Filippo Giuseppe Marino

Supervisors: Prof. Flavia Mascagni and Prof. Andrea Cavallini

Research Field: Plant Genomics, Bioinformatics

Keywords: Transposable elements, Bioinformatics, Plant Genomics, Evolution of DNA sequences

Headquarters address: Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy, building B19

filippogiuseppe.marino@phd.unipi.it

Filippo Giuseppe Marino is a Ph.D. student at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the University of Pisa, where he obtained both his undergraduate and master’s degrees. His research interests focus on plant genetics and genomics, particularly in transposable elements. He graduated with a bachelor’s thesis in transposable elements insertion and proliferation in Ficus carica and a master’s thesis on the identification of transposable elements in ferns, a less studied and less analyzed plant group. He collaborated with researchers at the Institute “Biology Centre CAS” in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, to further explore the role of transposable elements in genome evolution. His master’s thesis research has led to the identification of several new transposable element lineages. He is proficient in the use of various bioinformatics and data visualization tools. Currently, Filippo is working on the study of a novel process of gene formation involving transposable elements. He enjoys combining computational analysis and key biological questions to unravel the hidden layers of plant genomes, bridging the gap between bioinformatics and evolutionary genetics.

The Department of Agricultural, Food and Agro-environmental Sciences at the University of Pisa, the oldest Agricultural School in Italy, is dedicated to addressing the challenges of the future. Agricultural Sciences are essential for community well-being and economic development, despite the small workforce in the primary sector in developed countries. With a focus on food security, a circular economy, quality of life, and environmental conservation, the department plays a pivotal role in establishing sustainable agri-food production systems. Through impactful research, high-quality education, and community services, the department generates technological innovations for socio-economic advancement. The department’s study programs equip students with specialized knowledge, practical skills, and critical awareness. By combining theoretical and practical approaches, students are prepared for job opportunities and personal growth. Faculty members conduct interdisciplinary research and collaborate with local and international partners to foster innovation and address agricultural challenges.