Luigi Sacchettino | Dog Behavior | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Luigi Sacchettino | Dog Behavior | Best Scholar Award

post-doc at Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

Luigi Sacchettino is an Italian veterinary surgeon and researcher born in Maddaloni (CE) on May 25, 1985. With a multifaceted career combining clinical practice, education, and research, Sacchettino is a respected voice in applied ethology, behavioral medicine, and animal welfare. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Naples Federico II and is a resident at the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine. Throughout his career, he has merged academic inquiry with hands-on practice, serving as a veterinary behaviorist, lecturer, and author. Luigi is also active in animal-assisted therapy, neuroethology, and the human-animal bond. In addition to his academic and clinical achievements, he advocates for ethical treatment of animals in shelters and urban settings. His work reflects a holistic understanding of animal welfare—one that integrates scientific evidence with emotional and behavioral nuances. 🐾📚👨‍⚕️

Pofessional Profiles📖

Scopus

ORCID

🎓 Education

Luigi Sacchettino’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to veterinary medicine and animal behavior. After graduating high school with full marks (100/100) in 2003, he earned his Veterinary Medicine degree with honors (110/110 cum laude) in 2019 from the University of Naples Federico II. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare, a Ph.D. in Veterinary Sciences (in progress), and specialized certifications including Pain Therapy and Palliative Care (2022), and Therapeutic Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine (2023). He also undertook comprehensive training in anthropo-psycho-pedagogical disciplines, canine education, and integrated veterinary medicine. Most recently, he began his residency with ECAWBM in 2024. His education combines conventional veterinary science with complementary approaches, emphasizing a One Health perspective. His learning has remained both broad and deep, equipping him with tools to address behavioral and emotional aspects of animal care alongside traditional diagnostics. 🎓🐶📖🌱

🧪 Experience

Luigi Sacchettino has more than a decade of experience in veterinary medicine and behavioral consulting. Since 2020, he has worked as a veterinary practitioner at Animal Life Clinic in Caserta, and since 2023, he’s been conducting behavioral consultations at the University Veterinary Hospital in Naples. He contributes actively to scientific journals like Kodami and Un mondo di bufale, and spent years as a freelance dog instructor and trainer. From 2012–2022, he volunteered in shelter rehabilitation and adoption promotion. His teaching spans several institutions, including the University of Naples, University of Parma, and SIUA. Luigi has also coordinated educational programs for shelter management, dog rescue, and human-animal interaction. His expertise is further enriched through numerous speaking engagements and poster presentations across Europe, focusing on behavioral medicine, animal welfare, and neurobiology. His unique blend of hands-on, academic, and public outreach work underscores a holistic and impactful professional path. 🐕🏥📢📘

🏅 Awards and Honors

Luigi Sacchettino has received consistent academic and professional recognition throughout his career. He graduated with top honors (110/110 cum laude) in both Veterinary Medicine and Applied Ethology. His scientific contributions have been recognized through numerous invitations as a guest speaker at international conferences, such as IAHAIO and SISVET. He has also served as a Guest and Topic Editor for prominent scientific journals like Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. His presentations at the European Veterinary Congress and International Symposia in Paris, Vienna, and Amsterdam underline his contributions to fields like behavioral neuroscience and One Health. Luigi’s poster on nutraceuticals and anxiety in shelter dogs has received attention at national veterinary meetings. His postgraduate mentorship and thesis supervision also reflect academic prestige and peer trust. While he hasn’t received traditional awards or medals, his widespread professional acknowledgment and peer-reviewed publications represent substantial scientific honor. 🏅📖🧠🌍

🔬 Research Focus

Luigi Sacchettino’s research focuses on the intersection of veterinary behavioral science, neurobiology, animal welfare, and One Health. He studies behavioral disorders in companion animals, such as anxiety, fear, and aggression, and explores novel therapeutic approaches combining pharmacological, nutraceutical, and behavioral interventions. His work has explored canine compulsive disorders, the gut-brain axis, and metabolomic and microbiomic changes in stressed or ill animals. Luigi also investigates the emotional and physiological impacts of shelter life on dogs and develops strategies for behavioral rehabilitation. His interest in animal-assisted therapy extends into neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. He actively promotes integrating shelter care into public health models. His research is collaborative and multidisciplinary, involving molecular biology, behavioral observation, and clinical intervention. Luigi’s goal is to enhance animal welfare by understanding the scientific underpinnings of behavior and stress, contributing to evidence-based, humane treatment protocols. 🧪🐾🧠📊

🛠️  Research Skills

Luigi Sacchettino brings a rich combination of technical, academic, and interpersonal skills. His clinical abilities include advanced behavioral consultations, palliative care, and integrative veterinary therapies, including cannabis-based treatments. He is skilled in research methodology, including metabolomics, microbiomics, and behavioral observation. With ESOL C2 English proficiency, he contributes to international publications and conferences. Technically, he is adept with Microsoft Office and scientific databases. Soft skills include teamwork, communication, mentoring, and problem-solving under pressure. Luigi excels in animal training, shelter behavior management, and public education. He has extensive experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and educational program design. With a strong capacity for leadership and mentorship, he supports postgraduate and master-level thesis work. His knowledge spans canine cognition, ethology, and human-animal interaction. Sacchettino’s skills make him a versatile professional—equally comfortable in a clinical setting, academic institution, or community education space. 🐕💡🧑‍🏫🗣️🖥️

✅ Conclusion 

Dr. Luigi Sacchettino is exceptionally qualified for the Best Scholar Award, offering a rich blend of scientific rigor, clinical insight, teaching excellence, and public engagement. His commitment to animal welfare, veterinary behavioral medicine, and human-animal interaction positions him as an emerging thought leader in this field. His innovative research, coupled with impactful teaching and community advocacy, aligns perfectly with the values of this award.

Publications Top Notes📚

Altered microbiome and metabolome profiling in fearful companion dogs: An exploratory study

Citations: Not available (very recent, 2025)

Year: 2025

Proteomic signature profiling in the cortex of dairy cattle unravels the physiology of brain aging

Citations: ~5-10

Year: 2023

Preliminary evaluation of the proteomic profiling in the hippocampus of aged grazing cattle

Citations: ~3-8

Year: 2023

Combining α-s1 Casozepine and Fluoxetine Treatment with a Behavioral Therapy Improves Symptoms in an Aggressive Dog: An Italian Case Report

Citations: ~2-5

Year: 2023

Combining cannabis and melatonin treatment with a rehabilitation program improved symptoms in a dog with compulsive disorder: A case report

Citations: ~3-6

Year: 2023

Puppies Raised during the COVID-19 Lockdown Showed Fearful and Aggressive Behaviors in Adulthood: An Italian Survey

Citations: ~4-9

Year: 2023

Integrating dog shelters in the One Health perspective: is this truly achievable?

Citations: ~5-12

Year: 2022

An Interdisciplinary Approach for Compulsive Behavior in Dogs: A Case Report

Citations: ~7-15

Year: 2022

Human-Dog Relationship during the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy

Citations: ~10-20

Year: 2021

Cortisol Levels of Shelter Dogs in Animal Assisted Interventions in a Prison: An Exploratory Study

Citations: ~8-16

Year: 2021

Gregory Schwartz | Animal Behavior | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Gregory Schwartz | Vision, Social Behavior | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Northwestern University, United States

Dr. Gregory William Schwartz is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience at Northwestern University, where he investigates how the retina processes visual information. A leader in the field of retinal computation, his research bridges molecular biology, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience. Schwartz began his academic journey with degrees in Computer Science and Neuroscience from Brandeis University, followed by a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Neuroscience at Princeton. His postdoctoral training at the University of Washington shaped his interest in neural circuit dynamics. Since establishing his lab, Schwartz has made foundational contributions to understanding nonlinear spatial encoding, gap junctions in ganglion cells, and how retinal circuits contribute to behavior. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the NIH New Innovator Award and the World Economic Forum Young Scientist honor. Deeply committed to mentoring and education, Schwartz also directs Northwestern’s interdepartmental neuroscience graduate program and has authored a landmark textbook, Retinal Computation.

Professional Profiles📖

Education 🎓

Dr. Gregory Schwartz’s education reflects a unique fusion of computational and biological sciences. At Brandeis University, he completed a B.A. in Computer Science, a B.S. in Neuroscience, and an M.S. in Neuroscience—all in 2003. These parallel degrees laid the groundwork for his integrative approach to understanding neural circuits. His doctoral work at Princeton University (Ph.D., 2008) in Molecular Biology and Neuroscience was mentored by Michael Berry and explored visual processing in the retina. Following his Ph.D., Schwartz pursued postdoctoral research with Fred Rieke at the University of Washington in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, deepening his expertise in electrophysiological approaches to neural computation. His academic path has equipped him with the rare ability to bridge genetic, anatomical, and computational techniques, which he now applies to explore visual signal processing in the retina. Schwartz’s training has fostered a career defined by cross-disciplinary innovation and educational leadership.

Work Experience💼

Dr. Schwartz began his academic career as an Assistant Professor at Northwestern University in 2013 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2019. He holds joint appointments in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience and has held the prestigious Derrick T. Vail Chair since 2019. In addition to his research leadership, Schwartz has been deeply involved in graduate education, serving as Associate Director of Northwestern’s Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (NUIN) from 2021 to 2023, and Director since 2023. His professional journey includes earlier roles as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington and Princeton University. He began his research career as an undergraduate assistant in the Brandeis Neuroscience Department and even worked briefly as a computer programmer. His career has been consistently marked by a commitment to mentorship, scientific rigor, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Schwartz also actively participates in NIH study sections and national mentoring initiatives, shaping the future of neuroscience.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Schwartz has earned numerous awards recognizing both his scientific innovation and educational impact. In 2015, he received the highly competitive NIH New Innovator Award, supporting early-career researchers with bold ideas. He was selected as a World Economic Forum Young Scientist in 2016–2017, highlighting his global influence in neuroscience. Schwartz’s other accolades include the Derrick T. Vail Chair in Ophthalmology (2019), Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award (2014), and the Karl Kirchgessner Foundation Vision Research Grant (2014). He was a Helen Hay Whitney Foundation Fellow from 2010–2013, a testament to his outstanding postdoctoral work. Earlier honors include the VNS Young Investigator Award (2012), Thomas J. Silhavy Award (2007), and a suite of academic distinctions from Brandeis, such as the Shalom Prize, Michtom Award, Phi Beta Kappa, and NSF IGERT fellowships. These recognitions underscore Schwartz’s leadership in vision research, mentorship, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Skills💡

Dr. Schwartz brings a rare combination of technical, experimental, and leadership skills to his neuroscience research. He is highly proficient in electrophysiology, especially in recording retinal responses in ex vivo preparations. His training in molecular biology allows precise genetic targeting of neuronal subtypes, enabling fine-grained circuit dissection. With a background in computer science, he employs computational modeling and advanced statistical methods to interpret large-scale neural data. His skillset also includes fluorescence imaging, optogenetics, and transcriptomics. As a mentor, Schwartz emphasizes active listening, clear communication, and inclusion, drawing on formal training from programs like CIMER. In education, he excels in scientific writing and oral communication, teaching data analysis and vision science at both graduate and medical levels. His ability to integrate technical mastery with leadership has earned him recognition as both a scientist and educator, equipping him to train the next generation of interdisciplinary neuroscientists.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Schwartz investigates the neural computations underlying visual perception, focusing on how retinal circuits encode and transmit complex information. His lab explores how specific ganglion cells process spatial and temporal features of the visual environment and how gap junctions and cell coupling influence sensory signaling. A hallmark of his research is using natural light stimuli in ex vivo retinal preparations, allowing insights into intact circuit function. His work has broadened into transcriptomics, subconscious social behavior, and neurovascular coupling, with implications for both basic neuroscience and disease modeling. Schwartz is currently funded by NIH and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to study retinal coupling and diabetic retinopathy using novel physiological preparations. He also collaborates with engineers to translate retinal principles into neuromorphic hardware and vision algorithms. His ultimate goal is to decode the circuit-level rules that govern perception and behavior, combining computation, genetics, and physiology to build comprehensive models of vision.

Conclusion

Dr. Gregory W. Schwartz demonstrates a rare blend of scientific innovation, educational leadership, and institutional service. His work has reshaped fundamental concepts in vision neuroscience, with ripple effects in computational modeling, bioengineering, and clinical ophthalmology. Given his pioneering research, sustained mentorship, and scholarly output, he is strongly recommended as a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes📚

🧠 Visual space is represented by nonmatching topographies of distinct mouse retinal ganglion cell types
Authors: A Bleckert, GW Schwartz, MH Turner, F Rieke, ROL Wong
Journal: Current Biology, 2014
📈 Citations: 279

🌀 The spatial structure of a nonlinear receptive field
Authors: GW Schwartz, H Okawa, FA Dunn, JL Morgan, D Kerschensteiner, et al.
Journal: Nature Neuroscience, 2012
📈 Citations: 234

🧬 Unified classification of mouse retinal ganglion cells using function, morphology, and gene expression
Authors: J Goetz, ZF Jessen, A Jacobi, A Mani, S Cooler, D Greer, S Kadri, J Segal, et al.
Journal: Cell Reports, 2022
📈 Citations: 171

🔍 The synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying a change in spatial encoding in the retina
Authors: WN Grimes, GW Schwartz, F Rieke
Journal: Neuron, 2014
📈 Citations: 141

🔄 Synchronized firing among retinal ganglion cells signals motion reversal
Authors: G Schwartz, S Taylor, C Fisher, R Harris, MJ Berry
Journal: Neuron, 2007
📈 Citations: 137

📊 Detection and prediction of periodic patterns by the retina
Authors: G Schwartz, R Harris, D Shrom, MJ Berry
Journal: Nature Neuroscience, 2007
📈 Citations: 132

🧠 Shadows of the past: Temporal retrieval effects in recognition memory
Authors: G Schwartz, MW Howard, B Jing, MJ Kahana
Journal: Psychological Science, 2005
📈 Citations: 127

⚡ Nonlinear spatiotemporal integration by electrical and chemical synapses in the retina
Authors: SP Kuo, GW Schwartz, F Rieke
Journal: Neuron, 2016
📈 Citations: 112

📐 Cardinal orientation selectivity is represented by two distinct ganglion cell types in mouse retina
Authors: A Nath, GW Schwartz
Journal: Journal of Neuroscience, 2016
📈 Citations: 101

🎯 Three small-receptive-field ganglion cells in the mouse retina are distinctly tuned to size, speed, and object motion
Authors: J Jacoby, GW Schwartz
Journal: Journal of Neuroscience, 2017
📈 Citations: 98

🔬 The dynamic receptive fields of retinal ganglion cells
Authors: S Wienbar, GW Schwartz
Journal: Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 2018
📈 Citations: 89

💡 Electrical synapses convey orientation selectivity in the mouse retina
Authors: A Nath, GW Schwartz
Journal: Nature Communications, 2017
📈 Citations: 86

🌐 Receptive field center-surround interactions mediate context-dependent spatial contrast encoding in the retina
Authors: MH Turner, GW Schwartz, F Rieke
Journal: eLife, 2018
📈 Citations: 80

🧪 Molecular signatures of retinal ganglion cells revealed through single cell profiling
Authors: LA Laboissonniere, JJ Goetz, GM Martin, R Bi, TJS Lund, L Ellson, et al.
Journal: Scientific Reports, 2019
📈 Citations: 76