I earned a master's degree in marine biology in Palermo, Italy, and continued my studies at the University of California - Santa Barbara, focusing on ecological monitoring of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). I later obtained a doctorate from the University of the French Riviera, where my research integrated marine conservation science and social science to evaluate the effectiveness of MPAs. I then worked at WWF Italy for 4 years, focusing on MPA management and sustainable fisheries. I am currently a researcher at the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, where I continue to study and promote marine conservation, seeking to engage local communities to ensure both the protection of marine ecosystems and the well-being of local people.