Dr. Alexia Barbarossa | Medicinal chemistry | Young Scientist Award
Researcher | Jadavpur University, India
Dr. Alexia Barbarossa, Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, is an Italian researcher with expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and pharmaceutical chemistry. She currently serves as a Research Fellow at the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” and actively contributes to innovative drug repositioning, antimicrobial synergy, and bioactive compound research. Alongside her academic work, she engages in science communication, guest editing, and peer reviewing for several international journals. Dr. Barbarossa is known for her contributions to pharmaceutical microbiology, teaching, and thesis supervision.
Profile
🎓 Education
Alexia earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” (2019–2023), focusing on drug repositioning in anticancer and antimicrobial therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology from the University of Calabria, with a thesis on corticosurrenal carcinoma cell models. Her academic path is enriched by training in molecular biology, safety in labs, DNA forensic analysis, and research entrepreneurship, alongside certifications in English (B2 level) and interdisciplinary innovation workshops.
💼 Experience
Dr. Barbarossa has worked as a Research Fellow, Scientific Communicator, and Thesis Co-supervisor. She participated in regional and national research programs on functional polymers and hybrid enzyme-material devices. She has provided teaching support and lectures at various academic levels including Master’s and PhD courses. With experience ranging from microbiological analysis to pharmaceutical innovation, her roles span peer tutoring, technical-teaching support, guest editing, and scientific writing. Her lab internships and pharmacy traineeship further enrich her hands-on pharmaceutical knowledge.
🏆 Awards & Honors
Alexia received the Best Poster Presentation Award at Fun4Heritage 2019 for her work on fosfomycin analogues. She has also served as Guest Editor for journals like Antibiotics and Microorganisms, edited special issues on drug repositioning and antimicrobial synergy, and was appointed as an Expert in Microbiology for academic teaching. She co-supervised multiple award-worthy theses and actively participated in certified workshops related to entrepreneurship, sustainability, agrifood systems, and lab safety, showcasing her excellence in research and education.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Barbarossa’s research centers on drug repositioning, antimicrobial synergy, biofilm studies, and the biological evaluation of natural/semi-synthetic substances. Her interdisciplinary work spans microbiology, cell biology, molecular diagnostics, and pharmaceutical innovation. She investigates essential oils and repurposed drugs (e.g., sertraline, melatonin) for antimicrobial and antitumor activity. She’s engaged in developing functional biomaterials and hybrid devices while exploring cosmetic microbiology and nutraceutical sciences, contributing to pharmaceutical sciences through publications, teaching, and international collaborations.
Conclusion
Dr. Alexia Barbarossa is a highly suitable and competitive candidate for the Young Scientist Award in Microbiology. Her combined expertise in microbial cultures, antimicrobial synergy, and drug repositioning, along with her scientific output and academic engagement, make her a promising young researcher. Strengthening international ties and developing independent research leadership would further elevate her candidacy.
Publication
Enhanced antibacterial efficacy of new benzothiazole phthalimide hybrid compounds/methyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes compared to the free forms: Insights into the possible mode of action
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Authors: Alessia C. Carocci, Alexia Barbarossa, Antonio Rosato, Adriana Trapani, Antonio Carrieri
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Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutics
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Year: 2025
Antibiofilm Effects of Plant Extracts Against Staphylococcus aureus
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Authors: Alexia Barbarossa, Antonio Rosato, Roberta Tardugno, Giuseppe Fracchiolla, Alessia C. Carocci
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Journal: Microorganisms
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Year: 2025
Efficacy of Willow Herb (Epilobium angustifolium L. and E. parviflorum Schreb.) Crude and Purified Extracts and Oenothein B Against Prostatic Pathogens
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Authors: Alexia Barbarossa, Antonio Rosato, Alessia C. Carocci, Filippo Maggi, Giovanni Caprioli
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Journal: Antibiotics
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Year: 2025