Scientist specialized in 3D biology with hands-on experience in high-throughput screening using physiologically relevant models. During my PhD, I focused on developing and optimizing 3D cell culture assays (such as spheroids, organoids, and 3D colony formation assays) for use in high-throughput settings, gaining strong expertise in assay design and imaging. In my industry role, I contributed to the automation of complex 3D biology workflows, supporting decision-making through advanced imaging and AI-based image analysis. I’ve worked extensively with iPSCs, adult stem cells, and various 3D assay formats, driving innovation at the interface of cell biology, automation, and data science.

Dr. Giovannino Silvestri is a distinguished molecular and cellular biologist specializing in malignant hematology, with over 12 years of research experience in leukemia pathogenesis and therapy development. He is currently a Research Associate at the Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he leads and contributes to multidisciplinary projects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dr. Silvestri received his Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Pathology from the University of Verona, Italy, under the mentorship of Dr. Sorio. During his doctoral training, he conducted pioneering work on Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Gamma (PTPRG) and its role in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), advancing knowledge of phosphatase signaling in leukemia progression. Building on this foundation, his postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland expanded into the roles of microRNAs, RNA metabolism, and microenvironmental interactions in leukemogenesis, resulting in high-impact publications. Research Focus Dr. Silvestri’s research portfolio integrates cancer biology, hematology, virology, and immunology, with a strong translational emphasis. His current work includes: AML with FLT3-ITD mutations: Defining hypoxia-driven resistance mechanismsand metabolic adaptationsin leukemic cells. Precision medicine models: Developing patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to faithfully recapitulate bone marrow biology and predict therapeutic responses. Leukemia stem cells: Investigating molecular pathways governing the transformation of hematopoietic stem cells into leukemia stem cells. Therapeutic innovation: Combining Pim kinase inhibitors with FDA-approved FLT3 inhibitors (e.g., Gilteritinib) to overcome resistance and improve AML treatment efficacy. Editorial and Professional Leadership Dr. Silvestri actively contributes to the scientific community as an editor and reviewer for multiple journals, including Frontiers, Stem Cell Research & Therapy, and the Journal of AIDS and HIV Treatment, with a focus on RNA biology, stem cell therapies, and AIDS interventions. He is an engaged mentor, collaborator, and member of professional societies including ASH, AACR, AAAS, and the International CML Foundation. Recognitions and Contributions He serves as Principal Investigator on an American Cancer Society award and as Co-Investigator on VA-funded projects. His publications span leading journals such as PNAS, Blood Cancer Discovery, and Cancer Research Communications. Dr. Silvestri’s achievements have been recognized with many awards including ASH Abstract Award and the Silver Plaque from the City of Rende for his scientific career. Skills and Expertise Molecular & Cellular Biology Leukemia Pathogenesis & Therapy Development RNA Biology & MicroRNA Function Virology & Immunology In Vitro and In Vivo Modeling Patient-Derived Organoids (AML) Grant Writing & Research Strategy Editorial Leadership & Mentorship Research/Clinical Keywords Hematology Malignancies, Acute Myeloid Leukemia FLT3-ITD, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Ph+ALL, Tumor Microenvironment, FACS 10 colors, MicroRNAs, Non-long coding RNAs, Signal Transduction, Mouse and Humanized Mouse models, Clinical Trials.