Biography

Laura Quaranta was born in Italy. In 1994, she obtained a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry from the University of Florence. One year later, she completed her Master Thesis in Organic Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Maurizio Taddei at the Institute of Organic Chemistry also at the University of Florence.  She received the magna cum laude for her work on the synthesis of potential inhibitors of the tumor necrosis factor.  In 1996, she joined the group of Prof. Philippe Renaud at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Fribourg (Switzerland) completing her Ph.D. in 2000. Her PhD research focused on the development of chiral relay effects in Lewis Acid promoted enantioselective transformations.  She subsequently did a one-year post-doctoral study in the research group of Prof. James. D. White, Oregon State University (USA) working on an asymmetric total synthesis of the marine toxin (-)- Gymnodimine.   Laura then joined the Research Chemistry division at Syngenta Crop Protection (Stein, Switzerland) where she currently works as Senior Team Leader and Project Leader.

The current research interests of Laura Quaranta focus on the development of novel heterocyclic compounds with potential anti-fungal and anti-microbial activity. In this context, her team has developed efficient methodologies for the preparation of macrolide avermectin and avermectins monosaccharide derivatives, which present unique pesticidal properties.

Laura Quaranta's hobbies include activities with her two daughters, who occupy all her time outside work and allow her to live a growing experience every day. Together with her family, she enjoys skiing, swimming, biking, traveling, and reading. She also enjoys sharing time with her friends around a delicious home-cooked dinner and good accompanying wine.