Student, Scuola Normale Superiore, University of Pisa, Italy ✨
Alice Melani is an ambitious neuroscience researcher with a robust academic background and extensive research experience in cutting-edge neuroscience techniques. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Neuroscience at the University of Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore. Her work focuses on neuronal circuits, emotional contagion, and exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Alice has presented her research at renowned international conferences and has been recognized for her academic excellence and leadership. She is also a passionate advocate for gender equity in STEM, organizing events and initiatives to inspire future generations of women scientists.
Profile
Google Scholar
Education 🎓
Alice Melani’s educational journey reflects her passion for neuroscience. She is pursuing an MSc in Neuroscience at the University of Pisa (expected October 2025), where she has excelled in courses such as neuropharmacology, neural stem cells, and sensory neuroscience. Simultaneously, she is enrolled in the Second-level Master in Neuroscience at Scuola Normale Superiore (expected November 2025), where she received a full scholarship and studied advanced topics like neurophysiology, AI, and molecular neurophysiology. She completed her Bachelor’s in Biotechnology (2020–2023) at the University of Milano-Bicocca with top honors (110/110 cum laude), where her thesis explored vascular barriers in intestinal inflammation.
Experience 🧪
Alice has gained extensive research experience through prestigious internships and projects. Currently, at the CNR/Scuola Normale Superiore laboratories, she is conducting a semi-independent project analyzing neuronal circuits involved in emotional contagion using fiber photometry, viral tracing, and muscimol injections. She also participated in research on neuronal nicotinic receptors and cholinergic synaptogenesis at the University of Milano-Bicocca. Alice has presented her work at international events, including the RIKEN CBS Summer Program and Oxford Autumn School in Neuroscience, showcasing her ability to bridge innovative research with practical applications.
Research Interests 🔬
Alice’s research interests focus on unraveling the complexities of the brain. She is particularly passionate about investigating neuronal circuits underlying emotional contagion and exploring psychedelics as tools for mental health therapy and basic neuroscience research. Additionally, she is interested in sensory perception, brain-machine interfaces, and neurophysiological processes driving cognitive and emotional behaviors.
Awards and Recognition 🏆
Alice has been recognized for her academic achievements and leadership in neuroscience. She was selected for the prestigious RIKEN CBS Summer Program 2024, where she presented her research on psychedelics. As a TEDxPISA speaker in 2024, she shared her insights on future neuroscience perspectives. Alice also received full scholarships for her studies at Scuola Normale Superiore and earned distinction for her academic performance at the University of Milano-Bicocca.
Publications 📚
Psychedelics: State of Art and Where We Are Going (Unpublished, 2024) – Analysis of therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of psychedelics.
Poster Presentation at RIKEN CBS Summer Program (2024): “Beyond the Stigma: The Hidden Potential of Psychedelics.”
MDMA and Its Role in Promoting Empathy – Presented the neurobiological effects of MDMA in June 2024.
Brain Organoid Transplantation – Discussed frontiers in neural regeneration at a conference in December 2023.
Conclusion
Alice Melani demonstrates an exceptional combination of academic excellence, research innovation, leadership, and communication skills. While strengthening her publication record and securing independent recognition could further enhance her profile, her impressive contributions to neuroscience, advocacy for women in STEM, and global engagement make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.