Sara Lucia Maria Lo Russo¶
Biologist · Behavioral Neuroscientist · Nutritional Consultant · Rome, Italy · saralorusso93@gmail.com
Profile¶
Biologist with an MSc in Evolutionary Biology and a decade of experience at the intersection of preclinical neuroscience, nutritional therapy, and science communication. Co-author of five peer-reviewed publications in international neuroscience journals, with hands-on research at Italy’s National Institute of Health (ISS) and RCSI Dublin. Specialist in the neurobiology of behavior, stress resilience, epigenetics, and the gut–brain axis. Independent researcher in longevity science, nutritional neuroscience, and aging biology. Certified to teach Mathematics and Sciences in Italian secondary schools (Classe A028, EQF Level 7). Currently developing a science-based editorial platform on nutrition, longevity, and brain health, with a critical and evidence-first approach.
Core skills: Behavioral Neuroscience · Preclinical Research · Epigenetics · Gut–Brain Axis · Nutritional Therapy · Scientific Writing · Teaching · Evidence-Based Critical Analysis
Peer-reviewed publications¶
- Brancato A., Lo Russo S., et al. (2021). Social Interactions of Dat-Het Epi-Genotypes Differing for Maternal Origins: The Development of a New Preclinical Model of Socio-Sexual Apathy. Biomedicines, 9(7), 778.
- Carbone C., Brancato A., Adinolfi A., Lo Russo S., et al. (2020). Motor Transitions’ Peculiarity of Heterozygous DAT Rats When Offspring of an Unconventional KO×WT Mating. Neuroscience, 433, 108120.
- Mariano S., Pardo M., Buccheri C., Illiano P., Adinolfi A., Lo Russo S., et al. (2020). Own or dam’s genotype? Classical colony breeding may bias spontaneous and stress-challenged activity in DAT-mutant rats. Developmental Psychobiology, 62(4), 505–518.
- Carbone C., Lo Russo S., et al. (2019). Prior Activation of 5-HT7 Receptors Modulates the Conditioned Place Preference With Methylphenidate. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 13, 208.
- Cerniglia L., Bartolomeo L., Capobianco M., Lo Russo S., et al. (2019). Intersections and Divergences Between Empathizing and Mentalizing: Development, Recent Advancements by Neuroimaging and the Future of Animal Modeling. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 13, 212.
Experience¶
Independent Researcher — Longevity, Nutritional Neuroscience & Aging Biology¶
Self-Employed — Rome, Italy · 2022 – Present
- Systematic independent study of aging biology: cellular senescence, mTOR/AMPK/sirtuins pathways, caloric restriction models, and their translational implications for human nutrition.
- Deep dive into the gut–brain axis: microbiome composition, neuroinflammation, and dietary interventions targeting cognitive decline and mood disorders.
- Development of a science-based editorial platform on nutrition, longevity, and brain health, applying an evidence-critical approach to debunk pseudoscientific claims common in the wellness industry.
Substitute Research Assistant — FutureNeuro Centre, RCSI¶
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland — Dublin, Ireland · Jul 2022 – Sep 2022
- Genotyping of three mouse colonies carrying distinct genetic models of epilepsy, contributing to FutureNeuro’s translational epilepsy research programme.
High School Science Teacher¶
ITTL Francesco De Pinedo — Rome, Italy · Jan 2021 – Jun 2021
- Designed and delivered lessons in biology and science to classes of 20–25 students, integrating analytical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.
- Prepared assessments, tracked individual student progress, and adapted teaching methods (keynotes, video, Socratic discussion) to diverse learning profiles.
Nutritional Consultant¶
Self-Employed — Rome, Italy · 2017 – 2022
- Clinical nutritional consulting for adult clients, integrating neurobiological and behavioral perspectives on the emotional relationship with food and eating disorders.
- Diet therapy for chronic conditions: intestinal and liver diseases, hypertension, chronic cardiovascular insufficiency, insulin resistance, and hormonal imbalance.
- Protocol design for intermittent fasting, ketogenic, and low-carb diets for clinical applications including epilepsy management.
- Non-prescriptive nutritional support for clients with eating disorders, maintaining a psychologically informed, non-pathologizing approach.
Research Intern — National Institute of Health (ISS)¶
Rome, Italy · Feb 2018 – Feb 2019
- Preclinical behavioural and pharmacological research on transgenic rodent models (DAT-KO, DAT-HET) to identify novel psychopharmacological treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Responsible for colony breeding, genotyping, and behavioural testing (Conditioned Place Preference, Social Preference, Forced Swim Test) in the Adriani lab.
- Bibliographic research on gambling disorders and depression using PubMed with structured Boolean search methodology; results contributed to published peer-reviewed work.
- Collaborated with Dr. Anna Brancato (University of Palermo) on ex vivo immunofluorescence experiments; findings published in Biomedicines (2021).
- Investigated epigenetic modifications and maternal care as determinants of personality disorder susceptibility in rat models; results published in Developmental Psychobiology (2020).
Research Intern, Molecular Biology — Tor Vergata University¶
Rome, Italy · Dec 2015 – Apr 2016
- Characterised the molecular interaction between PIM-1 and RPS19 proteins via co-immunoprecipitation; trained in Western Blot, DNA extraction, and PCR techniques.
- Contributed to laboratory equipment installation, calibration, sourcing, and stock management.
Education¶
Teaching Qualification — Classe A028 (Mathematics & Sciences)¶
Università degli Studi Link, Rome · 2025 · EQF Level 7 · 60 CFU · DPCM 4 August 2023
MSc in Evolutionary Biology, Anthropology, and Ecology¶
Tor Vergata University, Rome · 2019 · 110/110 Thesis: The role of genetic makeup in maternal behavior, resilience to stress, and social interaction (Behavioral Neuroscience)
BSc in Biological Sciences¶
Tor Vergata University, Rome · 2016 Thesis: Study of the interaction between RPS19 and PIM-1 proteins through co-immunoprecipitation experiments
Certifications & Skills¶
LAST Certification — Core Modules 1–14 (Rodent Species). EU Directive 2010/63 compliance, animal experimentation (Articles 23–24), obtained in Ireland.
Technical: Western Blot · Co-IP · PCR · DNA Extraction · Behavioural Testing (CPP, Social Preference, Porsolt FST) · Observer · Statview · R · Microsoft Office Suite
Languages: Italian (native) · English (full professional proficiency) · French (basic)