Mariana Fazio

Mariana Fazio is a Research Fellow in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering. She is actively engaged in cutting-edge research related to gravitational wave detection and advanced optical coatings for precision sensing instruments. Her work is primarily conducted within large international collaborations such as the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, Virgo Collaboration, and KAGRA Collaboration.

Her research focuses on gravitational wave physics, optical materials, and next-generation detector technologies. She specializes in the development and analysis of high-quality optical coatings, particularly amorphous Ta₂O₅ films, and their application in reducing mechanical loss in interferometric detectors. Her work bridges fundamental physics and advanced materials engineering.

The most recent publications highlight her contributions to the search for gravitational waves from supernovae and pulsars, as well as the material science behind optical coatings. These works demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary trend combining astrophysics, precision measurement, and materials engineering, with a focus on enabling future discoveries in gravitational wave astronomy.

• STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship

Dr. Fazio leads and participates in multiple funded research projects, including her principal investigator role in the STFC-funded project on next-generation optical coatings. She collaborates with key researchers such as Stuart Reid and Kieran Craig. While no formal advisees are listed, her role as a Research Co-investigator in CDT and fellowship projects suggests involvement in training and mentoring early-career researchers.

She is actively involved in professional development, having participated in the EPSRC Multi-Disciplinary IM3AGES Facility Workshop. Her research is supported by major UKRI and STFC grants, positioning her at the forefront of gravitational wave instrumentation development.