Alumni Impact Stories
Our PhD graduates work across academia, industry, and research-driven companies, contributing to innovation in science, engineering, and applied research.
This section highlights selected examples of their activities after graduation, including research projects, industrial collaborations, and technology transfer initiatives.
Each story is based on publicly available information shared by the alumni or their organizations.
Dr. Sara AquiliA |
SPINPET – Research & Development (Bioeconomy & Materials), PeptLab - Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology and RUIC- Research Unit of Industrial Chemistry |
Impact storyIn her research activity, Sara Aquilia has been working on circular bioeconomy approaches applied to agricultural by-products from the rapeseed oil supply chain. The PON-supported project, developed within the laboratory of RUIC- Research Unit of Industrial Chemistry and PeptLab - Interdepartmental Research Unit of Peptide and Protein Chemistry and Biology of the University of Florence, in collaboration with the company SPINPET, explores how waste streams such as rapeseed meal can be transformed into functional materials through an integrated design of process, formulation, and end-of-life management. Rather than focusing on a single material innovation, the work critically evaluates scalability and system-level feasibility, testing whether circular solutions remain robust beyond laboratory conditions. This “system stress-test” approach aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial implementation in the context of end-of-waste strategies. The methodology is part of a broader effort to apply circular economy principles to real industrial matrices, with potential transferability to other bio-based feedstocks. Key themes: circular bioeconomy, upcycling, process design, scale-up Source: Sara Aquilia Linkedin update |
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Research and development, Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence.
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Impact storyHer career has developed on the dual pillars of sustainable industrial innovation and advanced clinical diagnostics. After completing her PhD as a Doctor Europaeus, she has continued to work in multidisciplinary environments bridging academic research, industry, and clinical applications. As a researcher involved in the POR-FESR “Circular Re-Paint” (CIRP) project in collaboration with Colorobbia Italia S.p.A, she contributed to the development of sustainable methodologies for the recovery of precious metals from industrial waste streams, with the aim of promoting circular economy strategies. In parallel, she contributed to the “SUNSET” project, dedicated to the development of supramolecular and nanostructured systems for the optical detection of emerging environmental pollutants through sensing strategies. In the biomedical field, in collaboration with Careggi University Hospital (AOUC), her research contributed to the development of cancer cell bio-imaging strategies by designing novel dual-mode fluorescent tracers for PET imaging. This work integrated coordination chemistry, spectroscopy, and biological evaluation to assess metal binding, cellular uptake, and biocompatibility in cancer models offering promising advancements for high-precision oncological diagnostics. Beyond laboratory innovation, she actively supports the global scientific community as Peer Reviewer for the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (ACS). Overall, her journey reflects how rigorous chemical science can be successfully translated into scalable green technologies and healthcare tools, driving tangible socio-economic and environmental impact. Key themes: Nanostructured and Supramolecular Systems, Sustainable Chemistry and Circular Economy, Medicinal Chemistry, Bioimaging. Linkedin update: Yschtar Simonini Steiner Linkedin update |
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Dr. Yschtar Tecla Simonini SteineR
Ultimo aggiornamento
17.06.2026