Dr. Maria Pervolaraki is a Research Associate in the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser at FORTH since November 2018. She received her Master in Physics with Honours (MPhys) in Applied Physics with Laser Technology (2001), her Postgraduate Diploma in Research Training (2004) and her Ph.D. in Physics (2006) from the University of Hull, UK. She has worked as post-doctoral and research associate in several national and international projects in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Cyprus and as a Senior Research Consultant in ALTER ECO SOLUTIONS. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications in the field of laser material interactions. Her main interests are laser ablation, laser micromachining, short pulse laser-matter interactions at high repetition rates, laser assisted growth of complex, functional thin films and nanostructures using Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD), Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique, and Picosecond Ultrafast Pulsed Laser Deposition (UFPLD) for various applications in microelectronics, photonics, energy harvesting and medicine.

Education

• 2006, Ph.D. in Physics, Department of Physics, University of Hull, UK
• 2004, PGDip, Postgraduate Diploma in Research Training, University of Hull, UK
• 2001, MPhys, Master of Physics with Honours (4 years degree), Applied Physics with Laser Technology, First Class, University of Hull, UK

Career

• 11/2018 – Today, Research Associate, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL) at Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
• 12/2017 – 10/2018, Senior Research Consultant, ALTER ECO SOLUTIONS LTD, Nicosia, Cyprus
• Fall semester 2016, Special Scientist: Teaching Laser Fundamentals, Laser Safety, Optics and Beam Alignment, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
• 01/2015 – 12/2017, Organizer and Instructor: Interactive STEM actions for Preschool and Primary School kids, Nicosia, Cyprus
• 05/2007 – 12/2014, Postdoctoral Research Associate: Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
• 04/2005 – 03/2007, Instructor in secondary schools, First Class Education, Hull, UK
• 10/2001 - 03/2005, Assistant Tutor, Department of Physics, University of Hull, UK

Interests

• Laser ablation
• Laser micromachining of polymers, semiconductors and metals
• Short pulse laser-matter interactions at high repetition rates
• Growth of complex, functional Oxides, Thermoelectric and Diamond-like thin films with nano-inclusion contents using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and their characterisation
• Picosecond ultrafast pulsed laser deposition (UFPLD) of Si and C nanostructures
• Matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) of fragile molecules
• Laser-matter interactions using high repetition rate nanosecond and high power picosecond DPSS Nd:YVO4 lasers, F2, KrF and CO2 lasers
• Laser sintering of metals and dielectrics

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

• 2012- BEST POSTER AWARD, “Ultra-fast pulsed laser deposition of Carbon nanostructures: Structural and Optical characterization”, Symposium V: Laser materials processing for micro and nano applications, E-MRS, Spring Meeting, Strasbourg, France
• 2009- BEST POSTER AWARD, “Mn12 benzoate thin films on Si substrates fabricated by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation”, Symposium Q: Laser and Plasma Processing for Advanced Materials, E-MRS, Spring Meeting, Strasbourg, France
• 09/2001-12/2004, Awarded a full Scholarship for Ph.D. from the Department of Physics, University of Hull, , Hull, UK
• 04/2001- Intensive course on Lasers and their applications on Telecommunication, Medicine and Industry. Fachhochschule Ostfriesland, Emden, Germany
• 09/1999 – 06/2000, 3rd year of the MPhys: Socrates-Erasmus exchange program, Department of Physical Electronics, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University of Prague, Czech Republic

L. Papadimitriou is a PostDoctoral Researcher in the IESL, FORTH. She received her PhD in Molecular Biology/Immunology from the University of Crete in 2009. She has worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Biomedical Research Foundation of Academy of Athens (BRFAA), at the Biology Department of the University of Crete and at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB). Her main research interests focus on the interaction of cells with biomaterials for tissue engineering applications and on the study of the immuno-modulatory potential of biomaterials and scaffolds. Her research interests include the study of biocompatibility and immunocompatibility of potential implantable biomaterials and the investigation of the interaction of cells and scaffolds, in the concept of morphological, physiological and molecular aspects of their interface. She is also interested in the anti-microbial performance of nanotextured multifunctional surfaces for medical applications.

Education

• 2009: ​PhD in Molecular Biology/Immunology - Department of Biology University of Crete, Greece 
• 2000: MSc in Molecular Biology-Biotechnology/Biomedicine, University of Crete, Greece 
• 1997: BSc in Biology, University of Crete, Greece

Career

• 2/2018 - Today, PostDoc Researcher, Ultrafast Laser Micro and Nano Processing Lab/Tissue engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Immunology Group, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 04/2014 – 04/2015, PostDoc Researcher, Biomaterials Lab, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 12/2011 - 12/2013, PostDoc Researcher, Plant Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), FORTH, Crete, Greece
• 01/2011 – 11/2011, PostDoc Researcher, Cell cycle and Division lab, Biology Department, University of Crete, Greece
• 06/2010 – 03/2011, PostDoc Researcher, Metabolic Diseases and Stress lab, Biomedical Research Foundation (BRFAA) Academy of Athens, Greece

Interests

• Tissue engineering and Regenerative Medicine
• Cell-Biomaterials Interface
• Scaffolds – Immune System interactions.
• Cell adhesion and intracellular signaling
• Cell sensing and response to chemical and topographical clues
• Neuronal cells differentiation and regeneration

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

• 2006-2009: Fellowship from General Secretariat for Research and Technology (Ph.D thesis)
• 1999-2000: Fellowship from Greek Ministry of Education co-funded by European Union (Bachelor’s thesis)

Dr Leonidas Mouchliadis is a post-doctoral researcher in the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser. He received his BSc in Physics (2003) and MSc in Theoretical Physics (2005) from the University of Crete. He then obtained a PhD in Physics (2008) from Cardiff University in UK while studying the transport and coherence properties of 2D excitons in quantum wells. His main research interest is the interaction between light and matter in a variety of physical phenomena ranging from light-induced phase transitions in complex systems with many degrees of freedom to excitons and polaritons in semiconductors, organic molecules and photonic crystals. Leonidas joined the Ultrafast Laser Micro- and Nano-Processing Laboratory in March 2017 as a member of the 2D materials team. His current research focus is on the nonlinear optical properties of two dimensional crystals such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides. In parallel, he performs ab initio calculations with Quantum Espresso and Yambo. Leonidas is also interested in the philosophy of science and holds an MSc in Philosophy (2018) from the University of Crete.

Dr. Stella Maragkaki is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at IESL-FORTH. She graduated from the Physics Department at the University of Crete and she holds a MSc degree in Photonics/Nanoelectronics. In 2018 she graduated with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Chair of Applied Laser Technologies, in Ruhr-University of Bochum in Germany. Later that year, she joined the Ultrafast Laser Micro and Nano Processing group of the IESL, FORTH. Her current research interests include ultrafast laser micro/nano processing and functionalization of material surfaces with a focus on biomimetic micro- and nano- structuring and advanced photonic processes on graphene-based materials.

Phanee Manganas is a post-doctoral researcher at IESL-FORTH. She received her BSc in Biology (Specialisation in Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology) and MSc in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine from the University of Crete. She then continued her studies at the University of Glasgow (UK), from where she obtained a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while working on oxidative regulation mechanisms in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Since joining the team of the Ultrafast Laser Micro- and Nano-Processing (ULMNP) group, she has been interested in interpreting the effect of 3D architecture on various cellular processes – including growth, survival, adhesion and differentiation – from a molecular and biochemical viewpoint, in order to understand the ways in which cells interact with the fabricated environment.

Education

• 2017 – PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
• 2013 – MSc in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine, University of Crete, Heraklion-Crete, Greece
• 2011 – BSc in Biology (Specialisation in Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology), University of Crete, Heraklion-Crete, Greece

Career

• 09/2018 – Today – Post-doctoral research assistant, Ultrafast Laser Micro- and Nano-Processing (ULMNP) Group, IESL-FORTH, Heraklion-Crete, Greece

Interests

• Biocompatibility assessment of micro- and nano-patterned surfaces
• Molecular and biochemical characterisation of cellular responses on micro- and nano-patterned surfaces

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

• 2011-2012 – M.Sc. Studentship from the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion-Crete, GR
• 2010 – Scholarship from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) for the academic year 2008-2009

P. Kavatzikidou is a Postdoctoral Researcher at The Stratakis Lab, Ultrafast Laser Micro and Nano Processing Laboratory in the Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser (IESL) – Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece. She received her PhD in Clinical Engineering, BBSRC Case Studentship, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK in collaboration with an SME, Giltech Ltd and an Orthopaedic company, Stryker in 2008. She has joined the ULMNP group in the summer of 2014 and her main research interests focus on development of polymeric scaffolds via soft lithography, correlation of physicochemical, topographical, degradation properties of the scaffolds with the cytotoxicity, cytocompability (adhesion, proliferation and differentiation) of various cell types.

Education

• 2008, Ph.D. in Clinical Engineering, BBSRC Case Studentship, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK in collaboration with Giltech Ltd and Stryker.
• 2001, Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Engineering, Dept. of Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK
• 2000, Bachelor (BEng) in Medical Engineering, Dept of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bradford, UK

Career

• 06/2014 - Today, Postdoctoral Researcher (Second), The Stratakis Lab, Ultrafast Laser Micro and Nano Processing Laboratory, Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, FORTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 03/2008-05/2014, Postdoctoral Researcher (First), Lab of "Thin Films - Nanosystems & Nanometrology (LTFN)", Physics Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
• 02/2010-02/2014, Teaching/MSc Thesis Supervision in the Postgraduate Program on Nanosciences & Nanotechnologies (N&N), Dept of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
• 01/2006-12/2006, Teaching Activities: Teaching and Practical work during the PhD, Dept of Clinical Engineering in University of Liverpool, UK
• 04/2002-05/2004, Research Associate of Τeaching Company Scheme (TCS), Giltech Ltd, Ayr, Scotland and University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

Interests

• Fabrication of polymeric (biodegradable and synthetic) replicas from ultrashort laser irradiated metallic structures
• Evaluation of morphological and surface properties of the laser irradiated structures and their replicas
• In-vitro evaluation of biological properties of materials such as cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, focal adhesion points, proliferation and differentiation with biological assays in immortalized and primary cell lines and the use of microscopes (optical and f
• Evaluation of degradation properties of biodegradable polymeric materials.

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

• 07/2015, Best Conference Poster Award at the EU INFRASTRUCTURE project - QualityNano Conference and Training Workshop, 15th July – 17th July 2015, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 07/2009, Young Researcher/Scientist Award for the best poster presentation in Poster in 6th International Conference on Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (NN09), July 2009
• 2004, BBSRC Case Scholarship for the PhD course in the Clinical Engineering, University of Liverpool
• 2001, Scholarship for the MSc in the Clinical Engineering, University of Liverpool

Dr. Demeridou is currently a postdoctoral fellow, her current research interests include two Dimensional Materials (2D), μ-Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (μ-PL), Raman Spectroscopy, Pulsed laser irradiation of the atomically thin lattice in a precursor gas atmosphere. Her research interests, also, lie in the area of Spin-Valley Polarization measurements in TMDs and the effect of carrier doping.She obtained her M.Sc. in master program “Microelectronics-Optoelectronics” in Physics from University of Crete, Greece in 2016. In 2014, she joined the “Ultrafast Laser Micro and Nano Processing” Group of the IESL, FORTH. She carried out her master thesis: “Photochemical Doping of mechanically exfoliated monolayer WS₂”.She received her Bachelor degree in Physics from University of Crete, Greece in 2013.

Education

• 2021, PhD, Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece.
• 2016, M.Sc, Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece.
• 2013, B.Sc. Department of Physics, University of Crete, Greece.

Career

• February 2019 – May 2019, Teaching Assistant as a PhD student, at the postgraduate course “Advanced Photonic characterization of materials for energy applications”, Master Program: Nanotechnology for Energy Applications, Institute of Electronic Structu
• October 2017 – May 2017, Teaching Assistant as a PhD student, at the undergraduate course “Advanced Physics Laboratory”, Physics Department, University of Crete. Instructor: Prof. Eleftherios Iliopoulos.
• October 2013 – May 2014, Teaching Assistant as a Master student, at the undergraduate course “Advanced Physics Laboratory”, Physics Department, University of Crete. Instructor: Prof. George Kiriakidis, Prof. Eleftherios Iliopoulos.
• February 2013 – May 2013, Teaching Assistant as a graduate student, at the undergraduate course “Physics Laboratory III: Optics”, Physics Department, University of Crete. Instructor: Prof. Petros Rakintzis.
• October 2012 – December 2012, Practical Teaching at the Experimental General Lyceum of Heraklion, at the undergraduate course “Teaching Physics I”, Physics Department, University of Crete. Instructor: Prof. Ilias Perakis.

Interests

• Mechanical Exfoliation of Two Dimensional Crystals
• Pulsed laser irradiation in a precursor gas atmosphere
• Raman Spectroscopy
• Micro-Photoluminescence Spectroscopy
• Micro-Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy
• Spin Valley Polarization measurements
• Cryogenic System

Dr. Eleftheria Babaliari is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the 
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Institute of 
Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL). She received a Bachelor’s, a 
Master’s and a Ph.D.’s Degree in Materials Science and Technology from 
the University of Crete, Greece in 2012, 2015 and 2020, respectively. 
During the undergraduate program, she joined the Polymer Group of the 
IESL, FORTH where she worked on the rheology of hard spheres colloidal 
suspensions and binary mixtures. Ιn the master’s degree program, she 
joined the Biomaterials Lab of the Department of Materials Science and 
Technology in Crete where she studied the effect of microfluidics in 
biomaterials for bone tissue engineering applications. During her 
Ph.D., she joined in 2015 the Ultrafast Laser Micro and Nano 
Processing Group of the IESL, FORTH performing research on the laser 
microstructured scaffolds for tissue engineering under dynamic cell 
culture conditions. Her current research interests include the 
development of laser-microstructured scaffolds for tissue engineering 
applications, using ultrafast laser structuring, and the study of the 
combined effect of flow-induced shear stress and surface topography on 
tissue growth.

Education

• 2015 – 2020, Doctor of Philosophy, Materials Science, University of Greece, Crete
• 2012 - 2015, Master of Science, Materials Science, University of Crete, Greece
• 2008 - 2012, Bachelor, Materials Science, University of Crete, Greece

Career

• 01/2021 – present, Postdoctoral Researcher at Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser , Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 01/2023 - 12/2023, Assistant in the laboratory of laser and modern physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 09/2022 - 12/2022, Assistant in the laboratory of laser and modern physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 01/2021 – 12/2021, Assistant in the laboratory of laser and modern physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 01/2020 – 12/2020, Assistant in the laboratory of laser and modern physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 12/2015 – 10/2020, PhD thesis: Laser microstructured scaffolds for tissue engineering under dynamic cell culture conditions, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser , Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 11/2019 – 12/2019, Assistant in soft matter lab, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 01/2019 – 12/2019, Assistant in the laboratory of laser and modern physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 11/2018 – 12/2018, Assistant in soft matter lab, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 01/2018 – 12/2018, Assistant in the laboratory of laser and modern physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 11/2017 – 12/2017, Assistant in soft matter lab, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 01/2017 – 12/2017, Assistant in the laboratory of laser and modern physics, University of Crete, Greece
• 09/2016 – 12/2016, Teaching Assistant in chemistry lesson, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 09/2015 – 12/2015, Teaching Assistant in chemistry lesson, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 02/2014 – 04/2015, Master thesis: Microfluidics in biomaterials for bone tissue engineering applications, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser – Biomaterials Lab (University of Crete)
• 09/2014 – 12/2014, Teaching Assistant in chemistry lesson, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 10/2013 – 01/2014, Teaching Assistant in chemistry lesson, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 09/2011 – 10/2012, Diploma thesis: Rheology of hard sphere colloidal suspensions and binary mixtures, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 2/2011 – 05/2011, Practical exercise: Rheology of hard sphere colloidal suspensions and binary mixtures, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure & Laser, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• 02/2011 – 05/2011, Assistant in chemistry lab, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece
• 09/2010 – 12/2010, Teaching Assistant in chemistry lesson, Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Greece

Interests

• Microfluidics
• Laser Processing
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• Polymers

Awards/Prizes/Distinctions

• Best Poster Presentation Award – IESL, «Combined effect of shear stress and topography on Schwann cells behavior E. Babaliari, P. Kavatzikidou, A. Mitraki, Y. Papaharilaou, A. Ranella, E. Stratakis» 12th FORTH Retreat, Patra, Greece, 15 – 16 October 2019
• 2017, Hellenic Foundation for Research and Technology (ELIDEK) (PhD Scholarship)
• 2016 – 2019, State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) (PhD Scholarship, «ΕSPΑ 2014 – 2020»)
• 2016, Onassis Scholarship, Onassis Foundation (PhD Scholarship)
• 2011 – 2012, State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) (Undergraduate Scholarship)
• 2011 – 2012, Soukouli Scholarship, University of Crete (Undergraduate Scholarship)

Education

• 2011, Ph.D. in Protein Biotechnology, Biology Department, University of Crete, Greece
• 2007, M.Sc. in Protein Biotechnology, Biology & Chemistry Departments, University of Crete, Greece
• 2004, M.Sc. in Microelectronics – Optoelectronics, Physics Department, University of Crete, Greece
• 2002, B.Sc. in Physics with specialization in Microelectronics, University of Crete, Greece

Career

• 5/2015 - today, Contractual Researcher, Biosensors Lab & Microelectronics Research Group (MRG), FORTH - IESL, Greece
• 10/2011 - 02/2015, PostDoctoral Researcher, BioMEMS laboratory, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, USA

Interests

• Biosensors
• Lab-on-a-chip systems
• MEMS
• Opto- and Micro-fluidics
• 3D printing