Brunella has a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ, USA), where she studied the technological development of the earliest glaze paints in the American Southwest.

Since she completed her studies she has held several postdoctoral positions in both museums and university departments, where she continued to pursue the field of heritage science.
Since June 2018, Brunella is a Research Technical Specialist in STARC, where she applies her knowledge of materials science techniques, conservation and archaeology to support research activities. She is also responsible for maintaining the Archaeological Materials laboratories, including the SEM-EDS system.