Francis Cucinotta

Professor Francis Cucinotta is a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, within the Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences. He teaches radiation biology, dosimetry, and radiation science at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

• Education: B.S. in Physics (Rutgers University), Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics (Old Dominion University)

His research focuses on biophysics models of radiation effects on Earth (e.g., cancer treatment) and in space (e.g., astronaut risk assessment). Key areas include radiation carcinogenesis, neurodegeneration, cataracts, DNA repair, and radiation transport. He has developed theoretical frameworks for nuclear fragmentation, microdosimetry, and systems biology of cell signaling.

Recent publications analyze clustered DNA damage, lunar radiation environments, heavy ion therapy, and radiation risk compensation policies. These works span disciplines like biophysics, medical physics, neuroscience, and space systems engineering.

• Radiation Research Society President (2013-2014)
• National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Council Member
• Editorial Board Member: Life Sciences in Space Research
• Guest Editor: Radiation Research, Frontiers in Radiation Oncology

Cucinotta has received continuous funding from the National Cancer Institute (2016-2021), with past support from the Department of Energy and NASA. He has authored over 350 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.