I am an interdisciplinary social scientist focused on science and technology studies, medical anthropology, and social theory. My research examines how technological and aesthetic practices shape social and political understandings of the body within biomedical infrastructures and health governance. I use qualitative and ethnographic methods to explore how care, ethics, and identity are negotiated across institutions, technologies, and everyday life. I have broad experience in investigative qualitative research, in-depth interviewing, narrative analysis, and audio-based storytelling, with a strong commitment to ethical research practices and participant care. I am currently advancing a PhD in Applied Social Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome, with a dissertation on Uncanny Technological, Aesthetic, and Political Implications of Plastic Surgery Practices, and I have collaborated on EU-funded projects and international research initiatives aiming to translate findings into policy-relevant insights.

Sara Casartelli

I am an interdisciplinary social scientist focused on science and technology studies, medical anthropology, and social theory. My research examines how technological and aesthetic practices shape social and political understandings of the body within biomedical infrastructures and health governance. I use qualitative and ethnographic methods to explore how care, ethics, and identity are negotiated across institutions, technologies, and everyday life. I have broad experience in investigative qualitative research, in-depth interviewing, narrative analysis, and audio-based storytelling, with a strong commitment to ethical research practices and participant care. I am currently advancing a PhD in Applied Social Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome, with a dissertation on Uncanny Technological, Aesthetic, and Political Implications of Plastic Surgery Practices, and I have collaborated on EU-funded projects and international research initiatives aiming to translate findings into policy-relevant insights.

Available to hire

I am an interdisciplinary social scientist focused on science and technology studies, medical anthropology, and social theory. My research examines how technological and aesthetic practices shape social and political understandings of the body within biomedical infrastructures and health governance. I use qualitative and ethnographic methods to explore how care, ethics, and identity are negotiated across institutions, technologies, and everyday life.

I have broad experience in investigative qualitative research, in-depth interviewing, narrative analysis, and audio-based storytelling, with a strong commitment to ethical research practices and participant care. I am currently advancing a PhD in Applied Social Sciences at Sapienza University of Rome, with a dissertation on Uncanny Technological, Aesthetic, and Political Implications of Plastic Surgery Practices, and I have collaborated on EU-funded projects and international research initiatives aiming to translate findings into policy-relevant insights.

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Language

Italian
Fluent
English
Advanced
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Gastronomic Sciences (Horizon Europe HEALTHY W8 Project)
May 1, 2025 - Present
Qualitative research on lifestyle interventions and health behaviors; contribute to data analysis, reporting, and dissemination across EU partners; engage with policy-oriented research on health promotion and ethics; ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance of qualitative datasets across collaborative platforms.
Research Associate at CLINIGMA, Copenhagen
December 1, 2020 - Present
Conduct in-depth interviews with clinical trial participants; contribute to patient-centered research design; oversee translation and quality control of research instruments; transcription, validation, and quality control of interview recordings and research materials; review AI-supported documentation.
Field Researcher at Centre for German and European Studies (St. Petersburg & Bielefeld University)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Ethnographic research on ecological hazards in Italian communities; investigative ethnography combining interviews, field observations, and narrative documentation of lived experiences.
Programme Coordinator at Joint Master in Pharmaceutical Medicine – University of Milan & The Boston Consulting Group
May 1, 2019 - February 1, 2020
Coordinated academic activities and visiting lectures, supported course management and quality control.
Applied Research Consultant at Tips Ricerche, Milan
October 1, 2018 - Present
Produced mixed-method analyses for research institutions on consumption and behavioral change.
Independent Researcher at University of Amsterdam
August 1, 2016 - February 1, 2017
Designed and conducted ethnographic research on migrant identification infrastructures in Southern Italy.

Education

PhD in Applied Social Sciences at University of Rome La Sapienza
January 11, 2030 - April 1, 2025
Research Master's in Social Sciences (cum laude) at University of Amsterdam
January 11, 2030 - February 1, 2018
BA in Anthropology at University of Bologna
January 11, 2030 - July 1, 2015

Qualifications

Teaching Qualification (24 ECTS)
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Academic Writing Course
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Yoga Teacher Training (200H) + Rocket Yoga (50H)
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024

Industry Experience

Education, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment