
Veronica Baldasso ESR13
My project:
“Trace metals fate and speciation in soils after contamination – interactions with organic micropollutants and effects on bioremediation processes”
Biography:
I am Veronica, from Italy and I have traveled and lived in different countries during my childhood, including the USA and Canada. I got my International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma in Texas (USA) and then started my academic career in Politecnico of Milano from which I obtained a BSc and a MSc in Environmental Engineering with focus on remediation technologies. During my Master’s thesis I discovered a passion for research and understood the importance of contributing to deepen the knowledge of the scientific community. I decided to continue my academic career with a PhD in the framework of the M2ex MSCA ITN project focusing on the study of the fate and speciation of trace metals in soil after contamination. I have always had at heart the environment and I believe that society is the one who holds the power to find solutions to the problems it faces, enabling a healthy lifestyle respecting the surrounding environment. For this reason, I want to contribute with research that aims at remediating contaminated sites while aiding a more sustainable economy. I am very friendly, caring and extroverted person who loves to travel, explore and discover new things. I enjoy good company and good food. I am into yoga and swimming, and also like to hike and snowboard.
Main Host Institution:
UP (University of Porto, Portugal)
Second Host Institution:
UNINA (University of Naples Federico II, Italy)
Secondments:

In process to be recruited ESR14
My project:
“Constructed wetlands for removal of metals from contaminated effluents –studying the role of plants, microorganisms and substrate”
Biography:
In process
Main Host Institution:
UP (University of Porto, Portugal)
Second Host Institution:
NUIG (National University of Galway, Ireland)
Secondments:
IRTA in Spain and Smart Waste in Portugal

Neus Bonet ESR15
My project:
“Phytoremediation of contaminated soils aiming metal recovery – including microorganisms role and bioaugmentation possibilities”
Biography:
I am Neus, from Spain. I graduated with a BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Girona (Spain) and a MSc in Applied Microbiology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain). This training gave me the opportunity to learn the fascinating potential of using nature-based solutions for resources recovery. I am excited about exploring how metals fit in the circular bioeconomy and I would love to unravel plant-microbe-metal interactions questions. This led me to pursue a PhD project which bridges my big interests: -Investigating the possibility of using phytoremediation coordinated by plants and microorganisms to recover metals from contaminated soil and -creating opportunities for these metals reuse in the context of circular bioeconomy to positively impact the environment. During my free time I enjoy hiking in the mountains and landscape photography.
Main Host Institution:
UP (University of Porto, Portugal)
Second Host Institution:
UNILIM (University of Limoges, France)
Secondments:
Smart Waste in Portugal and C&F in Italy