Perna Cristian

Education

2025-Today: Master’s Student in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Milan (MI) – Italy.

2024: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Natural Sciences, University of INSUBRIA, Varese (VA) – Italy. External thesis at IBBA-CNR, Lab. Dr. L. Morello: “IBBA-CNR Duckweed Collection for Phytoremediation of Wastewaters: Phenotypic Screening of Lemnoideae Based on Growth Rate and Nutrient Removal for Dairy Wastewater Valorization Within a Circular Economy Framework”.

2017: Diploma in Chemical Technician, specialization in Chemistry, Materials, and Biotechnology, Istituto Cipriani Facchinetti, Castellanza (VA) – Italy.

Professional experience

2023-Today: Technical Collaborator for Research Institutions (CTER), Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology – CNR, Milan (MI) – Italy.

2022-2024: University Tutor in General and Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Ecology and Environmental Chemistry, University of INSUBRIA, Varese (VA) – Italy.

2021-2022: Secondary School Teacher for Biology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Control Techniques (third-year classes with a focus on “Environmental Biotechnology”), Biology (second-year classes), and Earth Sciences (first-year classes), Istituto Tecnico C. Facchinetti, Castellanza (VA) – Italy.

2020-2021: Secondary School Teacher for General Chemistry (first-year classes), Istituto Tecnico C. Facchinetti, Castellanza (VA) – Italy.

2018-oggi: Member of the Board of Directors, Nephrotic Syndrome Association (ODV).

Research interests

• Maintenance, in vitro propagation, and functional assessment of Lemnaceae plant germplasm (CNR-IBBA-MIDW Collection).
• Investigation of adaptations and evolutionary dynamics in biological systems using molecular phylogenetic approaches, with strong emphasis on the ecological context.
• Analysis of biological responses to xenobiotics and alterations in physical growth conditions.
• Valorization of nutrients from agro-food residues within a circular economy framework.
• Science communication and environmental education in academic and outreach settings; organization and delivery of seminars and research presentations at conferences.