Dr. Miriam Patti | Ethnobotany | Best Researcher Award
Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria | Italy
Miriam Patti is a research fellow at the Department of Agraria, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria. Her work focuses on ethnobotanical surveys, germination and domestication tests, and phytochemical analyses of Mediterranean plant species. She has conducted applied research in ethnobotany, biodiversity conservation, and urban greening through green wall design in Mediterranean contexts. She has presented her findings at international conferences and authored several peer‑reviewed publications. Her background also includes community‑focused work, such as cataloguing and preserving regional botanical heritage. Widely recognized for bridging traditional knowledge and urban sustainability, she continues to contribute towards conservation and ecological education in Southern Italy.
Author Profile
Education
Miriam earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Sciences with a thesis on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ethnobotanical cultural heritage. The program included ethnobotanical survey work, species domestication trials, and phytochemical analysis of southern Italian endemic plants. Complementary certifications include C2-level English, Eipass, CLIL, SKILL certifications in interactive whiteboard, tablet, and coding, as well as professional training in food industry operation and GDPR compliance. Her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in food science and technology provided a foundation in plant biochemistry, nutritional science, and regulatory frameworks—supporting her interdisciplinary work in ethnobotany and sustainable urban greening.
Professional Experience
Miriam currently serves as Research Fellow at Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, leading a green walls design project adapted to Mediterranean urban contexts. During her Ph.D., she conducted ethnobotanical studies, domestication trials, and phytochemical characterization for Mediterranean species. She also acted as tutor for a cultural‑botanical digitization project with the Reggio Calabria Rotary Club, cataloguing heritage archives and engaging students in preservation efforts. Earlier she volunteered in civil service, supporting care for people with cognitive or psychophysical challenges. Her work integrates academic research, outreach, and community involvement, reflecting her broad professional engagement across horticultural science and cultural heritage preservation.
Awards and Recognition
Miriam Patti has achieved academic and professional recognition in plant sciences, particularly for her contributions to ethnobotany and sustainable urban ecology. She has been invited to international conferences for her green wall research and published extensively in reputable journals such as Buildings, Ethnobotany Research and Applications, Heliyon, and Plant Biosystems. Her Ph.D. was awarded with highest honors. She has contributed to edited volumes with Springer, and she was selected to present at high-profile botanical congresses in Italy and Portugal. Her interdisciplinary approach—combining traditional botanical knowledge and modern design—has earned her increasing visibility in academics and applied environmental planning.
Research Skills
Miriam Patti brings expertise in ethnobotanical survey methodology, germination and domestication trials of target species, phytochemical analysis, and habitat‑template design for green walls. She is skilled in botanical identification, field sampling, statistical data analysis, and ecological interpretation. Her interdisciplinary training covers food science, ethnobotany, biodiversity monitoring, and applied botanical conservation. She is adept at digitizing archives, coordinating community‑based heritage projects, and preparing scientific publications. She communicates fluently in English and Italian, and holds certifications in CLIL, ICT (interactive whiteboard, tablet, coding), demonstrating her capacity for educational innovation alongside botanical research.
Conclusion
Miriam Patti demonstrates a thoughtful combination of scientific excellence, cultural engagement, and applied ecology. Her research bridges ethnobotanical knowledge, biodiversity conservation, and urban sustainability through projects like green wall design and domestication of culturally significant plants. With strong publication credentials, community-driven outreach, and interdisciplinary training, she is a compelling candidate for academic and sustainability awards. Her innovative integration of traditional plant science with urban ecological design positions her to make significant future contributions to botanically informed planning and education. As her career advances, she is well poised to influence conservation policy, urban biodiversity, and cross-disciplinary research.
Publications
Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., & Spampinato, G. (2025). A Habitat‑Template Approach to Green Wall Design in Mediterranean Cities. Buildings, 15(14), 2557.
Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., Laface, V.L.A., & Spampinato, G. (2025). Ethnobotanical survey in the Graecanic Area of Calabria (Southern Italy): a treasure chest of biodiversity and traditions at risk of extinction. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 30.
Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., & Spampinato, G. (2025). Ethnobotanical Knowledge in Calabria (Southern Italy): a summary review. Heliyon.
Patti, M., Aci, M.M., Tassone, M.T., & Musarella, C.M. (2025). A review of Opuntia ficus‑indica ethnobotany in Italy and North Africa. RJEES, 5.
Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., Postiglione, S.M., et al. (2024). Ethnobotanical studies on the Tyrrhenian side of Aspromonte Massif (Southern Italy). Plant Biosystems.
Musarella, C.M., Patti, M., Laface, V.L.A., & Spampinato, G. (2024). An overview of ethnobotanical knowledge for enhancement of plant food and economies in Calabria region — case study. Vegetos.