Simona Merlini¶

About me¶

Hello! I'm a Biomedical Engineer and researcher at the Center for Innovation in Brain Science, where my work focuses on leveraging computational methods to identify precision therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease prevention and treatment. I am currently working with Dr. Francesca Vitali under the mentorship of Dr. Brinton.

I'm passionate about exploring the power of AI for real-world clinical data analysis, driven by a deep curiosity about the potential of technology to revolutionize healthcare. I'm incredibly excited about the intersection of AI and biomedicine, constantly exploring innovative approaches to advance our understanding and treatment of neurological disorders.

I'm always eager to connect with fellow AI enthusiasts, researchers, and scientists alike.

Education¶

🧬 University of Arizona, Phd Student, Biomedical Engineering, Jan 2023-Present
University of Pavia, MS, Digital Welfare-Biomedical Engineering, Sep 2020-Dec 2022
University of Pavia, Winter school: Discovering the unknown: AI in healthcare, Dec 2021
University of Pavia, BS, Biomedical Engineering, Oct 2017-Sep 2020

What's Happening¶

RNA-Seq Data Analysis in R: From Raw Counts to Differential Expression Analysis
When: 3 – 4 p.m., Nov. 12, 2024
Where: Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library, Room 212 (Learning Center)
Downstream Analysis of RNA-Seq Results in R: GSEA, PPI Networks, and Biological Interpretation
When: 3 – 4 p.m., Nov. 19, 2024
Where: Albert B. Weaver Science-Engineering Library, Room 212 (Learning Center)

Poster Presentation and Data Blitz¶

Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting 2024, Baltimore, Oct 2024 (poster)
Society for Neuroscience 2024, Chicago, Oct 2024 (poster)
Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium Conference, Phoenix, Sep 2024 (poster)
Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2024, Philadelphia, Jul 2024 (poster)
12^th Annual Biomedical Engineering Day, Tucson, Mar 2024 (poster)
Society for Neuroscience 2023, Washington D.C, Nov 2023 (poster)
Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium Conference, Phoenix, Sep 2023 (poster)
Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2023, Amsterdam, Jul 2023 (poster)
Women in Data Science, Tucson, Apr 2023 (data blitz)
Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2022, San Diego, Jul 2022 (poster)

Honors and Hawards¶

Second Place- Best Overall Poster, 12^th Annual BME Day 2024
Data Science Fellowship, Data Science Institute, 2023
GPSC Travel Grants, University of Arizona, Tucson, 2023

Memberships¶

Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), 2024
The Alzheimer's Association International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment (ISTAART), 2022-Present
Society for Neuroscience, 2023-Present