Dr. Stefania Kapsetaki | Zoology – Postdoctoral Associate at Institute of Molecular Biology, Greece
Dr. Stefania Kapsetaki is a distinguished biologist with extensive experience in zoology, developmental biology, bioelectricity, and social evolution. She is recognized for her significant contributions to the study of multicellularity, cancer ecology, and aging, particularly through her research on bioelectricity in relation to cancer biology and regeneration. Her academic and research journey spans several prestigious institutions, where she has held pivotal roles and made notable advancements in both basic and applied sciences. Dr. Kapsetaki’s passion for education and scientific communication is also evident as she currently serves as a visiting lecturer and continues to mentor the next generation of scientists. With numerous publications in high-impact journals and substantial research funding, she has emerged as a leader in her field.
Profile:
Education:
Dr. Stefania Kapsetaki holds a Doctorate in Zoology from the University of Oxford, where her research focused on the formation of multicellular groups in algae. This pivotal work laid the foundation for her continued exploration of bioelectricity, multicellularity, and cancer ecology. In addition to her PhD, she also completed a Master’s in Science Communication at the Hellenic Open University, showcasing her commitment to bridging the gap between science and public understanding. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Crete, where she excelled academically, finishing first in her class. These strong academic credentials underpin her multifaceted career in both research and teaching.
Experience:
Dr. Kapsetaki has a robust and diverse professional background. She began her research career at the University of Oxford, where she earned both her Master’s and PhD in Zoology, focusing on the evolutionary dynamics of multicellularity. She has held postdoctoral research positions at Arizona State University, Tufts University, and now, the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in Crete. Throughout these roles, Dr. Kapsetaki has made significant contributions to the understanding of cancer and aging, particularly in the realm of bioelectricity and regeneration in invertebrates. As a visiting lecturer at Frederick University and a postdoctoral researcher at IMBB, she continues to engage in cutting-edge research while also contributing to the academic development of students. Her previous research and teaching roles, combined with her active involvement in mentoring and scientific outreach, have solidified her as a respected leader in her field.
Research Interests:
Dr. Kapsetaki’s primary research interests lie at the intersection of bioelectricity, multicellularity, cancer ecology, and aging. She is particularly interested in understanding the biological mechanisms behind the formation of multicellular groups in algae and other organisms, as well as how these processes can inform our understanding of cancer biology. Her work on comparative oncology seeks to uncover the environmental and genetic factors that influence cancer prevalence across different species. Additionally, her current research explores the molecular processes underlying aging and neuroinflammation, with an emphasis on DNA damage and its impact on cellular health. By integrating developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cancer research, Dr. Kapsetaki aims to uncover universal principles of biology that have the potential to advance medical science.
Awards:
Dr. Stefania Kapsetaki’s career has been marked by several achievements, including securing substantial research funding totaling over €177,000, of which €139,000 came from Greek institutions. Her success in securing competitive research grants is a testament to the impact and relevance of her work. In addition to these financial awards, Dr. Kapsetaki has been recognized for her leadership in the scientific community, particularly through her involvement in international scientific competitions and collaborations. Her active participation in the promotion of scientific knowledge and education further enhances her reputation as a leading figure in her field.
Publications:
Dr. Kapsetaki’s extensive publication record includes high-impact articles published in renowned journals such as Nature Communications, Cancer Discovery, and Scientific Reports. Notable publications include:
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Kapsetaki, S.E., et al. (2024). “The relationship between diet, plasma glucose, and cancer prevalence across vertebrates.” Nature Communications. (Cited by 25+ articles) 🍏
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Kapsetaki, S.E., et al. (2024). “Resistance management for cancer: lessons from farmers.” Cancer Research. (Cited by 15+ articles) 🌾
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Kapsetaki, S.E., et al. (2024). “Germline mutation rate predicts cancer mortality across 37 vertebrate species.” Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health. (Cited by 20+ articles) 🔬
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Kapsetaki, S.E., et al. (2024). “Life history traits and cancer prevalence in birds.” Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health. (Cited by 18+ articles) 🦅
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Kapsetaki, S.E., et al. (2023). “Is chimerism associated with cancer across the tree of life?” PLOS ONE. (Cited by 30+ articles) 🔄
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Kapsetaki, S.E., et al. (2022). “Diet, microbes, and cancer across the tree of life: a systematic review.” Current Nutrition Reports. (Cited by 15+ articles) 🌱
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Kapsetaki, S.E., et al. (2021). “Cell-in-cell phenomena across the tree of life.” Scientific Reports. (Cited by 10+ articles) 🧬
Conclusion:
Dr. Stefania Kapsetaki’s remarkable career exemplifies the ideal qualities for the Best Researcher Award. Her groundbreaking research in bioelectricity, multicellularity, cancer ecology, and aging has significantly advanced our understanding of these complex biological phenomena. With a proven track record of high-impact publications, successful research grants, and a dedication to scientific education, Dr. Kapsetaki has firmly established herself as a leader in the scientific community. Her passion for research and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists ensures that her contributions will continue to inspire and shape the future of biological research. This combination of intellectual rigor, scientific achievement, and educational outreach makes Dr. Kapsetaki a highly deserving nominee for this prestigious award.