Welcome to Samuel Zidaric's Portfolio

Samuel Zidaric

Hello! I'm Samuel, a neuroscience enthusiast with a rich background in research, teaching, and sports. Currently based in Trieste, Italy, I am dedicated to advancing our understanding of neural mechanisms through innovative research.

Professional Experience

Internship, Infordata Sistemi Srl, Trieste (IT)

June 2024 – Present

  • Data preprocessing and model training for project Karst Firewall 5.0

Master Thesis, Zimmer Lab, Vienna (AT)

March 2023– March 2024

  • Tested a novel optogenetic and tracking microscope, calibrating its LED light intensity performance.
  • Performed in-depth video analysis to identify behavioral responses of C. elegans after optogenetic stimulations.
  • Revisited and improved a behavioral analysis pipeline for the optogenetic microscope.
  • Trained and refined neural networks for tracking body parts with DeepLabCut.

Student Internship, BIA Separations (Sartorius), Ajdovščina (SI)

August 2022– December 2022

  • Participated in laboratory research activities: buffer preparation, lab equipment validation.
  • Performed analytical assays: SDS-PAGE, Bradford, PicoGreen.
  • Executed chromatography runs using AKTA systems for protein purification.
  • Contributed to AAV and Adenovirus projects, developing downstream methods for gene therapy applications.

Bachelor Thesis, Tongiorgi Lab, Trieste (IT)

May 2019– October 2019

  • Investigated the role of BDNF in neuronal development, utilizing PCR, cryostat sectioning, gel electrophoresis, and in-situ hybridization.

Host, Osmica Zidarich, Trieste

Active years, e.g., 2018 – 2024, a few weeks each year

  • Greeted and interacted with customers, explaining wine varieties and the production process.
  • Took orders, processed payments, and served wine to customers.
  • Handled customer inquiries and resolved any issues.

Additional Work Experience

  • Professional Basketball Player (2015– 2023)
  • Minibasket Coach for 8–12-year-old children (2016– 2021)
  • Middle school Teacher (March 2021– June 2021)

Education

University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences– Master of Neuroscience

Trieste (IT), September 2021– March 2024

Course Focus: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroanatomy and Neuropharmacology, Molecular Neurophysiology, Cognitive Neuroscience.

University of Trieste, Department of Life Sciences– Bachelor of Biology

Trieste (IT), September 2017– March 2021

Course Focus: General Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy.

Skills & Interests

Languages

Native Slovenian and Italian speaker; Fluent in English.

Soft Skills

Problem-solving, communication (adults and children), teamwork, information research, plan execution.

Technical Skills

Basics in Python, GitHub, Snakemake, Excel.

Interests

Everything nerdy, basketball, MMA, renaissance art.