With over seven years of experience in laboratory training and supervision, in addition to three-plus years of clinical laboratory experience, Ivana de Domenico has positioned herself at the forefront of the scientific research field, as well as its varied and related fields. Qualified to teach molecular biology, cellular biology, microbiology, clinical microbiology, and biotechnology, Italian native Ivana de Domenico has not only proven herself an accomplished academic and laboratory researcher but as an avid traveler as well.
England, Spain, Kenya, Russia; these national locations are but a mere sample of the many places Dr. De Domenico has experienced. But she is not simply a globe trotter; Ivana immerses herself fully in whatever exciting environment she finds herself in, as evidenced by her extensive knowledge of five languages, and familiarity with several more. Ivana is also somewhat of an epicurean, finding enjoyment in the cuisines of a number of different cultures. She is particularly fond of Kenyan ugali (cornmeal porridge), and Russian borscht (beet soup).
Although her extensive travel experience is impressive, it is with the biological sciences that Ivana de Domenico has answered her calling and received much recognition. In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Science in biological science, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Messina in Italy. As a part of her studies, she wrote an article, “Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Caulobacter Crescentus Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase,” which was published in the Biochemica et Biophysica Acata journal, “Proteins and Proteomics”.
At the University of Messina, Ivana De Domenico enjoyed learning more about the great country of Italy. Interestingly, The University was refounded in 1838 by King Ferdinand II. Why was it refounded, Ivana wondered? As an undergraduate student, and still today, Ivana was incredibly curious about history and origin. She later learned that the University of Messina closed in the seventeenth century because of the revolution against the Spaniards. What’s more, that wasn’t the school’s only closing. In 1847, as the result of yet another revolution in the city, the University was again closed. But it reopened after two years.
In 2003, after she obtained her bachelor’s degree, Ivana De Domenico earned her license as a clinical laboratory scientist. While still studying as an undergraduate, Dr. De Domenico decided to extend her academic journey, applying to one of the University’s graduate programs. Ivana was accepted, and matriculated into the University of Messina’s cellular, molecular biology, and biotechnology graduate program. In this program, Ivana studied in the laboratory of Dr. Giovanni Musci, receiving her Ph.D. in 2005. While enrolled at the University of Messina’s Graduate Program, she also commenced a research period in the United States at the University of Utah. While at Utah, Ivana began observing iron metabolism with respect to hepcidin, ferroportin, and ferritin. Eventually, Dr. De Domenico’s research would lead to the publication of several papers and articles in the late 2000s including “Serum Ferritin Regulates Blood Vessel Formation: A Role Beyond Iron Storage,” published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. Ivana is currently an MBA Candidate for the University of Utah School of Medicine.
When Ivana De Domenico is not traveling or researching, she enjoys opera, reading, swimming, tennis, and antique shopping. You can learn more about Ivana on her travel website.