From ancient artefact to biological tissues: A Physicist’s Journey Across Borders and Disciplines

In fifteen words or less, explain the significance of this contribution (Novel Aspect).: Bridged art and medicine through photonics, shaping my interdisciplinary STEM path and global research collaborations.

Abstract Text:

I never imagined that starting out as a physics engineering student in Politecnico di Milano, Italy, would one day lead me to explore cutting edge laser technology in a UK national lab, or that along the way I’d get to analyze ancient artifacts and collaborate with inspiring researchers across the world. From Raman mapping of ancient pigments in Italy to probing deep tissue with Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) in the UK, my career path has bridged art, medicine, and photonic. My journey has been anything but linear, shaped by curiosity but also by colleagues, and mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me grow. In this talk, I’ll share the steps (and stumbles) of my career path up to now. I’ll also reflect on what I've learned in recent years as an early-career researcher hoping to encourage fellow researchers charting their own interdisciplinary and international paths in STEM.