Irene Ferrara

Chemistry graduate with a specialization in Industry, Environment, and Cultural Heritage, qualified as a Chemist and registered with the Interprovincial Order of Chemists and Physicists. I currently hold the position of Research Fellow for the SAMOTHRACE foundation in the scientific disciplinary sector FIS/07 - Applied Physics to Cultural Heritage, Environment, Biology, and Medicine, at the "Ettore Majorana" Department of Physics and Astronomy under the scientific supervision of Professor Anna Maria Gueli.
Precision, organization, and discipline are the skills that best define me. Highly motivated, with a strong inclination for continuous learning, I'm flexible in working both in team settings and independently, demonstrating adaptability to various work situations.
In my current research, I focus on the advanced application of Raman Spectroscopy and Spectrophotometry techniques for the analysis and conservation of materials used in Cultural Heritage. Raman Spectroscopy, a non-destructive analytical technique, enables me to examine the molecular composition and structural characteristics of materials with precision. In parallel, I use Spectrophotometry to study chromatic properties, analyzing how physical and chemical variations affect the color and preservation of materials.
The solid theoretical foundations acquired during my academic journey, combined with analytical and problem-solving skills, were further refined through laboratory activities at the University of Catania. These experiences culminated in my master’s thesis, which focused on the fabrication of electrospun, photoactive PES fibers for the removal of contaminants from water and the cleaning of surfaces in Cultural Heritage applications.