA Spin your Thesis 2011- Acclimation to hypergravity in plants
• 2011:“Endorsing professor”in the ESA Fly your Thesis 2011 - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during gravity changing conditions
• 2011: “Endorsing professor” in the ESA Drop your Thesis 2011 – Chemical signalling in roots under microgravity conditions
• 2010:“Scientific coordinator” of the Project “The sense of gravity in plants” funded by Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.
• 2010:  “Co-investigator” in the ESA Spin Your Thesis 2010 - Acclimation to hypergravity in plants
• 2010:  “Co-investigator” in the 52^nd ESA – Parabolic Flights project “Study of the electrical network of the root apex under changing gravity conditions (NEAR)”
• 2009:“Scientific coordinator” of the Project “Root apex as a centre for sense and integration of signals in plants” funded by Ente Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze.
• 2009:  “Co-investigator” in the 51^st ESA – Parabolic Flights project “Reconstructing the fastest chemical and electrical signalling responses to microgravity in plants”
• 2008: “Co-investigator” in the ESA – ARIADNA –ACT (Advanced Concept Team) project “Bioinspiration by plants’ roots”
• 2008: “Co-investigator” in the DLR – Drop Tower Project “Reconstructing the fastest chemical and electrical signalling responses to microgravity in plants”
• 2008: “Co-investigator” in the 49^th ESA – Parabolic Flights project “Electrical network activity, ROS production and endocytosis dynamics in plant roots under gravity-changing conditions”
• 2007: “Co-investigator” in the 46^th ESA – Parabolic Flights project “Electrical network activity and endocytosis dymamics in plant roots under gravity-changing conditions”
• 2006: “Co-investigator” in the 43^rd ESA and 9^th DLR – Parabolic Flights project  “Spatial and temporal patterns of oxygen (O₂), nitric oxide (NO) and action potential (AP) in root apices growing under changing gravitational conditions”
• 2005:“Co-investigator” in the 41^st ESA – Parabolic Flights project “NOAPORM: Nitric Oxide, Action Potentials and Oxygen fluxes in Roots under Microgravity”
• 2004: “Co-investigator” in the 39^th ESA – Parabolic Flights project “Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Oxygen Consumption in Root Apices Growing Under Changing Gravitational Conditions”

Foreign Languages

Mother tongue

Italian

Other language(s)

       English, French

Social-organisational skills and competences

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Strong aptitude for problem solving. Confident public speaker. Capable of taking initiatives and assuming high levels of responsibility. Pragmatic and organized, yet creative and flexible. Source of original solutions to management problems and to develop innovative projects.  

Computer skills and competences

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software package (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Internet browsers, FTP clients, GraphPad statistical software, Datatrax System. Basic knowledge of Adobe Photoshop.

Artistic skills and competences

Played bassoon for six years, from 1982 to 1988, at the Scuola Comunale di Musica 'Mabellini' of Pistoia (Italy). Earned diploma in music theory and solfeggio in 1986 from the Conservatorio di Musica 'Cherubini' of Florence (Italy). Currently playing guitar and attending tango lessons.

Other skills and competences

Member of an Italian scout group from 1975 to 1990. Scout group leader from 1994 to 2000. Current hobbies include trekking, cooking and photography.

                  Relevant publications

                  of the last 5 years

                  (2007-2011)

1. Doumett S., Azzarello E., Checchini L., Fibbi D., Mancuso S., Mugnai S., Petruzzelli G., Del Bubba M. (2011) Influence of the application renewal of a high concentration of natural ligands on Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn distribution between contaminated soil and Paulownia tomentosa in a pilot-scale assisted phytoremediation study. International Journal of Phytoremediation, 13:1-17
2. Mugnai S.,Marras A.M., Mancuso S (2011) Effect of hypoxic acclimation on anoxia tolerance in Vitis roots: response of metabolic activity and K+ fluxes. Plant, Cell Physiology, in press
3. Mugnai S.,Pandolfi C., Masi E., Azzarello E., Voigt B., Baluska F., Volkmann D., Mancuso S. (2010) Reconstructing the fastest chemical and electrical signalling responses to microgravity stress in plants. 38th COSPAR Assembly, 18-25th July 2010, Bremen, Germany (solicited oral presentation)
4. Mugnai S.Mancuso S. (2010) Oxygen Transport in the Sapwood of Trees - In: Mancuso S., Shabala S. (Eds.)‘Waterlogging Signalling and Tolerance in Plants’,Springer-Verlag Berlin, DOI 10.1007/978-3-642-10305-6_1, pp. 61-78.
5. Masi E., Ciszak M., Stefano G., Renna L., Azzarello E., Pandolfi C., Mugnai S., Baluška F., Arecchi F.T., Mancuso S. (2009) Spatio-temporal dynamics of the electrical network activity in the root apex: A multi-electrode array (MEA) study. PNAS, 106: 4048-4053.
6. Mazzolai B., Laschi C., Dario P., Mugnai S., Mancuso S. (2009) The plant as a biomechatronic system. Plant, Signaling and Behavior, 5: 90-93.
7. Pandolfi C., Masi E., Mugnai S., Azzarello E., Renna L., Stefano G., Mancuso S. (2009) Physiological response to temporary changes in gravity conditions on plants. ELGRA Symposium, Bonn  (Germany), 1^st-4^th September 2009.
8. Azzarello E., Mugnai S., Pandolfi C., Masi E., Marone E., Mancuso S. (2009) Comparing image (fractal analysis) and electrochemical (impedance spectroscopy and electrolyte leakage) techniques for the assessment of the freezing tolerance in olive. Trees-structure and function, 23: 159-167.
9. Messina G., Pandolfi C., Mugnai S., Azzarello E., Dixon K., Mancuso S. (2009) Identification of eighty-four accessions belonging to Banksia genus by phyllometric parameters and Artificial Neural Networks. Australian Systematic Botany, 22: 31-38.
10. Pandolfi C., Messina G., Mugnai S., Azzarello E., Dixon K., Mancuso S. (2009) Banksia integrifolia (Proteaceae): discrimination and identification of morphotypes by an ANN (Artificial Neural Network) based on morphological and fractal characterization of leaves and flowers. Taxon, 58: 925-933.
11. Masi E.,Mugnai S., Azzarello E., Ciszak M., Pandolfi C., Renna L., Stefano G., Voigt B., Volkmann D.,Mancuso S. (2008)Electrical network activity in plant roots under gravity-changing conditions. Journal of Gravitational Physiology, 15:167-168.
12. Mugnai S., Pandolfi C., Azzarello E., Masi E., Renna L., Stefano G., Voigt B., Volkmann D., Mancuso S. (2008) Root apex physiological response to temporary changes in gravity conditions: an overview on oxygen and nitric oxide fluxes.Journal of Gravitational Physiology, 15:163-164.
13. Mugnai S.,Pandolfi C., Azzarello E., Masi E., Mancuso S. (2008)Camellia japonicaL. genotypes identified by an artificial neural network based on phyllometric and fractal parameters. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 270: 95-108
14. Mugnai S., Azzarello E., Pandolfi C., Salamagne S., Briand X., Mancuso S. (2008) Enhancement of ammonium and potassium root influxes by the application of marine bioactive substances positively affect Vitis vinifera plant growth. Journal of Applied Phycology, 20:177-182
15. Pandolfi C., Mugnai S., Bergamasco S., Azzarello E., Masi E., Mancuso S. (2008) Artificial neural networks as a tool for the assessment of genetic diversity: a case study on vietnamese tea accessions. Euphytica, 166: 411-42
16. Doumett S., Lamperi L., Checchini L., Azzarello E., Mugnai S., Mancuso S., Petruzzelli G., Del Bubba M. (2008) Heavy metal distribution between contaminated soil and plant (Paulownia tomentosa) in a pilot-scale assisted phytoremediation study: influence of different complexing agents. Chemosphere, 72: 1481-1490
17. Mugnai S.,Pandolfi C., Azzarello E., Masi E., Renna L., Stefano G., Voigt B., Volkmann D., Mancuso S. (2008) Root apex physiological response to temporary changes in gravity conditions: an overview of oxygen and nitric oxide fluxes.Proceedings of the symposium “Life in Space for Life on Earth”. Angers (F), 22^nd-27^th June 2008.
18. Mazzolai B., Corradi P., Mondini A., Mattoli V., Laschi C., Mancuso S., Mugnai S., Dario P. (2008) Inspiration from plant root: a robotic apex for soil exploration. Biological Approaches for Engineering Conference, 17^th-19^th March 2008. University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
19. Masi E., Mugnai S., Azzarello E., Ciszak M., Pandolfi C., Renna L., Stefano G., Voigt B., Volkmann D., Mancuso S. (2008) Electrical network activity in plant roots under gravity-changing conditions. Proceedings of the symposium “Life in Space for Life on Earth”. Angers (F), 22^th-27^th June 2008.

1. Mancuso S., Mugnai S., Azzarello E., Masi E., Pandolfi C., Hlavacka A., Voigt B., Baluska F., Volkmann D. (2007) Repeated microgravity incidents induce repeated bursts of superoxide anion radicals in roots - Biennial International Symposium of ELGRA (European Low Gravity Research Association), 4^th -7^th September 2007, Florence (Italy).
2. Mugnai S.,Vernieri P., Gorini S., Lercari B. (2007) Physiological characterisation of south-american bean genotypes under water and low temperature stress. Advances in Horticultural Science, 21: 111-115
3. Mugnai S.,Azzarello E., Masi E., Pandolfi C., Mancuso S. (2007) Nutation in plants. In: Mancuso and Shabala (eds) 'Rhythms in Plants,'Sprinter-Verlag, Berlin
4. Mancuso S., Marras A.M., Mugnai S., Schicht M., Zàrsky V., Li G., Song L., Xue H.W., Baluska F. (2007) Phospholipase dζ2 drives vesicular secretion of auxin for its polar cell-cell transport in the transition zone of the root apex. Plant Signaling & Behavior, 4: 240-244.

References

1. Prof. Stefano Mancuso, Department of Horticulture, University of Florence, Viale delle Idee 30, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Italy), email: stefano.mancuso(at)unifi.it
2. Prof. Dieter Volkmann, IZMB, Dept. of Plant Cell Biology, IZMB (Institute of Cellular and Molecular Botany), University of Bonn, Kirschallee 1, 53115 Bonn (Germany), email: unb110(at)uni-bonn.de
3. Prof. Giovanni Serra, Scuola S.Anna, P.zza Martiri della Libertà 1, 56100 Pisa (Italy), email: serra(at)sssup.it