Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Sergio Destefanis began his distinguished academic journey with a Licence en Sciences Economiques et Sociales from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction in 1980. His academic rigor and intellectual curiosity led him to the University of Cambridge, UK, where he obtained a Master of Philosophy in Economics in 1981. Under the supervision of Mr. James A. Trevithick, Destefanis’s work earned him admission to the Ph.D. program. His doctoral thesis, titled “The Macroeconomic Analysis of Wage Indexation, A Case Study for Italy 1963-1984,” was completed in 1992, further establishing his expertise in macroeconomic analysis. He also holds a Laurea in Scienze Economiche from the University of Siena, which he obtained in 1987.

Professional Endeavors and Contributions 🧑‍🏫

Professor Destefanis’s professional career is deeply intertwined with the University of Salerno, where he has served in various capacities since 1992. Starting as a lecturer in the Institute of Statistics, he rose through the ranks to become an associate professor in 1998 and a full professor by 2004. His leadership abilities were recognized when he was appointed the head of the Department of Economics and Statistics in 2021. Over the years, he has also held several important positions within the department, including Director of Undergraduate Studies (2016-2019) and Coordinator of the Ph.D. program in Economics (2004-2015).

Destefanis has also shared his expertise as a visiting professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where he served in the Department of Economics and at IDEGA, as well as at the Scuola Superiore dell’Economia e delle Finanze (SSEF) of the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance in Rome.

Research Focus and Impactful Projects 📊

Destefanis’s research interests are wide-ranging, with a significant focus on labor economics, macroeconomics, and policy evaluation. His involvement in various national and international research projects has solidified his reputation as a leading economist. Notably, he coordinated the research project on the “Rapporto sul mercato del lavoro della Campania” for the Istituto per la Finanza e l’Economia Locale and the Associazione Nazionale dei Comuni Italiani in 2020. This project provided critical insights into the labor market dynamics of the Campania region in Italy.

In addition, he has worked on forecasting models to support strategic and investment decisions for local institutions, a project undertaken in 2019. His expertise has also been sought by international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the European Commission. For instance, he contributed to the “Comparative review of the innovation in youth employment policy in the countries of the European Union” and reviewed the social-cost benefit analysis of Youth Guarantees for the ILO in 2017.

Destefanis has also played a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of cohesion policies through a macro and micro approach, a project funded by MIUR-PRIN between 2017 and 2019. His contributions to the development of macro labor-market models for Italy and other EU countries for the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance further underscore his influence in shaping economic policy.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Over the course of his career, Professor Destefanis has received numerous awards and distinctions that highlight his contributions to economics and policy research. Among these, he was awarded the Best Paper in Bio-based and Applied Economics for the 2019-2020 edition. His contributions to labor economics have also been recognized by the Italian Association of Labour Economics (AIEL), where he served as President from 2010 to 2013 and was honored with the Tarantelli Prize for the best paper at the 1995 AIEL meeting.

In addition, Destefanis has been a member of several prestigious scientific committees, including the Scientific Committee of CELPE at the University of Salerno (2017-), CIRET in Rome (2016-), and the Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini (2011-). His role as Chief Editor of the Springer-Physica AIEL Series in Labour Economics from 2010 to 2013 further emphasizes his leadership in the academic community.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Professor Sergio Destefanis’s legacy is one of profound academic and professional contributions that have shaped economic thought and policy in Italy and beyond. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of labor economics, with his research influencing policy decisions at both the national and international levels. As a mentor, educator, and leader, he has guided numerous students and scholars, fostering the next generation of economists.

Looking forward, Destefanis’s ongoing research and professional activities continue to address critical economic challenges. His work on cohesion policies, labor market dynamics, and policy evaluation remains highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape. With a career marked by excellence, dedication, and a commitment to advancing economic knowledge, Professor Destefanis’s future contributions are poised to further enrich the field of economics.

Notable Publications 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Jehan Zeb embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in the biological sciences. His pursuit of knowledge began with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, which laid the groundwork for his deep engagement with parasitology and public health. Motivated by a passion for understanding vector-borne diseases and their impact on human health, he pursued advanced studies, earning a Ph.D. from Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan in 2020. During his Ph.D., he focused on tick and tick-borne pathogens, gaining expertise in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, Sanger Sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and other molecular techniques. This period was marked by significant learning and development, setting the stage for his future research career.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Jehan Zeb’s professional journey has been marked by a dedication to both education and research. His career began as a Lecturer in Zoology at the Higher Education Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where he taught various subjects of zoology to intermediate and undergraduate students. His role evolved over time, and he was promoted to Assistant Professor, where he continued to teach and supervise students while focusing on research related to mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.

In 2021, Zeb transitioned to a postdoctoral researcher role at the City University of Hong Kong. His work there was instrumental in advancing the field of vector-pathogen-host interactions, particularly through his research on the molecular taxonomy and metagenomics of mosquitoes. His efforts included a significant project on the immune priming of mosquitoes and examining the effects of plant-derived extracts and insecticides on mosquito immune systems and metabolism. This period of his career was characterized by high-impact research and the successful acquisition of funding for key projects.

Currently, Zeb serves as an Assistant Professor of Zoology in the Higher Education Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he continues to teach and mentor students while pursuing his research agenda. His ongoing research interests include parasitology, entomology, and molecular biology, reflecting his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in these areas.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Jehan Zeb’s research contributions are significant and multifaceted. His work on tick-borne diseases has provided valuable insights into the genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of various pathogens. Notable publications include studies on the genetic diversity of vector-borne pathogens in ticks and the role of ticks in the emergence of zoonotic diseases. His research has explored the epidemiology, molecular characterization, and spatio-temporal distribution of tick species and their associated pathogens, contributing to a deeper understanding of vector-borne disease dynamics in Pakistan and beyond.

One of his key contributions is his research on the immune system of mosquitoes and how it interacts with insecticides and plant-derived extracts. This work has implications for vector control strategies and provides a foundation for developing new approaches to managing mosquito-borne diseases. His involvement in projects such as the “Effect of Aspergillus Fungi on Mosquito Mortality” and “Effect of Plant-Derived Extracts on the Immune System and Metabolism of Mosquitoes” highlights his innovative approach to addressing public health challenges.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Jehan Zeb’s contributions to the field of parasitology and public health have been recognized through his numerous publications in reputable journals, such as Infection, Genetics and Evolution, Parasites & Vectors, and Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases. His research has been acknowledged for its impact on understanding vector-borne diseases and the genetic diversity of pathogens.

Additionally, Zeb’s role as a visiting researcher at The University of Queensland, Australia, further underscores his international recognition and collaborative efforts. His work on comparative proteomic analysis of tick salivary glands and his contributions to understanding tick-borne pathogens have been highly regarded in the academic community.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Jehan Zeb’s research has made a significant impact on the field of vector-borne diseases, particularly in understanding the molecular interactions between vectors and pathogens. His work has provided critical insights into the epidemiology and control of tick-borne diseases, influencing public health strategies in both Pakistan and Hong Kong. His research on mosquito immunity and vector control has implications for developing more effective strategies to manage mosquito-borne diseases, contributing to global health advancements.

As a dedicated educator, Zeb has also played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of public health and parasitology professionals. His teaching and mentorship have helped inspire and guide students in their academic and research pursuits, ensuring the continuation of high-quality research and education in these fields.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Jehan Zeb’s legacy is characterized by his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and improving public health through innovative research and education. His work has laid a strong foundation for future research in parasitology and vector control, and his contributions have had a lasting impact on the field.

Looking ahead, Zeb’s future contributions are expected to further enhance our understanding of vector-borne diseases and their control. His ongoing research projects and dedication to teaching will continue to drive progress in public health and parasitology. As he seeks new opportunities in globally ranked research institutions, his expertise and passion for advancing science will undoubtedly lead to further significant contributions in the field.