Antonini Gloria

Biography

Dr. Gloria Antonini from 1997 has been mainly involved in a research program aimed at refinement of taxonomic, phylogenetic and evolutionary knowledge on the genus Meligethes , a large group of phytophagous nitrided beetles. Within this program, a biometric and molecular approach has been applied to systematically complex species belonging to the M. aeneus group , including antofaghe species linked to larval growth to the Brassicaceae plant family. He also addressed issues related to ecological and evolutionary relationships between phytophagous insects and their host plants. In November 2000 he was awarded the public competition for admission to the Doctoral School in Animal Biology (XVI cycle) and was involved in the research program "Systematic and phylogeny of the species complex of Meligethes coracinus Sturm (Coleoptera, Nitidulidae) : Molecular and ecological evidence "at the Department of Animal Biology and Man of the University" La Sapienza "in Rome [Molecular techniques used: DNA insect extraction (larvae, puppets and imaginary stages), PCR , PCR product development ]. From June 2004 until May 2005, he was involved in the program "Development of Molecular RNA Analysis of Potato Genotypes following Attacks of Phytophagous Insects to Study Defense Response " ( Molecular Techniques Used : Extraction of RNA from Tuber and Leaf , PCR, RT-PCR , Real-Time PCR, DNA extraction from tuber and leaf) as part of the Final Project "Potato Enhancement of Potato" (MiPAF). The main aim of the project was to study the mechanisms of interaction between plants (different species of Solanum tuberosum species, Solanum wild species and interspecific somatic hybrids) and insect (potato dumpling [ Leptinotarsa ​​decemlineata , Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae], potato tinnitus [ Phthorimaea operculella , Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae]) in order to select genotypes resistant to the attack of said phytophages. From June 2005 to July 2007 has Project contracts with the BBCA onlus (Biotechnology and Biological Control Agency, a nonprofit association for social use established in 2000 by a group of biologically-naturalistic training scientists who grew professionally within the ENEA (New Technologies, 'Energy and the Environment'). In this context he did Mainly molecular biology activities applied to the study of insects useful in the biological control of weeds, insect population genetic studies and the development of molecular analyzes in plants of agronomic interest . In November 2007 he was awarded the public competition for the granting of a research grant for the Scientific Sector BIO / 05 at the Department of Animal and Human Biology (Sapienza, University of Rome) where he was involved in the project " Genetic characterization of Eurovignette populations of Psylliodes chalcomerus sl (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae), potent biological control agent of the invasive Centaurea solstitialis (Asteraceae) plant . The research was conducted using techniques of extracting, amplifying and sequencing DNA fragments of adult or feline DNA , larvae and stools of the selected biological control agent. In December 2008 he was the winner of the public competition for the award of a research grant for the Scientific Sector BIO / 05 at the Department of Animal and Human Biology (Sapienza, University of Rome) where he was involved in the program "Taxonomic research on a morphological and molecular basis and monitoring of forest species of invertebrates listed in the habitat directive: Development of technical specifications for monitoring of species of Invertebrate in a Habitat Directive to be applied on a national scale in SIC managed by the State Forestry Corps". The project contemplates the detailed study of the Invertebrate Monitoring Techniques listed in Annexes II and IV of the Habitat Directive on a bibliographic basis: elaborating accurate critical synthesis and designing practical applications on SIC samples; both on an experimental basis: by developing original and, possibly, non-invasive monitoring methods (being protected species). In November 2009 (expiry date 31/12/2010), the above-mentioned research grant was renewed, allowing the continuation of molecular and morphological analyzes and the monitoring of forest invertebrates listed in the Habitats Directive. In March 2011 he was the winner of the public competition for the assignment of a place for a researcher at the Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" (Sapienza, University of Rome) where he is currently engaged In the "Planning the sites of the Natura 2000 network managed by the State Forestry Corps and their experimental fauna monitoring for the purposes of the Habitats Directive 92/43 / EEC". In March 2012, the post for a Researcher at the Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" (Sapienza, University of Rome), where he is currently engaged in the "Planning the sites of the Natura Network 2000 managed by the State Forestry Corps and their experimental fauna monitoring for the purposes of the Habitats Directive 92/43 / EEC "is renewed with a deadline of February 2013. In October 2013 he won the position as a Researcher at the Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin" (Sapienza, University of Rome), where he is currently engaged in the Life + Nature project "Monitoring of insects with public participation "(MIPP)" and currently coordinates the part of non-invasive molecular diagnostics on target species included in the project, monitoring of C. cerdo and co-ordination of project action on the dissemination of Dog Teseo.

Research Interest

refinement of taxonomic, phylogenetic and evolutionary knowledge