My academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Bioscience and Biotechnology (University of Padova), focused on beneficial plant–bacteria interactions in grapevine (Vitis vinifera cv. Glera). Since then, I have pursued diverse research experiences, from DNA barcoding ancient fungi collections and characterizing rare gymnosperms such as Ginkgo biloba and Cycads, to studying fruit development genes in water lilies and Taxus baccata. My work has taken me to international research centers, including the New York Botanical Garden, Wageningen University (The Netherlands), and collaborations with leading botanists across Europe and the United States.
Alongside research, I am passionate about science communication and teaching. I have taught courses in plant biology, functional morphology, and biotechnology at the University of Padova, received recognition for teaching excellence, and contributed to science outreach projects, including producing educational videos for Italy’s national TV channel RAI Scuola.
I am the author and co-author of numerous peer-reviewed publications, with contributions spanning from plant reproductive biology to microbial ecology. I have presented my work at international conferences and have been invited as a speaker at institutions such as the New York Botanical Garden and the Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia).
Beyond academia, I enjoy mountain trekking and climbing, activities that connect me with nature in the same way my scientific research does.
An eclectic plant biologist
I am a plant biologist fascinated by the extraordinary biology and biodiversity of plants and microbes, and by the ways they can interact. My research explores the molecular mechanisms that underlie plant development, plant–microbe interactions, and the evolution of reproductive structures across seed plants.
Currently, I serve as a Research Associate and Lab Manager at the Structural Biology Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, CUNY (New York, USA). Previously, I was an Assistant Professor (RtdA) at the University of Padova (Italy), leading the project “Compost for Healthy Plants” in collaboration with SESA S.p.A., investigating how waste-derived soil amendments influence microbial biodiversity, plant health, and sustainable agriculture.
Sebastiano Nigris 