Salome Valentina Ibba

I am currently a postdoctoral research fellow at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center of New Orleans. I'm responsible of several projects that focus on the study of the DNA repair-independent role of PARP-1 and DNA-PK and their strong involvement in modulating inflammation and the function of several immune cells such as T- lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and MDSCs. Specifically, we are repurposing the use of metronomic doses of selective inhibitors of these enzymes to increase immune system functionality against cancer. Upon receiving my master’s degree in 2012, I have been focusing my academic training on studying the immune system as well as participating in multiple projects to examine immune responses in inflammatory, allergic, infective, and metabolic human pathologies. My deep fascination with immunology prompted me to further my education and pursue a PhD in Molecular Medicine of Immune Reaction and Inflammation. My PhD was completed in 2016 at the University of Milan where I worked on the identification of genetic and immunologic correlates involved in HIV-1 infection susceptibility. A part of my PhD was spent abroad at LSUHSC-NO where I performed most experiments for my thesis on the role of PARP-1 and iNOS in inflammatory diseases such as asthma. This brief yet prolific period granted me the possibility to work in an incredibly dynamic environment where I was able to collaborate with several excellent researchers. Subsequently, my postdoctoral experience began in 2016 where I joined the Immunology Core of the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences of the University of Milan wherein I studied the potential role of thiazolides and its related molecules as adjuvants for the development of new antiviral vaccines as well as their role in the modulation of innate immunity with consequent ability to reduce viral infections such as HIV-1 infection. Working in highly equipped and intensive laboratories have given me the possibility to develop the necessary skills and capability to organize experiments both independently and collaboratively. I am adept with the most relevant cellular and molecular biology techniques including flow cytometry, in vitro differentiation of several immune system cells, confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry to name a few. In addition, I have substantial experiences involving in vivo studies. I am highly motivated, self-sufficient, well-organized with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and proven ability to achieve targets and results.