University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Stefania Paduano, M.Sc.

Biologist, PhD Candidate in Clinical and Experimental Medicine at the International Doctorate School of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Her current research on Legionella focuses on risk assessment and identification of the critical points in water system in both health facilities and community structures. Also, she works on the experimental application of advanced methods for assessing water safety and quality, performing studies even on thermal water quality. She has experience in detecting and quantifying Legionella spp in water samples, comparing the traditional culture method with rapid molecular tests. Previous project focused on water safety plans in hospital and community structures, for which she was awarded a fellowship grant by the Lazio region. The project was a joint partnership between the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the Italian National Institute of Health and the Regional Environment Protection Agency of Rome.