Dr. Astrid Torraco | Microbial Signatures in Endometriosis and Women’s Health | Best Researcher Award
Resident in Pediatric Dentistry and Clinical Researcher, University of L’Aquila, Italy
Astrid Torraco is a resident in Pediatric Dentistry and a passionate clinical researcher whose work bridges dental science and systemic health. With a strong academic foundation and a personal commitment to women’s health, she is particularly focused on the interplay between the oral microbiome and endometriosis. Her first-author research, indexed in Scopus and PubMed, explores gut and vaginal microbiota alterations in women with endometriosis through 16S rRNA sequencing. This project holds deep personal value, as Astrid has lived with endometriosis since adolescence, fueling her drive to discover innovative diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. A multilingual communicator and compassionate scholar, Astrid views research as a platform for advocacy, resilience, and transformative change. She is known for her scientific rigor, curiosity, and holistic perspective. Astrid’s academic pursuits are not limited to dentistry but extend into endodontics, aesthetic medicine, and global health through her volunteering experience in Ghana. Currently undertaking a residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Milan, she continues to contribute meaningfully to interdisciplinary research with empathy and purpose. Her vision is to be a trailblazer in redefining the role of oral and gut health in complex systemic conditions affecting women globally.
Profile
Education
Astrid Torraco earned her degree in Dentistry from the University of L’Aquila in July 2024, graduating with full marks and honors (110/110 cum laude). Her academic journey is marked by excellence, international exposure, and a dedication to lifelong learning. As a participant in the Erasmus+ program, she spent a year at the prestigious Universidad CEU San Pablo in Madrid, Spain, which enhanced her academic and cultural perspective. Complementing her formal education, Astrid pursued specialized training including a private course in endodontics and a masterclass in aesthetic medicine, reflecting her commitment to a multidisciplinary approach. She also gained valuable hands-on experience through a clinical internship in Ghana as a volunteer dentist, deepening her clinical competencies and cultural sensitivity. In January 2025, she began a competitive residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Milan “La Statale,” further specializing her focus in child oral health. Her educational path reflects both academic distinction and a global outlook, underpinned by compassion and curiosity.
Professional Experience
Astrid’s professional experience spans clinical dentistry, research, and global healthcare. Her practical training began during her studies at the University of L’Aquila, where she built a strong foundation in general dentistry. Her Erasmus+ exchange year at Universidad CEU San Pablo allowed her to learn from top clinicians in Spain, enhancing her expertise in patient care and academic collaboration. Notably, Astrid took part in a voluntary dental internship in Ghana, an experience that tested and broadened her skills in high-need, low-resource settings. This initiative fostered a strong sense of empathy, adaptability, and clinical independence. Since January 2025, she has been enrolled in a Pediatric Dentistry residency at the University of Milan “La Statale,” where she engages in both clinical and research activities focused on children’s oral health. Alongside her residency, she has presented scientific posters at international and national congresses, such as the IADR Congress in Barcelona and the CDUO Congress in Rome. Her blend of clinical excellence, research innovation, and humanitarian spirit defines her as a well-rounded and impactful healthcare professional.
Research Interest
Astrid Torraco’s research interests lie at the crossroads of dentistry, microbiology, and women’s health. She is particularly passionate about exploring the oral, gut, and vaginal microbiomes in relation to systemic conditions like endometriosis. Her first-author study using 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze microbiota changes in women with endometriosis stands as a testament to her commitment to translational and interdisciplinary science. This research seeks to uncover non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers and personalized treatment approaches for complex chronic conditions. In addition to systemic health, Astrid is also interested in pediatric oral microbiology, preventive care strategies, and the impact of dental interventions on broader health outcomes. Her background in endodontics and aesthetic medicine supports a holistic understanding of patient care, where clinical treatments intersect with quality of life and well-being. She also maintains a strong interest in public health dentistry, informed by her international experiences. Driven by scientific curiosity and personal experience, her research aims to bridge clinical dentistry with global health and innovation, fostering new paradigms in oral-systemic disease connections.
Research Skills
Astrid possesses a robust set of research skills grounded in scientific inquiry, clinical investigation, and data analysis. She is proficient in conducting meta-analyses and interpreting complex microbiome data through tools like 16S rRNA sequencing. Her ability to design and implement interdisciplinary research studies is evident in her published work and conference presentations. She demonstrates strong academic writing skills, with her research indexed in both Scopus and PubMed. Additionally, Astrid has experience in systematic literature reviews, data synthesis, and graphical abstract creation, which she applies in academic publications and poster presentations. Her multilingual capabilities (native Italian and French; B2 in Spanish and English) enable her to access and engage with international scientific literature and collaborate across borders. She is also adept at using statistical and bioinformatics platforms relevant to microbiome and dental research. Astrid’s background in clinical internships, both in Europe and Africa, complements her academic rigor with real-world applicability, enabling her to conduct impactful, patient-centered research with ethical integrity.
Award and Honors
Throughout her academic and early professional career, Astrid Torraco has been recognized for her excellence and dedication. She graduated with highest honors (110/110 cum laude) from the University of L’Aquila, affirming her academic distinction. Her participation in the highly competitive Erasmus+ program and successful residency placement at the University of Milan “La Statale” underscore her merit and drive. Her poster presentations at prestigious scientific events such as the IADR Congress in Barcelona and CDUO Congress in Rome reflect the acknowledgment of her work within the global research community. Additionally, her study on the microbiome and endometriosis being indexed in both Scopus and PubMed demonstrates the scientific value and impact of her contributions. Astrid’s combination of academic achievements, research contributions, and international engagement positions her as a promising young researcher and clinician in the field of pediatric dentistry and women’s health.
Publications
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Torraco, A. (May 2025). Meta-Analysis of 16S rRNA Sequencing Reveals Altered Fecal but Not Vaginal Microbial Composition and Function in Women with Endometriosis. Medicina (MDPI).
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Poster Presentation: Meta-Analysis of 16S rRNA Sequencing in Women with Endometriosis — IADR Congress, Barcelona (June 2025).
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Poster Presentation: Meta-Analysis of 16S rRNA Sequencing in Women with Endometriosis — CDUO Congress, Rome (June 2025).
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Poster Presentation: Comparison of Different Whitening and Stain-Removing Solutions: An In Vitro Study — CDUO Congress, Rome (June 2025).
These publications and presentations reflect Astrid’s emerging role in advancing dental research, with a focus on microbiome science and therapeutic innovation in women’s health.
Conclusion
Astrid Torraco exemplifies the new generation of healthcare professionals who combine clinical expertise with scientific research and global consciousness. Her academic excellence, reflected in her honors degree and international training, is matched by her pioneering research on the oral and gut microbiome’s role in systemic diseases like endometriosis. She embodies an empathetic, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking approach to healthcare, rooted in both personal motivation and professional aspiration. Currently progressing through a Pediatric Dentistry residency, Astrid continues to build on her robust foundation with a clear vision: to integrate dental care, microbiome science, and women’s health into a cohesive narrative of personalized and preventive medicine. Her multilingual abilities, cross-cultural experiences, and commitment to innovation make her a standout figure in the fields of dentistry and clinical research. With an unwavering commitment to academic excellence and patient advocacy, Astrid is poised to make lasting contributions to the advancement of healthcare and scientific knowledge.