Priscilla Farina

Supervisors: Prof. Barbara Conti

Research field: Entomology

Research interests:Insect pests, stored foodstuffs, botanicals, essential oil, chitosan

Department head office, via del Borghetto, 80, Pisa
priscilla.farina@phd.unipi.it

Priscilla has earned two bachelor’s degrees (2016 in Herbal Sciences and Technologies and 2017 in Agricultural Science) and a master’s degree (2019 in Agrifood Production and Agroecosystem Management) at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE) of the University of Pisa. In 2019, she was assigned the six-month research scholarship “Bioactivity of essential oils towards insect pests of medical and veterinary interest” at the Interdepartmental Centre of Agro-Environmental Research “Enrico Avanzi” (CiRAA) in Pisa. In the same year, she was admitted as a PhD student of the “Programme in Agriculture, Food and Environment, XXXV Cycle”. With her PhD research project “Eco-friendly strategies for managing harmful insects: the contribution of plant- and animal-based products”, she dealt with using substances of natural origin, especially essential oils, vegetable oils, hydrolates, and chitosan, to control insect pests of fresh and stored foodstuffs. This research line joined her passions (for entomology, botany, and phytochemistry) and skills acquired during her studies. The thesis dissertation is planned for May 2023. Over the years, she was involved in the Athenaeum Research Project “Ficus carica, an ancient species with great perspectives: genomics, physiology, and pest control” (2020-2022) and PRIMA project FEDKITO “FrEsh fooD sustainable pacKaging In The circular economy” (2019-2023). She also held three collaboration assignments for tutoring and supplementary didactic activities within the Fondo Sostegno Giovani. Currently, she has obtained a twelve-month research grant titled “Use of essential oils-enriched chitosan for the protection of fresh food against insect pests’ attack” at the DAFE.

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.