OUR TEAM
20 active members
OUR TEAM
20 active members
Principal Investigators

Lia Rimondini, DDS
Full Professor, Head of the INNOVATION Lab
I am a clinician and have been involved for many years in developing technologies for osseointegration, tissue regeneration, and the fight against infection of implantable biomaterials. I know the clinician’s needs and the cutting-edge technologies to solve them.

Andrea Cochis
Associate Professor, Group Leader
Since my Bachelor’s, I have been focusing on muscular tissue regeneration and technologies to counteract infection of medical devices. I have expertise in system biology and molecular biology analysis focused on both tissue regeneration and microbiology.

Elham Sharifikolouei
Tenure Track Assistant Professor, Head of Biofabrication Lab
I’m a materials scientist working at the intersection of materials science, technology development, and regenerative medicine. My research centers on the biofabrication of advanced metallic systems such as metallic glasses and shape-memory microfibers, and their integration into soft biomaterials. A current focus is creating hybrid metal–polymer constructs, including hydrogel-based architectures, to guide tissue repair and regeneration.
Active Members

Ziba Najmi
Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

Alessandro Scalia
Postdoctoral Researcher

Ajay Kumar
Postdoctoral Researcher

Farah Daou
Postdoctoral Researcher

Ranveer Kaur
PhD Candidate

Federica Ferla
PhD Candidate

Sofia Toniolo
PhD Candidate

Tiziana Brosio
PhD Candidate

Negar Bakhtiary
PhD Candidate

Ana Fathi
PhD Candidate

Muhammad Usman Tahir
PhD Candidate
Current Master's Students
Shahd Alahmad
Master's Student
Parisa Golestani
Master's Student
Fariba Jahanbin
Master's Student
Ale Sadeghi
Master's Student
Martina Pirotta
Master's Student
Mojtaba Ranjbari Kojabad
Master's Student
PhD Alumni
Farah Daou
Ph.D. in Food, Health & Longevity, 2025
Ksenia Menshikh
Ph.D. in Food, Health & Longevity, 2024
Mauro Nascimben
Ph.D. in Food, Health & Longevity, 2024
Ajay Kumar
Ph.D. in Food, Health & Longevity, 2024
Alessandro Scalia
Ph.D. in Food, Health & Longevity, 2023
Visitng Researchers
Francesca Gamna
Research Fellow, 2025
Mohammadamin Darijani
Research Fellow, 2025
Fjorelo Refati
Research Fellow, 2025
Tamara Matic
Visitng Researcher, 2023
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia
Jelena Petrovic
Visiting Researcher, 2023
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia
Ivana Banicevic
Visiting Researcher, 2023
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia
Karolina Moravkova
Visiting Researcher, 2022
Technical University of Liberec
Liberec, Czech Republic
Gabija Nemeikse
Visiting Researcher, 2022
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Kaunas, Lithuania
Ilijana Kovrlija
Visiting Researcher, 2022
Riga Technical University
Riga, Latvia
Mari Sofia Lalluka
Visiting Researcher, 2022
Politecnico di Torino
Turin, Italy
Master's Alumni
Valentina Radini
Master's in Medical Biotechnology, 2025
Myriam Antonaci
Master's in Medical Biotechnology, 2025
Sofia Toniolo
Master's in Medical Biotechnology, 2025
Negin Ejtihadi
Master's in Medical Biotechnology, 2025
Fawzia Ibrahim
Master's in Medical Biotechnology, 2025
Luca Buonarrivo
Master's in Medical Biotechnologies, 2024
Rana Zarean Hafdaran
Master's in Medical Biotechnologies, 2024
Mohamad Rasoul Abdollahi Roshandeh
Master's in Medical Biotechnologies, 2024
Other Master's Graduates
2020-2023
Carlotta Necchi
Federica Dell’Atti
Ibrahim Eslam Ashour Abdelrehim
Oussama Krami Senhaji
Fjorelo Refati
Asma Elgafari
Revathi Sampath
TEAM MEMBERS
ALESSANDRO
SCALIA
Researcher
My actual field of interest is the regenerative medicine in toto. Throughout my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I had the opportunity to conduct in-depth biological characterizations of numerous biomaterials. These materials were engineered with the dual purpose of preserving cell survival and impeding the adhesion or proliferation of harmful bacterial strains. As I pursued my PhD, my focus shifted towards the development of biomaterials specifically designed to enhance cartilage healing.
ZIBA
NAJMI
Researcher
My major experience is related to Microbiology. During my master’s and PhD, I isolated bacterial strains from the environment and characterized their metabolites. In the INNOVATION lab, I am evaluating the properties of the biomaterials against human pathogen strains. Different biomaterials according to their characterizations can be effective in adhesion of bacteria, their growth and proliferation; or they could have bactericidal activity.
KSENIA
MENSHIKH
Researcher
Postdoctoral researcher at the INNOVATION lab, my journey spans biomaterials and cancer modeling. From bone tissue engineering in my bachelor’s to 3D in vitro cancer models in my master’s, I’m now blending both in my PhD. Imagine cultivating a genuine tumor in lab conditions—an in vitro model of primary bone cancer. My mission is to revolutionize anticancer drug testing by recreating a physiological-like environment using innovative approaches and biomaterials.
FARAH
DAOU
PhD student
As a PhD student, my research work is focused on the study of bone regeneration. I use 3D bone models that resemble the architecture of bone and a bioreactor that provides mechanical stimuli similar to those present in bone to study how electromagnetic field (EMF) promotes bone healing. The main players in my experiments are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs).
AJAYKUMAR
REDDY
Researcher
As a postdoctoral researcher, my work is to design recombinant proteins to assess their impact on cellular and bacterial systems for biomaterial applications. We aim to evaluate implant performance and biocompatibility using comprehensive in vitro research, especially for bone regeneration.
ELHAM SHARIFIKOLOUEI
Researcher
I’m a materials scientist deeply engaged in the fascinating intersection of materials science, tissue engineering, and microbiology. My focus is on the application of metallic glasses in medical devices, antibacterial coatings, and the exploration of 4D materials e.g. shape memory materials in hydrogels. My educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, a Master’s in Biomaterials, and a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research. Additionally, I have been a recipient of a Marie-Sklodowska Curie Individual Fellowship, where my research focused on the development of intrinsically antibacterial metallic glass microfibers.
Interested in collaborating? Let’s connect!
MAURO
NASCIMBEN
Researcher
I am interested in exploring the application of AI in personalized medicine, tailoring treatments based on individual patient characteristics, working on predictive modeling targeting biomedical markers, and optimizing biological algorithms by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to implement and evaluate the real-world impact of AI-driven solutions.
FEDERICA
FERLA
PhD student
My name is Federica Ferla and I am currently a PhD student at the INNOVATION Lab, at CAAD, in Novara. I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology at UPO, where I gained extensive research experience in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with a specific focus on cardiac tissue. This early work inspired my passion for exploring how innovative technologies can help repair or regenerate damaged tissues.
RANVEER
CHAHAL
PhD student
As a part of the ReBone project, at the INNOVATION Lab, my research focuses on evaluating the interaction of ceramic scaffolds with cells and tissues. Building on my Master’s experience with cell culture and animal studies—where I assessed the biocompatibility of orthopaedic screws—I am now extending my work into my PhD to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of orthopaedic scaffolds for bone regeneration.
CURRENT STUDENTS
TIZIANA BROSIO
I am Tiziana Brosio, a fellowship student at the INNOVATION Lab. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnologies, where I developed a strong interest in 3D models and tissue engineering. This passion led me to pursue a Master’s in Medical Biotechnologies, focusing on 3D models, tissue engineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine. Now, at the INNOVATION lab, I contribute to research in these fields, exploring innovative strategies for heart tissue regeneration using 3D printing and biocompatible materials.
FAWZIA IBRAHIM
My name is Fawzia Ibrahim. I have a background in pharmacy, and I’m currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology at UPO. My area of interest lies in using machine learning techniques to convert biological information, like raw data, into algorithms that can improve the success of treatments.
VALENTINA RADINI
I’m Valentina Radini. I’ve completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at UPO. Currently, I’m attending a Master’s degree program with a main focus on cell therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. My journey has led me to become involved in the fascinating world of biotechnology, where I’ve cultivated a deep interest in using science to heal and regenerate tissues. I’m eager to contribute to advancements in regenerative medicine and make a positive impact on healthcare.
SOFIA TONIOLO
I’m Sofia Toniolo, a first-year master’s student in Medical Biotechnology at UPO. Building on my passion for biotechnologies since my undergraduate studies, my current focus revolves around cell therapies, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, particularly delving into biomaterial properties and creating 3D models of bone, cartilage, and skin. That’s why I decided to apply here at the INNOVATION lab!
MYRIAM ANTONACI
As a master’s degree student, I’m interested in the study of the regeneration process and tissue engineering. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in the field of Biotechnology at the University of Insubria in Varese, where I worked on mice inducing angiogenesis using the secretome of DPSCs. Now I’m studying Medical Biotechnology at UPO, and I would like to concentrate my internship on cartilage or bone regeneration.
SHAYAN JALALI
I’m Shayan, greetings from the land of rich culture and vibrant history, Iran! I’m like a digital explorer, navigating the vast realms of programming, data analysis, and bioinformatics, where every line of code is a strand in the DNA of my curiosity, unravelling the mysteries of biology through the lens of technology!
MOJTABA RANJBARI KOJABAD
I’m Mojtaba Ranjbari Kojaba, a master’s student of Medical Biotechnology at UPO. Originally from Iran, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. One area that truly captivates me is regenerative medicine. In the INNOVATION lab, I will participate in dry lab experiments. I will delve into the realm of machine learning – harness raw data from wet lab experiments and transform it into mathematical models. These models allow us to describe and understand the intricate progress of biological phenomena.
PARISA GOLESTANI
I am Parisa Golestani, a Master’s student in Medical Biotechnology at the INNOVATION Lab. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a Master’s degree in Biochemistry. My main interests are in biomaterials and nanotechnology, especially how they can be used in medicine and biotechnology.
FARIBA JAHANBIN
I’m Fariba Jahanbin, originally from Iran, with a background in Microbiology. Holding both Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in the field, I’m currently pursuing a second master’s in Medical Biotechnology.
ALUMNI
LUCREZIA CIANCIARUSO
I am Lucrezia Cianciaruso, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at the University of Eastern Piedmont. Currently, I am pursuing my studies in ‘Medical Biotechnology’. Throughout my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I focused my interests in the field of Regenerative Medicine because the reconstruction of damaged or malfunctioning parts of the body is my main area of interest. My current project is related to the use of eugenol as a potential treatment for skin regeneration due to its antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory activities.
CAMILLA CECCON
My name is Camilla Ceccon; I got my bachelor’s degree in medical biotechnology at UPO. I am currently a student of the second year of master’s degree in medical biotechnologies, in particular I decided to sign up for the curriculum of cell therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Following my interests in the study of biomaterials, I decided to apply for INNOVATION lab and now my research is based on the study of biology assessment of medical biomaterials.
LUCA BUONARRIVO
I’m Luca Buonarrivo, I obtained my master’s in the intricate field of Medical Biotechnology at UPO. My academic journey originates in the field of biological sciences, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at the University of Insubria in Varese. Exploring the intriguing fields of regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and stem cell research, my focus revolved around cartilage regeneration. Specifically, my master’s thesis was dedicated to unraveling novel approaches for restoring cartilage health.
PARINAZ KHANJANPOOR
I am Parinaz Khanjanpoor; I got my bachelor degree in biology field and obtained matser’s degree in ‘Medical Biotechnology’ at UPO. I’m highly keen on using new technologies like bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence and exploring their applications in Biology field. My plan is to integrate new skills and old knowledge, and I am extremely excited to find out what comes next!
RASOUL ABDOLLAHI ROSHANDEH
I am Rasoul Abdollahi from Iran. After obtaining my Bachelor’s degree in Laboratory Sciences in Iran, I obtained my Master’s degree in Medical Biotechnology at UPO. My chosen fields are Cell Therapy, Tissue Engineering, and Regenerative Medicine. My primary interest lies in the application of biomaterials for medical and dental implants. In my thesis, I was researching the effect of dental materials based on zinc on oral microorganisms for my thesis project.
RANA ZAREAN HAFDARAN
Biology grad with expertise in bone regeneration using 3D PLA models and direct perfusion bioreactors. Passionate about biotech, biofabrication, and reproductive biotech (IVMFC, ICSI). Let’s explore the future of science together!
JAMIL KANDALAFT
I’m Jamil Kandalaft, and I am a master student studying Medical Biotechnology at UPO. My academic journey started in Syria, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Dentistry from Aleppo University, and my journey continues here in Italy. I have been involved in the field of working in the regenerative medicine laboratory for the last two years. My interest lies in the materials that are being used or will be used in the coating of dental implants in order to have better treatment and a better recovery around the implants. This is why my thesis is about Gallium-doped Zirconia Coatings on dental implant surfaces.
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CONTACTS
CAAD | Corso Trieste 15/A
Novara, 28100 – ITALY
CONTACTS
CAAD | Corso Trieste 15/A
Novara, 28100 – ITALY