Curriculum Vitae
Prof. Peggy C. R. Marconi
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on 11/4/1966
Resident in Ferrara, Italy
AFFILIATION
Full Professor
Scientific Disciplinary Sector: MEDS-03/A Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology (formerly MED/07)
Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences
University of Ferrara
Via Fossato di Mortara 64/A, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
Email: mcy@unife.it
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3488-0491
Scopus Author ID: 7004929498
PERSONAL SKILLS
Mother Tongues: Italian and Spanish
Other Languages:
• English: Excellent
• French: Good
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
• 1984: High School Diploma in Science (Grade: 60/60), Agustin Codazzi Scientific High School – Caracas, Venezuela
• 1984–1990: Degree in Biological Sciences (Grade: 110/110 with honors), Faculty of MM.FF.NN. Sciences, University of Bologna
• 1990–1991: Postgraduate internship in Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 1990–1991: Professional qualification as Biologist, University of Bologna
• 1990–1995: PhD in Biotechnology, University of Ferrara
• 1993–1994: PhD student, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
WORK EXPERIENCE
• 2022–Present: Full Professor, MEDS-03/A Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 2014–2021: Associate Professor, MEDS-03/A Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 2003–2014: Confirmed Researcher (MEDS-03/A), University of Ferrara
• 1999–2003: Non-confirmed Researcher (MEDS-03/A), University of Ferrara
• 1998–1999: Laboratory Manager, TIGET, San Raffaele Hospital – Milan
• 1994–1998: Research Associate, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• 1993–1994: PhD Student Fellow, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• 1990–1993: PhD Student, Institute of Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 1986–1990: Undergraduate internship at Sant'Orsola and Rizzoli Hospitals, University of Bologna
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Key research activities include:
1. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and neurodegenerative diseases: Focused on understanding HSV’s role as a risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
2. Herpes simplex and immune response: Studying host immune reactions to HSV and other pathogens.
3. Herpes virus-based vectors for therapeutic applications:
o Vaccine vectors
o Gene therapy vectors
o Cancer therapy vectors
4. Antimicrobial activity of natural molecules against human pathogens and phytopathogens.
5. Gene editing therapy (CRISPR/Cas): Focus on Spinocerebellar Ataxia types 1 and 2 (SCA1 and SCA2).
MAIN RESEARCH INTERESTS
• HSV genes as risk factors for Alzheimer’s (e.g., ICP27, ICP0).
• Development of HSV-based vaccine vectors for pathogens like HSV, HIV/AIDS and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Evaluation of natural compounds for antimicrobial activity against human and plant pathogens.
• Ecological strategies for combating plant pathogens using natural molecules and bacteriophages.
FUNDING
Dr. Marconi has independently managed and coordinated research projects funded by organizations such as Telethon, AIRC, MIUR, ISS, the European Union, and others.
PUBLICATIONS AND PATENTS
• H-index: 32 (Scopus)
• Over 100 publications in international scientific journals
• Contributions to international patents on viral vectors and therapeutic vaccines
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
• Board Member, New Italian Society of Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Member of the Italian Society of Microbiology (SIM)
• Member of the Italian Society of Virology (SIV)
• Member of the Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB)
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Manuscript Reviewer: Review of manuscripts submitted to international journals.
• Research Project Evaluator: Assessment of national research projects.
• European Project Evaluator.
Guest Editor Roles:
1. Vaccines (MDPI journal) - Special Issue: Vaccine Development for Herpes Simplex Viruses.
2. Frontiers in Molecular Microbes and Disease - Special Issue: Herpesviruses and Their Interaction with the Central Nervous System.
3. International Journal of Molecular Sciences - Special Issues:
o Genetic Insights into Host-Viral Response and Pathogenesis.
o Genetic Insights into Host-Viral Response and Pathogenesis 2.0.
4. Agronomy - Special Issue: Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Extracts Against Plant Pathogens.
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Active since 2000 at the University of Ferrara. Courses taught include Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, and Molecular Virology for various degree programs.
Key contributions include supervision of over 250 experimental theses and participation in doctoral programs.
Undergraduate and Graduate Courses Supervised:
• Graduate programs in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (CTF), Pharmacy, Biology, and Biotechnology.
• Master's program in Biotechnology.
Courses Taught in the Last 10 Years:
• Microbiology and Applied Microbiology (CTF Program, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences).
• Microbiology (Pharmacy Program, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology).
• Microbiome and Microbiology of Health Products (Industrial Biotechnology for Biopharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Nutraceuticals Program).
• Applied Microbiology (Master’s Program in Translational Medicine Biotechnology).
Postgraduate Courses:
• Clinical Microbiology (1 ECTS) - Specialization in Microbiology and Virology (4th year).
• Clinical Microbiology (1 ECTS) - Mixed Access Specialization Program in Medical Genetics (4th year).
Other Teaching Contributions:
• Participation in exam commissions and tutorial activities.
• Supervisor for over 250 experimental theses.
Doctoral Schools Participation:
• 2001–2013: Faculty Member, Pharmacology and Molecular Oncology Ph.D. Program.
• 2013–2018: Faculty Member, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Ph.D. Program, University of Ferrara.
• 2020–Present: Faculty Member, Advanced Therapies and Experimental Pharmacology Ph.D. Program.
Doctoral Supervision:
• Supervisor or co-supervisor for 11 doctoral candidates.
Postgraduate Contributions:
• Member of the Faculty of the Specialization School in Microbiology and Virology (2023–24).
• Lecturer in advanced courses and international programs:
o Institute Pasteur, Montevideo, Uruguay (2008):
Theoretical: Fundamental Concepts of HSV-1 Infection.
Practical: Laboratory modules on recombinant vector production and evaluation.
Textbooks Authored:
Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Second Edition, 2013)
• Retrovirus (Chapter 55)
• Herpesviridae (Chapter 44)
Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Third Edition, 2020)
• General Virology (Chapter 14)
• Principles of Immunology (Chapter 19)
• Herpesviridae (Chapter 48)
• Retrovirus (Chapter 59)
Institutional Activities and Memberships
• Member of the Joint Teaching Commission for the CTF Degree Program.
• Member of the Teaching Commission for the CTF Degree Program.
• Member of Quality Review Groups for various degree programs.
• Scientific Committee Member of the Technopole Network Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies.
• Member of the Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB).
• Member of the Steering Committee for the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Ferrara.
• Active involvement in departmental and academic councils.
• Member of several doctoral and specialization program committees.
• Responsible for microbiological testing for the University of Ferrara's Cosmetology Center.
Other Notable Roles:
• 2019–2024: Member of the Departmental Research and Third Mission Commission.
• 2017–2023: Member of the Quality Review Group for the Master’s Degree in Biotechnology for Environment and Health.
• 2016–2018: Steering Committee Member, Centralized Laboratory for Preclinical Research (LARP).
• 2014–2017: Member of the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee (OBA).
Prof. Peggy C. R. Marconi
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on 11/4/1966
Resident in Ferrara, Italy
AFFILIATION
Full Professor
Scientific Disciplinary Sector: MEDS-03/A Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology (formerly MED/07)
Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences
University of Ferrara
Via Fossato di Mortara 64/A, Ferrara, I-44121, Italy
Email: mcy@unife.it
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3488-0491
Scopus Author ID: 7004929498
PERSONAL SKILLS
Mother Tongues: Italian and Spanish
Other Languages:
• English: Excellent
• French: Good
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
• 1984: High School Diploma in Science (Grade: 60/60), Agustin Codazzi Scientific High School – Caracas, Venezuela
• 1984–1990: Degree in Biological Sciences (Grade: 110/110 with honors), Faculty of MM.FF.NN. Sciences, University of Bologna
• 1990–1991: Postgraduate internship in Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 1990–1991: Professional qualification as Biologist, University of Bologna
• 1990–1995: PhD in Biotechnology, University of Ferrara
• 1993–1994: PhD student, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
WORK EXPERIENCE
• 2022–Present: Full Professor, MEDS-03/A Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 2014–2021: Associate Professor, MEDS-03/A Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 2003–2014: Confirmed Researcher (MEDS-03/A), University of Ferrara
• 1999–2003: Non-confirmed Researcher (MEDS-03/A), University of Ferrara
• 1998–1999: Laboratory Manager, TIGET, San Raffaele Hospital – Milan
• 1994–1998: Research Associate, Department of Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• 1993–1994: PhD Student Fellow, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• 1990–1993: PhD Student, Institute of Microbiology, University of Ferrara
• 1986–1990: Undergraduate internship at Sant'Orsola and Rizzoli Hospitals, University of Bologna
SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Key research activities include:
1. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and neurodegenerative diseases: Focused on understanding HSV’s role as a risk factor in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
2. Herpes simplex and immune response: Studying host immune reactions to HSV and other pathogens.
3. Herpes virus-based vectors for therapeutic applications:
o Vaccine vectors
o Gene therapy vectors
o Cancer therapy vectors
4. Antimicrobial activity of natural molecules against human pathogens and phytopathogens.
5. Gene editing therapy (CRISPR/Cas): Focus on Spinocerebellar Ataxia types 1 and 2 (SCA1 and SCA2).
MAIN RESEARCH INTERESTS
• HSV genes as risk factors for Alzheimer’s (e.g., ICP27, ICP0).
• Development of HSV-based vaccine vectors for pathogens like HSV, HIV/AIDS and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Evaluation of natural compounds for antimicrobial activity against human and plant pathogens.
• Ecological strategies for combating plant pathogens using natural molecules and bacteriophages.
FUNDING
Dr. Marconi has independently managed and coordinated research projects funded by organizations such as Telethon, AIRC, MIUR, ISS, the European Union, and others.
PUBLICATIONS AND PATENTS
• H-index: 32 (Scopus)
• Over 100 publications in international scientific journals
• Contributions to international patents on viral vectors and therapeutic vaccines
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
• Board Member, New Italian Society of Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Member of the Italian Society of Microbiology (SIM)
• Member of the Italian Society of Virology (SIV)
• Member of the Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB)
ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Manuscript Reviewer: Review of manuscripts submitted to international journals.
• Research Project Evaluator: Assessment of national research projects.
• European Project Evaluator.
Guest Editor Roles:
1. Vaccines (MDPI journal) - Special Issue: Vaccine Development for Herpes Simplex Viruses.
2. Frontiers in Molecular Microbes and Disease - Special Issue: Herpesviruses and Their Interaction with the Central Nervous System.
3. International Journal of Molecular Sciences - Special Issues:
o Genetic Insights into Host-Viral Response and Pathogenesis.
o Genetic Insights into Host-Viral Response and Pathogenesis 2.0.
4. Agronomy - Special Issue: Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Extracts Against Plant Pathogens.
TEACHING ACTIVITIES
Active since 2000 at the University of Ferrara. Courses taught include Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, and Molecular Virology for various degree programs.
Key contributions include supervision of over 250 experimental theses and participation in doctoral programs.
Undergraduate and Graduate Courses Supervised:
• Graduate programs in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology (CTF), Pharmacy, Biology, and Biotechnology.
• Master's program in Biotechnology.
Courses Taught in the Last 10 Years:
• Microbiology and Applied Microbiology (CTF Program, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences).
• Microbiology (Pharmacy Program, Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology).
• Microbiome and Microbiology of Health Products (Industrial Biotechnology for Biopharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Nutraceuticals Program).
• Applied Microbiology (Master’s Program in Translational Medicine Biotechnology).
Postgraduate Courses:
• Clinical Microbiology (1 ECTS) - Specialization in Microbiology and Virology (4th year).
• Clinical Microbiology (1 ECTS) - Mixed Access Specialization Program in Medical Genetics (4th year).
Other Teaching Contributions:
• Participation in exam commissions and tutorial activities.
• Supervisor for over 250 experimental theses.
Doctoral Schools Participation:
• 2001–2013: Faculty Member, Pharmacology and Molecular Oncology Ph.D. Program.
• 2013–2018: Faculty Member, Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Ph.D. Program, University of Ferrara.
• 2020–Present: Faculty Member, Advanced Therapies and Experimental Pharmacology Ph.D. Program.
Doctoral Supervision:
• Supervisor or co-supervisor for 11 doctoral candidates.
Postgraduate Contributions:
• Member of the Faculty of the Specialization School in Microbiology and Virology (2023–24).
• Lecturer in advanced courses and international programs:
o Institute Pasteur, Montevideo, Uruguay (2008):
Theoretical: Fundamental Concepts of HSV-1 Infection.
Practical: Laboratory modules on recombinant vector production and evaluation.
Textbooks Authored:
Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Second Edition, 2013)
• Retrovirus (Chapter 55)
• Herpesviridae (Chapter 44)
Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Third Edition, 2020)
• General Virology (Chapter 14)
• Principles of Immunology (Chapter 19)
• Herpesviridae (Chapter 48)
• Retrovirus (Chapter 59)
Institutional Activities and Memberships
• Member of the Joint Teaching Commission for the CTF Degree Program.
• Member of the Teaching Commission for the CTF Degree Program.
• Member of Quality Review Groups for various degree programs.
• Scientific Committee Member of the Technopole Network Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies.
• Member of the Interuniversity Consortium for Biotechnology (CIB).
• Member of the Steering Committee for the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Ferrara.
• Active involvement in departmental and academic councils.
• Member of several doctoral and specialization program committees.
• Responsible for microbiological testing for the University of Ferrara's Cosmetology Center.
Other Notable Roles:
• 2019–2024: Member of the Departmental Research and Third Mission Commission.
• 2017–2023: Member of the Quality Review Group for the Master’s Degree in Biotechnology for Environment and Health.
• 2016–2018: Steering Committee Member, Centralized Laboratory for Preclinical Research (LARP).
• 2014–2017: Member of the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee (OBA).
