Dr Vincenzo Pusino he/him

I am a Lecturer of Electronic and Photonic Devices in the James Watt School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow. My research passion is making mid-infrared sensors and imagers more accessible. Mid-infrared sensors and imagers can be used for many applications (environmental sensing, health and lifestyle technologies, industrial asset monitoring), but those available commercially are very costly, therefore their potential is not fully exploited. My research group thus uses photonic integration, plasmonics, and heterogeneous growth to deliver compact, low-cost mid-infrared technologies.

I would like to form collaborations where the mid-infrared devices I research could be tested in a number of different scenarios, e.g. for health and lifestyle monitoring or environmental applications such as greenhouse gas imaging. The use of mid-infrared devices in different context would be the backbone interdisciplinary research support the CDT projects I would like to supervise. There is almost no discipline that would not benefit from adopting mid-infrared sensing and imaging techniques. Mid-infrared can find applications in breath analysis, pollution monitoring, greenhouse gas imaging and even soil analysis (from determining total carbon content to help identifying a promising site for an archaeological dig).

As a PhD supervisor, I try to create a supportive environment where the student’s strength can develop. I start by setting clear expectations in terms of mutual roles and communication. I don’t apply a “one-size fits all” style of supervision, but I will adapt and tailor my supervision over time based on what the student needs.

In my group equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is key to creating a healthy research environment where everyone can deliver the best outcomes. I try to foster an inclusive and respectful environment in all aspects of my work. I have volunteered with outreach programmes (such as STEM ambassador, Quantum Ambassador) aimed at widening participation in higher education, particularly for underrepresented students. I have worked with researchers of many nationalities, and I am mindful of different communication styles and unconscious biases I might bring to the conversation.

When away from work, you’ll find me trying to grow veggies in the allotment, spending time with my young children or attending an art class.