My name is Andrea and I am a postdoctoral researcher specializing in molecular approaches to biodiversity monitoring, evolutionary biology and conservation. My research focuses on metabarcoding and metagenomics of environmental DNA (eDNA) from aquatic ecosystems, to explore both taxonomic and functional diversity, covering a broad range of organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes. I have also explored different eDNA sampling and filtration approaches, including the use of sponges as natural samplers of eDNA. While my earlier research included freshwater ecosystems, my most recent research has been conducted primarily in marine ecosystems, particularly coastal lagoons, seamounts and coastal environments, with the aim of developing innovative molecular tools for biodiversity assessment and ecosystem monitoring.