معرفی
Dr. Francesco Masia is a Lecturer in the School of Biosciences at Cardiff University. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Rome 'La Sapienza' (2007) and has been affiliated with Cardiff University since 2006. His research focuses on light-matter interaction, nanostructure optics, and advanced microscopy techniques. Key areas include developing label-free multiphoton microscopy, algorithms for unsupervised data analysis, and biosensor technologies for early disease diagnostics. He leads projects on lab-on-chip biosensors using photonic crystal cavities and has pioneered techniques such as four-wave mixing interferometry for nanoparticle analysis.
Education
- PhD in Physics, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', 2007
- Diploma in Physics, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', 2003
Research Interests
Dr. Masia’s work bridges physics and biomedical engineering. He specializes in ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and data analysis for complex datasets. His lab develops cutting-edge tools for studying nanostructures (e.g., plasmonic particles, quantum dots) and their applications in cellular imaging, diagnostics, and material characterization. Recent advancements include label-free volumetric imaging of cell division and quantitative analysis of lipid domains in biological systems.
Publications
His articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, blending optics, materials science, and biomedical applications. Themes include nanoparticle sensing, quantum dot lasers, and FLIM-FRET microscopy. The most recent work addresses microplastic detection and chiro-optical effects in nanoparticles.
Awards & Fellowships
- 2022: Rising Star Fellowship (Welsh Government)
- 2011: European Reintegration Grant (Marie Curie)
- 2008: Intra-European Fellowship (Marie Curie)
- 2005: 'Italo Federico Quercia' Prize
Advising & Grants
Current students: Nadhia Monim and Amit Nilabh. He has secured funding from EPSRC and Welsh Government for integrated sensing technologies. His grants support projects like the EPSRC PhD studentship in point-of-care diagnostics.
Labs & Teams
Dr. Masia’s group collaborates with Cardiff’s Material Research Network and the School of Physics and Astronomy. Key partnerships include work on photonic crystal cavities and quantum dot applications in biosensing.
