Rosalba Saija

Rosalba Saija is a Full Professor of Physics of Matter (Fis/03) at the Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Earth Sciences at the University of Messina. She teaches Physics 3 in the Bachelor's Degree program in Physics, Physics in the Science and Technologies for Ecological Transition program, Introduction to Modern Physics in the Mathematics program, and Nano-optics in the Doctoral Program in Physics.

Her research focuses on theoretical studies of light extinction processes with nano/micrometric particles and nanostructured systems. She applies classical electrodynamics and the T-matrix approach to investigate optomechanical properties induced by radiation-matter interactions, particularly in optical manipulation technologies. Her work also addresses interstellar dust in astrophysical contexts. She has authored over 100 scientific publications and authored the volume 'Scattering from Model Nonspherical Particles' (Springer-Verlag).

Her recent publications demonstrate strong trends in optical manipulation technologies, nanophotonics, and astrophysical applications. Her work spans from fundamental theoretical physics to applied research in biosensing, materials science, and space applications, with a consistent thread of light-matter interaction studies across diverse contexts.

Professor Saija has held significant leadership roles including Coordinator of the Bachelor's and Master's Degree programs in Physics at the University of Messina since October 2018, and represents the university in the Marie Curie Initial Training Network 'Active Matter: From Fundamental Science to Applications' since November 2019.

• Since 2022: Member of WP2 Environment of the PNRR SAMOTHRACE project
• 2020-2022: Unit manager of the ASI-INAF two-year research project 'Space Tweezers'
• 2014-2018: Local manager of Materials, Physical and Nanosciences COST Action MP1403 (Nanoscale Quantum Optics)
• 2002-2006: PI of the project on 'The Optical Properties of Aerosols. (Biological aerosols)'

She currently supervises multiple PhD students, including an ITN Marie-Curie international student and students involved in the PNRR-SAMOTHRACE project. She has organized numerous conferences including the XIII International Conference on 'Electromagnetic Light Scattering' in Taormina, Messina.