"Serena is an incredibly hard working, aspiring medical scientist who presents many talents that make up her joyful personality, extreme work ethic, and her resilience to challenges. Having to leave her home country at a young age, she has worked very hard to adapt new knowledge and techniques in less than a year! This includes learning surgical techniques, immunohistochemistry, and working with various animal models. Her strong work ethic has essentially earned her ability to present at conferences such as SFN. While wrapping up her masters soon, she contributes tremendous scientific insight and excitement to our weekly lab meetings that make up scientists, physicians, and research technicians and assistants. Beyond her work, Serena extends her efforts in assisting her colleagues daily. Whether it’s teaching students immunohistochemistry or surgical techniques, she reflects her ability to quickly learn through her readiness to help others! Being a student, researcher, and a wonderful, caring colleague, Serena is an all-around talent. When I envision a medical scientist, the first person that comes to my mind would be Serena Petruzzelli! May she continue be the hero she is and I look forward to continuing to see her develop into the wonderful scientist she is!"

Nominated by Saher Chaudhry, Tracey Lab, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, United States of America