Sebastián Thompson Parga

Dr. Sebastián Thompson Parga is an Assistant Research Professor (tenure track) at IMDEA Nanoscience in Madrid, Spain, focusing on intracellular temperature measurements and their implications in cancer research. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from the City University of New York (CUNY) in 2009 under Prof. CM Drain, followed by postdoctoral research at institutions including Coimbra University, CNIO, and the Institute of Photonic Sciences. His work spans nanotechnology, biophysics, and medical imaging, particularly in developing nanothermometers for cancer diagnostics and therapy. Key achievements include pioneering studies on intracellular temperature sensing using GFP and plasmonic nanoparticles, as well as photothermal therapy innovations. He leads the Thompson Lab, which explores interdisciplinary approaches to address cancer challenges. Awards include the Retos Jovenes Investigadores grant and Marie Curie Actions Fellowship. Current research emphasizes advancing phototherapies for glioblastomas and enhancing nanoparticle-based drug delivery. Collaborations span institutions globally, and his lab actively recruits students and postdocs.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry (2009), City University of New York (CUNY)
• Bachelor's in Chemistry (2004), University of Buenos Aires

Research Interests: Intracellular temperature dynamics, nanothermometry, photothermal therapy, cancer diagnostics, plasmonics, and targeted drug delivery. His lab develops novel tools like universal nanothermometers and investigates their applications in real-time cellular temperature monitoring. Recent projects include overcoming the liver barrier in nanoparticle-based cancer therapies and exploring AI-driven nanomedical strategies.

Grants & Awards:

• Retos Jovenes Investigadores 'A' (193,000€), Principal Investigator (Intracellular temperature for cancer treatment)
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions 2018 (European Commission)
• CNIO Friend Fellowship (Overcoming liver barrier in nanoparticle drug delivery)

Lab Activities: The Thompson Lab at IMDEA focuses on interdisciplinary research, combining nanotechnology, photonics, and biology. Current projects include developing label-free nanothermometers, photothermal therapies for glioblastomas, and optimizing nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Openings exist for students and postdocs in biology, chemistry, or photonics backgrounds.

Personal Interests: Half-marathon running, Aikido (Shodan), and martial arts practice in Madrid and NYC.