Maria Katsikini

Maria Katsikini is a Professor in the Department of Condensed Matter and Materials Physics at the School of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece. Her research is centered on the optical and electronic properties of solids, particularly through advanced spectroscopic techniques such as XAFS, XPS, XRF, μ-XAFS, SAXS, and Raman spectroscopy, often utilizing synchrotron radiation.

Her research interests span Materials Science, Biophysics, and Semiconductor Physics. She investigates a wide range of systems, including group III nitrides, Si(oxy)nitrides, industrial waste materials, nanoporous adsorbents for water purification, and biomedical nanoparticles. On the biological side, her work includes studies of biominerals, biopigments, soft and keratinized tissues, paleontological specimens, and structural proteins. She applies microspectroscopy techniques like XRF mapping and μ-XAFS for analyzing inhomogeneous materials.

The recent publications (2020–2025) reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus combining materials synthesis, nanotechnology, and biological applications. Key themes include nanoparticle stability in biological environments, magnetic property tuning via surface chemistry, phonon behavior in semiconductor alloys, biomineral composition, and nanocrystal size control for optoelectronic applications. These works demonstrate consistent use of synchrotron-based and lab-based spectroscopic methods.

She has taught numerous undergraduate and postgraduate courses over two decades, such as General Physics Laboratory, Optics, Solid State Physics Laboratory, Biophysics, and Materials Characterization in Large-Scale Facilities. She is affiliated with the Optics and Spectroscopy Laboratory at AUTh and contributes to international collaborations, including Greece’s participation in the ESRF. She also developed an e-course on XAFS spectroscopy, indicating a commitment to education and outreach.

• No scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text.

She advises students in research, though specific names are not listed. Her group likely receives grants supporting synchrotron access, materials synthesis, and biomedical studies, given the nature of her work. She leads the Optics and Spectroscopy Laboratory and collaborates with the XAFSLab and the Hellenic Society for Condensed Matter Science and Technology.