Ph.D. at IRCCS Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS Foundation, italy
Sara Isernia is an accomplished researcher and educator in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, focusing on advanced diagnostics and rehabilitation therapies for neurological conditions. Currently, she holds a permanent position as a Researcher at the Center for Advanced Diagnostics and Rehabilitation Therapy (CADiTeR) at the IRCCS S. Maria Nascente, Don Gnocchi Foundation in Milan, Italy. Her work emphasizes neuroplasticity, social cognition, and the innovative application of digital technologies in rehabilitation.
Profile
Scopus
Education 🎓
Sara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Genoa, where she explored the burnout syndrome in informal caregivers of dementia patients. She then completed her Master’s degree in Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Pavia, where she focused on the role of executive functions and social abilities in the theory of mind among the elderly. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Milan, working on a project that investigates the multi-component model of theory of mind in typical and atypical development.
Experience 💼
With a wealth of teaching experience, Sara has conducted university courses at the University of Milan, covering subjects such as Social Psychology, Research Methodology, and Qualitative Research. In addition to her teaching role, she collaborates on research projects that delve into the assessment and rehabilitation of neurodegenerative conditions, making significant contributions to the understanding of neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve.
Research Interest 🔍
Sara’s research interests lie in the intersection of neuroscience and psychology, particularly in understanding social cognition and its implications for rehabilitation therapies. She investigates the role of cognitive reserve in neurodegenerative diseases, employing innovative methodologies like neuroimaging and digital health technologies. Her goal is to develop effective rehabilitation strategies that enhance the quality of life for individuals with neurological conditions.
Awards 🏆
Sara has received multiple accolades for her contributions to the field, including recognition for her innovative research on digital rehabilitation approaches. She has been nominated for various awards acknowledging her impact on the understanding and treatment of cognitive and affective disorders.
Publications 📚
Sara has an extensive list of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Below are some highlighted works with hyperlinks:
- Exploring cognitive reserve’s influence: unveiling the dynamics of digital telerehabilitation in Parkinson’s Disease Resilience
Isernia, S., Di Tella, S., Rossetto, F., Silveri, M.C., Baglio, F.
npj Digital Medicine, 2024, 7(1), 116
Link to Article
- Biomarkers of neural integrity and immunoglobulin genes influence neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease
Pandey, J.P., Baglio, F., Mancuso, R., Clerici, M., Agostini, S.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2024, 464, 123167
Link to Article
- Different Models of Cardiac Telerehabilitation for People with Coronary Artery Disease: Features and Effectiveness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Pagliari, C., Isernia, S., Rapisarda, L., Baglio, F., Brambilla, L.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 13(12), 3396
Link to Article
- Cognitive Reserve proxies can modulate motor and non-motor basal ganglia circuits in early Parkinson’s Disease
Di Tella, S., Isernia, S., Cabinio, M., Silveri, M.C., Baglio, F.
Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2024, 18(1), pp. 220–230
Link to Article
- Human reasoning on social interactions in ecological contexts: insights from the theory of mind brain circuits
Isernia, S., Pirastru, A., Rossetto, F., MacPherson, S.E., Baglio, F.
Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2024, 18, 1420122
Link to Article
- Reliability and minimal detectable change of the Yoni task for the theory of mind assessment
Isernia, S., Cacciatore, D.M., Rossetto, F., Ricci, C., Baglio, F.
Frontiers in Psychology, 2024, 15, 1412560
Link to Article
- Surface-based integration approach for fNIRS-fMRI reliability assessment
Bonilauri, A., Pirastru, A., Sangiuliano Intra, F., Baselli, G., Baglio, F.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 2023, 398, 109952
Link to Article
- Beyond the simplicity of theory of mind deficit in multiple sclerosis: from kinetic perception to socio-emotional abstraction and mentalizing
Isernia, S., Rossetto, F., Castelli, F., Blasi, V., Baglio, F.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 2023, 77, 104894
Link to Article
- Measuring cognitive and affective Theory of Mind with the Italian Yoni task: normative data and short versions
Isernia, S., Rossetto, F., Blasi, V., Marchetti, A., Baglio, F.
Current Psychology, 2023, 42(27), pp. 23519–23530
Link to Article
- Differential Roles of Neural Integrity, Physical Activity and Depression in Frailty: Sex-Related Differences
Isernia, S., Cazzoli, M., Baglio, G., Baglio, F., Blasi, V.
Brain Sciences, 2023, 13(6), 950
Link to Article
Her research has been cited extensively, reflecting its impact and relevance in the field of psychology and rehabilitation.
Conclusion 🔚
Dr. Sara Isernia is a remarkable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in psychology and neuroscience. Her innovative research, interdisciplinary expertise, and dedication to education set her apart as a leader in her field. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in public engagement and grant writing, her strengths position her to make significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of neurological conditions.