Luciano Manuel Santoro
Tutor: Salvatore Coco
2023 - 2026: PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science - XXXIX Cicle
Research project: "Smart systems for the reduction of environmental impact of livestock production".
2020 - 2023: Master’s Degree in Agricultural ,Science and Technology, University of Catania. Supervisor: Prof. Antonio Biondi. Degree thesis: “First data on the classical biological control of Drosophila suzukii with its main parasitoid
Ganaspis brasiliensis in Sicily”; 110/110 e lode.
2017 - 2020: Master’s Degree in Food, Science and Technology, University of Catania. Supervisor: Dott. Antonio Biondi. Degree thesis: “Potential toxicity of plant essential oils toward the brown marmorated Stink bug Halyomorpha halys”; 109/110
2011 - 2017: Bachelor's Degree in Food,Science and Technology, University of Catania. Supervisor: Prof.ssa Gaetana Mazzeo. Degree thesis: “Monitoraggio e controllo degli animali infestanti nelle piattaforme della GDO”; 98/110.
01/08/2023 - Ongoing: PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science - XXXIX Cicle entitled: "Smart systems for the reduction of environmental impact of livestock production".
The research activity focused on the application of smart systems to mitigate the environmental impact of the livestock sector. Specifically, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were developed and validated to predict pollutant concentrations and emissions in dairy barns. The study integrated climatic, dietary, and behavioral parameters, demonstrating the superior accuracy of machine learning algorithms compared to classical statistical approaches, thus providing new predictive tools for sustainable farm management.
07/2022 - 01/2023: Scholarship for research entitled "Controllo biologico classico del moscerino dei piccoli frutti, Drosophila suzukii, mediante l’impiego del parassitoide Ganaspis brasiliensis". Supervisor: Prof. Antonio Biondi. Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania.