Title: Disordered metastuctures: from liquid crystal plasmonics to pathogens sensingAbstract: Metasurfaces have played a crucial role in the past 10 years for their intrinsic capability to manipulate light, producing unpredictable opportunities in optics and photonics. However, despite this premise, metasurfaces have limitations such as limited working areas and need active tunability. To overcome these limitations, we explored a new generation of metastructures by selfassembling plasmonic nanoparticles [1] on different substrates. The high degree of disorder and optimum interparticle distance allow this new generation of metastructures to be used in multidisciplinary research fields, ranging from optics [2] to biotechnology. [3,4]In this presentation, I will introduce a new generation of optical components that can be used in active light filtering thanks to the powerful combination of nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals. Additionally, by functionalizing these metastructures with biorecognition elements like antibodies, we have successfully utilized them for efficient pathogen detection in potable water and environmental samples. [5, 6] Our findings pave the way for creating versatile devices that can be efficiently utilized in other fields, including solar energy and neurobiology.References: 1\. Guglielmelli, A. et al. Adv Photonics Res 2: 2000198 (2021) 2\. Petronella, F., et al. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(42), 49468-49477 (2023) 3\. Petronella, F. et al. Environmental Science: Nano, 9(9), 3343-3360 (2022) 4\. Zaccagnini, F et al. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 11(29), 6823-6836 (2023) 5\. Sforza, M. L. et al. Advanced Sensor Research, 2300201 (2024) 6\. Zaccagnini, F. et al. Small, 2400531 (2024)About the Speaker: Luciano De Sio is an associate professor at the Sapienza University of Rome - Italy. He is the group leader of a young and highly motivated research group working in biotechnology, liquid crystals, nanotechnology, optics and bio-photonics. Luciano spent more than five years in the United States as a senior research scientist at the Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Company in Orlando. He possesses extensive experience in photo-thermal therapy and reusable biosensors. He has co-authored 140 ISI-JCR publications in physics and biotechnology, several book chapters, 18 issued international patents and delivered more than 50 scientific communications at conferences. Luciano has coordinated several projects of the European Office of Aerospace Research & Development, supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. He is also the project director of an international Multi-Year Project supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme that aims to realize a nanotechnology-inspired biosensor with photo-responsive liquid crystals.

Title: Disordered metastuctures: from liquid crystal plasmonics to pathogens sensingAbstract: Metasurfaces have played a crucial role in the past 10 years for their intrinsic capability to manipulate light, producing unpredictable opportunities in optics and photonics. However, despite this premise, metasurfaces have limitations such as limited working areas and need active tunability. To overcome these limitations, we explored a new generation of metastructures by selfassembling plasmonic nanoparticles [1] on different substrates. The high degree of disorder and optimum interparticle distance allow this new generation of metastructures to be used in multidisciplinary research fields, ranging from optics [2] to biotechnology. [3,4]In this presentation, I will introduce a new generation of optical components that can be used in active light filtering thanks to the powerful combination of nematic and cholesteric liquid crystals. Additionally, by functionalizing these metastructures with biorecognition elements like antibodies, we have successfully utilized them for efficient pathogen detection in potable water and environmental samples. [5, 6] Our findings pave the way for creating versatile devices that can be efficiently utilized in other fields, including solar energy and neurobiology.References: 1\. Guglielmelli, A. et al. Adv Photonics Res 2: 2000198 (2021) 2\. Petronella, F., et al. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(42), 49468-49477 (2023) 3\. Petronella, F. et al. Environmental Science: Nano, 9(9), 3343-3360 (2022) 4\. Zaccagnini, F et al. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 11(29), 6823-6836 (2023) 5\. Sforza, M. L. et al. Advanced Sensor Research, 2300201 (2024) 6\. Zaccagnini, F. et al. Small, 2400531 (2024)About the Speaker: Luciano De Sio is an associate professor at the Sapienza University of Rome - Italy. He is the group leader of a young and highly motivated research group working in biotechnology, liquid crystals, nanotechnology, optics and bio-photonics. Luciano spent more than five years in the United States as a senior research scientist at the Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Company in Orlando. He possesses extensive experience in photo-thermal therapy and reusable biosensors. He has co-authored 140 ISI-JCR publications in physics and biotechnology, several book chapters, 18 issued international patents and delivered more than 50 scientific communications at conferences. Luciano has coordinated several projects of the European Office of Aerospace Research & Development, supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. He is also the project director of an international Multi-Year Project supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme that aims to realize a nanotechnology-inspired biosensor with photo-responsive liquid crystals.

With 60 percent of the world's population, Asia is not only home to the world's oldest civilizations, it also represents cultural and economic vitality. Asia has a major role in manufacturing, technology and investment markets. Non-governmental organizations specializing in economic development, healthcare and environmental protection are also active throughout Asia. This series will provide a rare opportunity for students and the community to develop a better understanding of the cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia by hearing from esteemed international scholars.This lecture series will be presented as part of HUM3401 Asian Humanities throughout the Fall 2024 semester from 1:00 - 2:45 p.m. on the designated dates. All current UCF students, faculty and staff who are not enrolled in this class are welcome to attend by registering at the link below.See the full series and register at [Eurasian Lecture Series - College of Arts and Humanities (ucf.edu)](https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2024/).Sponsored by the Eurasia Foundation (From Asia) Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2024/

With 60 percent of the world's population, Asia is not only home to the world's oldest civilizations, it also represents cultural and economic vitality. Asia has a major role in manufacturing, technology and investment markets. Non-governmental organizations specializing in economic development, healthcare and environmental protection are also active throughout Asia. This series will provide a rare opportunity for students and the community to develop a better understanding of the cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia by hearing from esteemed international scholars.This lecture series will be presented as part of HUM3401 Asian Humanities throughout the Fall 2024 semester from 1:00 - 2:45 p.m. on the designated dates. All current UCF students, faculty and staff who are not enrolled in this class are welcome to attend by registering at the link below.See the full series and register at [Eurasian Lecture Series - College of Arts and Humanities (ucf.edu)](https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2024/).Sponsored by the Eurasia Foundation (From Asia) Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2024/

This special lecture is presented by Mei Han, professor of music at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and founding director of MTSU's Center for Chinese Music and Culture.This is part of the Reaching for the Stars as a Global Citizen: An Intellectual Journey of Asia and the World lecture series. This lecture series provides a rare opportunity for students to learn first-hand from esteemed scholars about one of the most important regions in the world today. Students from UCF's top-ranking schools and programs will develop a more comprehensive understanding on the cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia through this Special Lecture Series. Asia has a major role in manufacturing, technology and investment markets. Non-governmental organizations specializing in economic development, healthcare and environmental protection also are active throughout Asia. The goal of this course is to help students become global citizens who look forward to the prospects of cooperation between Americans and Asians in building a better, conflict-free world in the 21st century. Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2024/

This special lecture is presented by Mei Han, professor of music at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and founding director of MTSU's Center for Chinese Music and Culture.This is part of the Reaching for the Stars as a Global Citizen: An Intellectual Journey of Asia and the World lecture series. This lecture series provides a rare opportunity for students to learn first-hand from esteemed scholars about one of the most important regions in the world today. Students from UCF's top-ranking schools and programs will develop a more comprehensive understanding on the cultural, political and economic forces that have shaped modern Asia through this Special Lecture Series. Asia has a major role in manufacturing, technology and investment markets. Non-governmental organizations specializing in economic development, healthcare and environmental protection also are active throughout Asia. The goal of this course is to help students become global citizens who look forward to the prospects of cooperation between Americans and Asians in building a better, conflict-free world in the 21st century. Registration Link: https://cah.ucf.edu/eurasia-lectures-2024/

Studying abroad offers invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion, academic enhancement, personal growth, and career advantages. This presentation covers the benefits and types of study abroad programs, guidance on choosing the right one, and details on the application process. It includes financial planning tips, preparation for departure, adapting to life abroad, and making the most of the experience. This will be hosted by two students who studied abroad already and will be eager to offer help and advice.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/4159610868

Studying abroad offers invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion, academic enhancement, personal growth, and career advantages. This presentation covers the benefits and types of study abroad programs, guidance on choosing the right one, and details on the application process. It includes financial planning tips, preparation for departure, adapting to life abroad, and making the most of the experience. This will be hosted by two students who studied abroad already and will be eager to offer help and advice.Virtual Location URL: https://ucf.zoom.us/j/4159610868