Associate Professor at University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Daria Maria Monti (DMM) is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Sciences at the University of Naples Federico II, with an impressive track record in cellular biology and biochemistry. She is widely recognized for her investigations into the cytotoxic effects of noble metal compounds and the antioxidant properties of natural extracts, as well as her more recent work on microalgae as a source of bioactive molecules. DMM has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and has earned an h-index of 32, with more than 2700 citations to date, reflecting her significant contributions to the scientific community. Her academic and research influence extends globally through numerous speaking engagements and collaborative projects.
Profile
Scopus
Education
DMM’s educational foundation in biochemical sciences laid the groundwork for her future in biomedical research. She pursued advanced postdoctoral training internationally, notably at the Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences and Medicine, Harvard Medical School, under the mentorship of esteemed scientists Prof. Vallee and Prof. Riordan from 1999 to 2001. Her education continued with a visiting scientist position at Tufts Medical Center’s Molecular Oncology Research Institute in 2012, where she explored molecular responses in cancer biology. These formative experiences helped hone her expertise in oxidative stress and therapeutic compounds.
Experience
Over the years, DMM has accumulated extensive experience in both academic and applied research settings. Her primary appointments have involved cellular biology and biochemistry, with a growing emphasis on natural antioxidants and cytotoxic agents. Beyond laboratory research, she has served as an evaluator for multiple national and European scientific projects, and as a reviewer for numerous high-impact international journals. DMM has been deeply involved in academic mentorship, acting as a tutor and co-supervisor for students in Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology and Health Biotechnology programs. Since 2014, she has also contributed to the PhD School in Biotechnology, mentoring several doctoral candidates across multiple academic cycles.
Research Interest
DMM’s research interests are deeply rooted in understanding the mechanisms of oxidative stress and cellular defense systems. Her work delves into the cytotoxic impacts of noble metal-based compounds, such as gold and platinum complexes, often used in cancer therapies. She also studies the protective effects of phytochemicals and natural extracts against oxidative cellular damage. More recently, she has ventured into the field of microalgae biotechnology, investigating these organisms as promising sources of nutraceuticals, pigments, and antioxidants with therapeutic potential. Her research bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications in medicine and biotechnology.
Award
DMM’s scientific achievements have garnered multiple accolades. In 2014, she was honored with the Best Work of the Year Award for the publication “Fulgione et al” in Journal of Zoology. Two years later, in 2016, her publication in Chemical Communications was selected for the journal’s front and back cover. In 2019, her article in Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine became the most downloaded piece in its category. In 2020, another of her works featured in ChemMedChem was recognized as part of the “Cancer Research Hot Topic Series,” while her collaborative research published in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta – Bioenergetics was highlighted by Elettra Synchrotron Light Laboratory for its scientific impact.
Publication
DMM has published widely in leading journals, with her most impactful works including:
- Monti et al., Nanomed: Nanotechnol Biol Med, 2019, 20, 101997 – Most downloaded article in Nanomedicine (Cited by 134 articles)
- Petruk et al., ChemMedChem, 2019, 14, 594 – Selected for Cancer Research Hot Topic Series (Cited by 98 articles)
- Ferraro et al., Chem Commun, 2016, 52, 9518 – Featured on front and back cover (Cited by 110 articles)
- Fulgione et al., J Zool, 2014, 294(2), 122-128 – Awarded Best Work of the Year (Cited by 87 articles)
- Ferraro et al., BBA Bioenerg, 2020, 1861, 148236 – Recognized by Elettra Synchrotron (Cited by 65 articles)
- Monti et al., Int J Mol Sci, Special Issue: Microalgae Biotechnology, 2022 – Guest editor and author (Cited by 42 articles)
- Petruk et al., Molecules, 2021, Special Issue: Antioxidants and Aging – Co-editor and contributor (Cited by 39 articles)
Conclusion
Daria Maria Monti stands out as a dynamic researcher and dedicated educator in the field of biochemical and cellular sciences. Her international collaborations, editorial roles, and mentoring of young scientists reflect her commitment to advancing research and innovation. Her work continues to inspire developments in the understanding of cellular defense mechanisms, therapeutic compound screening, and biotechnology applications, particularly in aging, cancer, and metabolic stress. With a career marked by academic rigor, innovation, and scientific leadership, DMM is a deserving candidate for any recognition celebrating excellence in research.