Mariapia D'Urso

My name is Mariapia D'Urso and I come from Solofra, a small town in southern Italy. In 2017, I began my wonderful "never-ending story". In 2021, I obtained a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Salerno. Subsequently, in March 2024, I completed a master's degree in Industrial Bioengineering at the University of Naples (Federico II).

My master's thesis perfectly combined my love for laboratory work and programming. I developed a set of Machine Learning regression algorithms using NIR spectra to analyze the stability of lyophilized samples in the pharmaceutical field. This approach allows to overcome the limitations related to traditional quantitative methods, making stability studies safer and more cost-effective for operators and companies.

From October 2024, I will be a PhD student at the Université Paris-Saclay in the doctoral school "Informatique et Sciences du Numérique". As in my master's thesis, my research project combines bioengineering and computer science: it focuses on the parameterization of chemical reaction networks, incorporating biological data.

During my university years, I also cultivated my passion for scientific communication by working as a technical and scientific SEO Copywriter for local companies and online scientific blogs.

Curiosity is the driving force behind my diverse academic and professional path, which some may perceive as a weakness. However, I believe it is my greatest strength because it allows me to approach research problems from multiple perspectives. And it is absolutely fantastic.

My relationship with technology goes beyond the academic environment. In 2024, I actively participated in the pitch competition of the first Italian edition of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program with my innovative entrepreneurial idea, "Taste The Waste". This app addresses food waste reduction by harnessing the power of community and smart pantry organization based on expiration dates.

Despite my introverted nature, I decided to give myself a chance in the world of entrepreneurship. It was the best decision I could make: besides discovering new sides of myself, I learned one of the most important lessons of my life. That you don't have to be perfect: sometimes, a smile and an idea are all you need.