First stage researchers bridging nature and well-being.
Ever wondered how nature can boost your health? Meet three bright researchers working on the GreenME project, where they’re discovering how nature-based therapies can make us healthier and happier. From exploring mental health to tackling policy changes, these researchers are shaking things up in the world of well-being—one green space at a time!
Virginia Cioncoloni – Nature & healthcare
Location: Bologna, Italy
Research focus: Nature-based therapies in healthcare
Who is she?
Virginia is a Tuscan soul living in Bologna, working hard on her PhD at the University of Bologna. When she’s not knee-deep in research, you’ll find her strolling through nature on Sundays, soaking up the peace and quiet. Oh, and she never misses a chance to visit her home by the sea!
Why GreenME?
“I’ve always been fascinated by how nature can make us feel better. GreenME has given me the chance to see how we can bring nature-based therapies into Italy’s healthcare system. But it’s not easy—policies need to change, and many of these therapies are run by social cooperatives.”
What’s the best part?
“Working with an international team has been a game-changer! I’ve learned so much and feel like our research can really shape public policies.”
Fun fact: She’s a policy advocate by day, and a nature-walk aficionado on the weekends!
Carola Domènech-Paniello – Nature & mental health
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Research focus: Environmental justice & mental health
Who is she?
Carola is a PhD student at the Open University of Catalonia. She’s a passionate hiker and loves snapping analog photos when she’s not deep in research. Her heart beats for environmental justice, and she’s all about finding ways nature can help bridge mental health inequities.
Why GreenME?
“It’s been fascinating! I’ve loved exploring how nature and mental health are connected, especially for underserved communities. Plus, being part of such a large and dynamic team has been a great experience!”
What’s the challenge?
“Working in a diverse team means balancing different cultures and work styles—and let’s not forget the tight deadlines. But it’s all part of the adventure!”
Fun fact: In her free time, she loves crafting, hiking, and snapping old-school photos that capture the beauty around her.
Paula de Prado-Bert – Urban & environmental justice
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Research focus: Nature, social equity & health
Who is she?
Born and raised in Barcelona, Paula is always on the move! As a postdoc at the Barcelona Lab for Urban Environmental Justice, she spends her days diving into the relationship between nature, equity, and health. Her love for the outdoors helps her unwind from her busy schedule, whether it’s by watching films, practicing photography, or trying new sports.
Why GreenME?
“What I love about GreenME is that it goes beyond nature therapies. It’s about social justice, equity, and making sure everyone has access to nature’s benefits. But it’s a big challenge—society needs some serious structural changes.”
What’s exciting?
“It’s inspiring to be part of a project that shows how nature can benefit everyone, especially when we think about environmental and social justice.”
The big takeaway?
These first stage researchers are proving that nature is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s a powerful tool for improving health and well-being! Whether it’s tackling healthcare policies or advocating for mental health equity, the GreenME project is showing how nature can truly make a difference in our lives. And these passionate researchers are at the heart of it all!
Fun fact: When she’s not researching, she’s catching the latest movies or exploring Barcelona’s vibrant outdoor scene.
Anna Åshage – Nature & landscape architecture
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Research focus: Urban nature and its role in promoting health and well-being
Who is she?
Anna is a PhD student in landscape architecture with a passion for all things green and blue! Living in the stunning Stockholm archipelago, she’s lucky to have nature right at her doorstep—whether it’s lush greenscapes or calming bluescapes. When she’s not deep into research at SLU, you’ll find her gardening or snapping beautiful nature photos in her spare time.
Why GreenME?
“For me, it’s really about unlocking nature’s potential to boost our mental health. Despite all the evidence that shows nature can help us recover and de-stress, it’s still not widely used in healthcare. GreenME takes a holistic approach, and that’s super motivating—it’s about figuring out how to make nature a real part of the healthcare system.”
What’s the challenge?
“Working on such a large project with so many moving parts can get tricky. Sometimes, even small tasks become challenging when deadlines pile up. But good planning is the key!”
What does GreenME mean for young researchers?
“It’s an amazing opportunity! Being part of such a large, real-world project means I get to work with established researchers from different cultures and disciplines. It’s the perfect environment to learn and build a network for my future research.”
Fun Fact: Anna believes in the power of nature because she’s experienced it firsthand! For her, nature isn’t just a research topic—it’s been a source of healing and recovery, making her work on GreenME even more personal and fulfilling.