Valentina Fambri, Biology PhD Candidate

Valentina Fambri has always been a curious person, and science is all about chasing answers and pushing boundaries. As a child, she wanted to become a doctor to treat patients, but as she grew up, her fascination with the mechanisms underlying the onset of diseases took over.

"There are still many unanswered questions in science, and as a scientist, the real challenge is to observe, identify the right questions, and develop new technologies to solve them," Fambri said.

The most exciting part for her is knowing that every step forward in science, big or small, is a step forward for knowledge, society, and perhaps even the future of medicine. Working in the Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, she currently investigates the role of a specific protein during brain development and potentially neurodevelopmental diseases.

Woman in Science Who Inspires You and Why

Rita Levi-Montalcini, Nobel laureate in medicine in 1986, is a true inspiration. She started from nothing—literally setting up a lab in her bedroom. She pursued science at a time when biology wasn’t as advanced, either in technology or knowledge, and faced significant challenges. Yet, she persevered, driven by passion and curiosity, leading to groundbreaking discoveries that significantly changed the field.

Advice to Young Women Considering a Career in Science

Be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid. Science is a constantly evolving field that challenges and stimulates you. It fosters growth not only on a technical and professional level but also on a personal one. There are no limits to what you can learn, teach, or discover. Science is always moving forward, and keeping pace with it is one of the most rewarding adventures.

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