Education
Dr. Isabella Colonna graduated cum laude in Medicine from the University of Rome Tor Vergata in 2014, achieving a score of 110/110. She further expanded her education through an Erasmus program at the Medical University of Regensburg, Germany, in 2012-2013. After obtaining her medical degree, she pursued a residency in Neurology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, which she completed in 2021. During her residency, she engaged in clinical training and research, culminating in a PhD with a focus on “Magnetization Transfer Imaging: A Non-Conventional MRI Technique for Longitudinal Assessment of Alzheimer’s Disease.” Recognized for her expertise, Dr. Colonna also earned a Neurosonology Certification from the General Medical Council of Austria in 2021. Additionally, she completed a Master’s degree in Neurophysiology at the Medical University of Bologna from 2023 to 2024, which further strengthened her skills in the field.
Professional Experience
Dr. Isabella Colonna’s professional journey reflects her dedication to clinical neurology and research. Since 2023, she has been leading the EEG/Epilepsy Unit at the “F. Ferrari” Hospital in Casarano, ASL Lecce, Italy. Prior to this role, she served as a neurologist in various hospitals across Southern Italy, including the “A. Perrino” Hospital in Brindisi and the IRCCS Maugeri di Bari, where she gained extensive experience in treating neurological disorders. From 2015 to 2021, Dr. Colonna was a neurology resident at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, where she honed her skills in neuroimaging and patient care. During this time, she also served as a teaching assistant at the university, sharing her knowledge with students. Her professional experience extends to her involvement with the European Academy of Neurology (EAN), where she has played a key role in communication efforts and advocacy for brain health.
Research Interest
Dr. Isabella Colonna’s research interests are centered on advancing the understanding of neurological disorders, particularly through neuroimaging and epilepsy research. Her PhD research focused on “Magnetization Transfer Imaging” as a method for tracking changes in Alzheimer’s disease over time, highlighting her interest in non-conventional MRI techniques. Her work aims to improve the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions through advanced imaging methods. Additionally, she is passionate about improving patient outcomes in epilepsy, which aligns with her current role as the head of the EEG/Epilepsy Unit at “F. Ferrari” Hospital. Dr. Colonna is also deeply committed to brain health awareness and policy-making, as evidenced by her involvement in the European Academy of Neurology’s (EAN) initiatives. Her research contributions, such as a recent study on the role of neurological societies in promoting brain health in Europe, underscore her dedication to bridging clinical practice with innovative research.
Research Skills
Dr. Isabella Colonna possesses a diverse set of research skills that have contributed to her success in the field of neurology. She is proficient in advanced neuroimaging techniques, including Magnetization Transfer Imaging (MTI), which she utilized during her PhD research to study Alzheimer’s disease progression. Her expertise extends to neurophysiology, as evidenced by her leadership of the EEG/Epilepsy Unit at “F. Ferrari” Hospital, where she applies her skills in electroencephalography (EEG) for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. Dr. Colonna is also experienced in conducting clinical research, having completed multiple projects that have led to publications in reputable journals. Her work with the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) has further developed her skills in survey-based research, focusing on brain health awareness. Additionally, she has experience as a reviewer and abstract evaluator for the EAN, contributing her expertise to the advancement of neurological research.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Dr. Isabella Colonna has received numerous awards and honors, reflecting her outstanding contributions to the field of neurology. In 2019, she was awarded the “Young Investigator Award” by the Austrian Alzheimer Association (Österreichische Alzheimer Gesellschaft) for her research on neuroimaging in Alzheimer’s disease. The same year, she received a bursary from the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) for her participation in the 5th EAN Congress in Oslo, Norway. Dr. Colonna’s commitment to advancing brain health awareness was further recognized in 2024, when she was named an EAN “Brain Health Ambassador.” Her involvement with the EAN also includes roles as a representative on the eCommunication Board and Communication Committee, where she has contributed to shaping the dialogue around neurological health. These accolades highlight her leadership, expertise, and dedication to improving neurological care and research on both national and European levels.
Conclusion
Isabella Colonna is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to neurology, particularly in neuroimaging and epilepsy, her active involvement in professional societies, and her research accomplishments make her well-suited for this recognition. Strengthening her international collaborations and focusing on innovation could further bolster her profile for such prestigious awards.
Publications Top Notes