Fresh from her Master’s degree in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies at the University of Pavia, Giulia Maria Massoni aspires to turn lab research into real-world solutions for infertility, driven by her curiosity and passion for cell therapy and human reproduction. Awarded the Dompé Foundation scholarship in 2022, she particularly loved the hands-on approach her academic path offered, allowing her to get her hands dirty by working with zebrafish models during her internship at Skeletal Diseases lab. But Giulia is much more than a scientist/researcher: when she’s not in the lab, you’ll find her swimming, reading her favourite books, or crocheting. Join us as we explore her journey, shaped by resilience and ambition.  

How are Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies relevant today?  

Medical biotechnologies are crucial for advancing our understanding of diseases at the molecular level, enabling the development of targeted treatments and cures for conditions that currently lack effective therapies. The importance of these technologies became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the rapid vaccine development was made possible largely due to breakthroughs in medical biotechnology. This highlights how such innovations can help address global health crises effectively and improve public health outcomes.   

You completed your Master’s in Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies at the University of Pavia in 2024. What did you love the most about your degree?  

I particularly enjoyed the lab sessions and my internship at the Skeletal Pathologies lab. Biotechnology is a very hands-on field, and these practical experiences were essential in developing real-world skills.  

Unlike my bachelor’s studies, which lacked hands-on opportunities, this master’s program provided extensive practical training, which was incredibly rewarding. 

What were your favorite subjects?  

My favorite subjects were cell therapy and human reproduction. 

Cell therapy intrigued me with its potential to use stem cells for personalized treatments. The ability to target specific mutations to restore function is both innovative and full of promise.  

 As for human reproduction, I’ve been captivated by the complexities of gamete production since my bachelor’s studies.  I’m especially fascinated by how a single fertilized egg develops into an embryo. Additionally, infertility - which profoundly affects many lives - remains an area with much to study in terms of its causes and potential treatments. 

What is your greatest strength? And how about your weakness?  

My greatest strengths are my strong organizational skills and discipline, which help me to effectively manage my studies and meet deadlines. As for my weakness, I sometimes struggle with self-doubt and tend to second-guess myself, even when I know I’m capable. However, it’s something I’m working on.

What would your ideal superpower be?  

Telekinesis would be incredibly useful in a lab setting. Imagine being able to grab tools or materials without having to leave your station; it would allow me to save so much time! It could also improve precision in tasks like pipetting and reduce contamination risks, making experiments smoother and more efficient.   

What three things would you like to accomplish this year?  

First of all, I aim at concluding successfully the II level Master's program in “Biology and Biotechnology of reproduction: from research to clinic” that I've just started. It focuses primarily on reproductive biotechnologies.  

Second, I hope to carry out a rewarding internship in a laboratory or within the pharmaceutical industry to gain hands-on experience and build professional connections. 

Finally, I plan to dedicate time to preparing for the State Exam to earn the title of Biologist and complete my professional training. 

Which hobby would you never give up?  

Reading, swimming, and crochet are my top hobbies, and I can’t imagine giving up any of them.  

Reading has always been my way to unwind and escape into new worlds. I’ve loved it since I was a child when my grandmother used to read me fairy tales.  

Swimming has been a constant in my life, teaching me discipline and resilience. It’s my way of releasing stress and staying active.  

Crochet is a new hobby, but I've quickly fallen in love with it. It’s relaxing and gives me a chance to create something tangible, like scarves or little plush toys.  

Tell us about a valuable internship experience  

I completed my internship in the Skeletal Diseases lab, which primarily focuses on osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder that causes extremely fragile bones, using mouse and zebrafish models. I worked with the zebrafish research team, assisting a PhD student with her research project. My main responsibilities were divided into two key areas: studying zebrafish embryos for one part of the project and conducting cloning experiments on bacteria to produce expression vectors for the other. What I found most rewarding about this experience was its hands-on nature, as well as the immense number of things I learned throughout my time there. 

What does the Dompé Foundation scholarship mean to you?  

This scholarship means a great deal to me. It honors the support my parents have always given me and acknowledges the sacrifices I've made to reach my goals. More than anything, it serves as a recognition of my hard work and commitment, offering a powerful validation of my dedication to my studies and future aspirations.