COSBI alumni stories
How can mathematics help us understand the distribution of mRNA-based therapies in the human body? During her master’s thesis at COSBI, Chiara Rosati explored this question by investigating how lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) deliver mRNA. She developed mathematical models describing both cellular and systemic dynamics of these innovative therapeutics, extending pharmacokinetic frameworks to capture key processes such as LNP trafficking, endosomal escape, and recycling—mechanisms essential for vaccines and immunotherapies.
Today, Chiara is a research fellow at the Università di Trento, where she applies mathematical modeling and artificial intelligence to epidemiology. In this interview, she reflects on how COSBI’s scientific environment influenced her career path and shares advice for aspiring researchers in computational biology and AI.
1. Looking back at your master’s thesis experience at COSBI, what impressed you the most? What impressed me the most was the highly collaborative environment. People were always open to sharing ideas and providing support. Working on a complex project with colleagues from diverse backgrounds was extremely formative, both technically and personally.
2. Which skills or approaches learned during your thesis have been useful in your subsequent journey? I developed both technical and transferable skills. The most important was learning how to approach complex problems: breaking them down, identifying priorities, and moving step by step toward a solution. This methodical way of thinking has been very valuable in my later experiences as well.
3. After COSBI, how has your path evolved? Where has your career or research interest taken you? I am currently a research fellow at the Department of Mathematics at the University of Trento, where I develop mathematical models that integrate AI components for epidemiology. Looking ahead, I would like to continue in research, but I remain open to other opportunities.
4. If you could go back, would you choose COSBI again for your thesis? Why? Probably yes, due to the variety of possible projects one can engage in and because I believe it is important to gain experience outside the academic world from the very beginning. COSBI is a research environment close to the university, yet it also allows you to experience dynamics more typical of a company.
5. Do you have any advice for those about to start a master’s thesis in bioinformatics or computational modeling? My advice would be not to rush and not to get discouraged by difficulties. Challenges should be seen as opportunities to grow and to learn something new.
At COSBI, we are proud to see our former students like Chiara applying mathematical modeling to cutting-edge biomedical challenges. Stay tuned for more alumni stories!
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