Federica Narra

Supervisors: Prof. Lucia Guidi and Prof. Andrea Serra

Research field: Food science

Research interests: Food science, human nutrition, sustainability, agricultural science, biochemistry

Department head office, via del Borghetto, 80, Pisa
federica.narra@phd.unipi.it

Federica is a PhD student in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (DAFE), University of Pisa. She started the PhD program in March 2023 on research and innovation network on food and nutrition sustainability, safety and security (Partenariato esteso 10 “On Foods”). The aim of her PhD project is the identification of the cooking technology able to enhance the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties of plant-based food (Brassica rapa L. subsp rapa and Solanum lycopersicum L.), reduce the bioaccessibility of the anti-nutritional markers developed during the cooking process in meat-based food (beef meat) and the evaluation of cooking methodologies on intestinal barrier function and absorption (by INFOGEST method) simulating human in vitro digestion. In December 2019, Federica graduated in Biological Sciences at the University of Pisa and in September 2022 she received her master’s degree in Food Biosafety and Quality at the University of Pisa, spending six months at the University of Life Science Prague (CZ) at the faculty of Agrobiology working on the experimental thesis project concerning the study of biochemical changes in four varieties grape berries subjected to UV-B radiation using ¹H NMR spectroscopy.

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.