The Laura Bassi Fellowship 2024-25 was awarded to Dr. Sandra Persiani, a previous Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow and now research associate at the Chair of Building Technology and Climate Responsive Design, TUM School of Engineering and Design (ED). This program supports female scientists who pursue innovative research and is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Sciences and the Arts as part of the initiative "Equal Opportunities for Women in Research and Teaching". It is open to graduate students with a focus on gender and diversity studies, as well as to postdoctoral researchers in all disciplines.
Sandra Persiani's project will examine how non-flowering indoor plants can increase microbial diversity in office spaces and whether this diversity positively influences the human nasal microbiome. Humans breathe in over 10,000 liters of air per day, making the indoor microbiome-the microorganisms found in dust, surfaces, and air-a key factor in health. The study hypothesizes that plants can increase microbial diversity, which may support the development of a more resilient human microbiome. Conducted in collaboration with Prof. Michael Schloter (TUM School of Life Sciences, Central Institute for Food and Health) and Dr. Andreas Brachmann (LMU Faculty of Biology), the research brings together expertise from multiple disciplines.
Dr. Persiani, who specializes in the intersection of architecture and microbiology, aims to use this opportunity to deepen her experimental expertise, expand her network, and contribute to the emerging field of health-promoting indoor environments.
The Laura Bassi Fellowship recognizes Sandra Persiani's achievements and supports her in advancing research at the intersection of science, health, and the built environment.
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