Dr. Claudia Rotondo | Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award |

Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive Lazzaro Spallanzani , Italy

Professional Profiles:

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Claudia Rotondo is a dedicated biologist and health researcher with significant experience in virology and microbiology. Based in Italy, she works with INMI “Lazzaro Spallanzani” in Rome, where her focus lies in infectious disease diagnostics and research. With additional consulting roles at several private laboratories, Dr. Rotondo brings valuable expertise to her work in pathogen surveillance, infection control, and clinical trials, contributing to advancements in public health and virology.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Rotondo holds an extensive educational background in biology and virology. She earned her specialization in Microbiology and Virology from Tor Vergata University in Rome, achieving the highest honors (50/50 cum laude) for her thesis on carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in hospitalized patients. She completed advanced studies at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, with high distinction (80%) in clinical trial regulation and management. Dr. Rotondo also holds a Master’s in Molecular, Cellular, and Physiopathological Biology from Roma Tre University, where she graduated cum laude with a thesis on Ebola virus inactivation. Her foundational studies were completed with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences, also at Roma Tre University.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Rotondo’s research centers on infectious diseases, with an emphasis on virological pathogens. She has studied a range of viral threats, including Ebola, MERS-CoV, and HIV-1, with a focus on the roles these viruses play in global public health. Her work contributes to infection surveillance and pathogen detection, particularly in hospital settings where controlling infectious agents is critical. Her ongoing involvement in the European LUCID project underscores her dedication to monitoring and addressing Clostridium difficile infections across healthcare settings.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Dr. Rotondo has been recognized for her academic excellence throughout her studies, consistently graduating with honors. She achieved top distinctions for her theses at each educational level, particularly in areas critical to microbiology and virology. Her awards reflect her commitment to academic rigor and her ability to produce impactful research relevant to clinical and diagnostic microbiology.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Rotondo is a researcher at INMI “Lazzaro Spallanzani” in Rome, a leading institution for infectious disease research in Italy. She also serves as a biological consultant for Diagnosilica “Adaltis” and the analysis lab at “Villa Mafalda” private clinic. Her experience extends to voluntary research at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in the Molecular Virology Laboratory. Through these roles, she has developed expertise in pathogen detection, laboratory diagnostics, and infection prevention strategies, all of which are critical to healthcare settings and virology research.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant and Hypervirulent New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae in Lazio, Italy: A Five-Year Retrospective Study

Journal: Antibiotics

Publication Date: November 5, 2024

DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13111045

Authors: Claudia Rotondo, Carolina Venditti, Ornella Butera, Valentina Dimartino, Francesco Messina, Michele Properzi, Claudia Caparrelli, Valentina Antonelli, Silvia D’Arezzo, Marina Selleri, et al.

Title: Increased SAMHD1 Transcript Expression Correlates with Interferon-Related Genes in HIV-1-Infected Patients

Journal: Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Publication Date: October 1, 2019

DOI: 10.1007/s00430-018-0574-x

Authors: Maura Statzu, Letizia Santinelli, Agnese Viscido, Claudia Pinacchio, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Claudia Rotondo, Giuseppe Corano Scheri, Ivano Mezzaroma, Ombretta Turriziani, Guido Antonelli, et al.

Conclusion:

Dr. Claudia Rotondo is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her extensive education and applied research experience in microbiology and virology equip her with valuable expertise for addressing critical health issues. Though she would benefit from a stronger publication record and independent project leadership, her foundational skills, research versatility, and contributions to important infectious disease projects make her an excellent candidate. Given her accomplishments and commitment, she has strong potential to make impactful advancements in virology and public health research.