Federico Caicci

Technician, PhD

Ascidian Biology Lab

Dipartimento di Biologia - Università di Padova

 About me

Fedrico Caicci has taken his degree in Natural Sciences in 2002. From 2004 to 2006, he has been a PhD student in Evolutionary Biology at the University of Padova, and achieved PhD qualification with his thesis entitled "Development and evolution of sensory organs in Tunicates".

Since 2006 he is technician at the Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Padova, where he is responsible of the Electron Microscopy Service of the same Department since 2010.

He has acquired a great competence in using electron microscopes, protocols and techniques of microscopy applied to different fields.

Other interests regard the biology of tunicates, in particular the morpho-functional characteristics of their nervous system and sensory structures, their evolution and development.

Tasks of the Electron Microscopy Service

 This service provides techniques of Transmission Electron Microscopy (3 microscopes) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (1 microscope) for both researchers of the University and external users.

1. Service of Transmission Electron Microscopy

• • Study of cells and tissues

  • Study of nanoparticles and proteins

2. Service of Scanning Electron Microscopy

• • Ultrastructural study of samples

3. Technical and application consulting, interpretation of results

4. Updating of techniques

5. Technical management of laboratories

6. Maintenance and update of equipment

7. Training activities

• • Practical training of users

  • Promotional activities

Relationships with external users

Tasks of the Light Microscopy Service

The Imaging Facility of Department of Biology houses two confocal microscopes and four epifluroescence microscopes.

The facility is a referral point for users of the University of Padova and its staff provides users with assistance and training on all equipment.

The facility also provides technical and administrative management, maintenance and update of equipment, user training and support, tutorials and promotional activities.