Anna Maria GUELI

Full Professor of Physics for Life Sciences, Environment, and Cultural Heritage [PHYS-06/A]

Graduated in Physics with full marks and laude in 1993 at the University of Catania with a thesis on “Archaeometry. New perspectives to archaeological pottery characterisation” based on the experimental research performed during the Erasmus Project at the University of Bordeaux (France). In this last academy, she obtained her post-graduate degree (DESS, Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées) in Physical Methods in Archaeology and Museography with distinction. After a scholarship from INFM, she received a PhD in Physics from the University of Catania in 1999. Post-doc scholarship from CNR and research grant from University of Catania, she is part of the staff of the University of Catania from 2006 as a Researcher and since 2015 as an Associate Professor of Physics Applied to Cultural Heritage, Environment, Biology and Medicine. She teaches Archaeometry, Image analysis and fundamentals of dosimetry to the students of Master Degree in Physics, Applied Physics to Specialisation Schools, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Medicine. She is a member of the Teaching Board of the PhD Studies for Cultural Heritage and Production at the Department of Humanities.

She is the Director of the School of Specialization in Medical Physics for the four-year period 2018/2022 and she is the delegate of the Director of the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana” of the relations with the School of Medicine and Safety. Coordinator of the course in Physics Applied to Cultural Heritage and Biomedicine of the Master's Degree in Physics, she was the head of the Counselling group for outside prescribed time students in the project "The University helps me" (2014- 2018). She was a member of the Funds and Building Planning (2009-2012) and of the Internationalization (2010-2012) Committees of the Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences, she was elected to the Board of the Department and performed the role of Secretary of the Council (2010 -2012).

Anna M. Gueli is the scientific manager of the PH3DRA (PHysics for Dating Diagnostics Dosimetry Research and Applications) Laboratories and coordinates the teaching, research and third party activities within interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary programs mainly in the field of Cultural Heritage and Medicine. Charged of research at the Catania’s Section of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN), she is the local scientific manager of the Cultural Heritage Network CHNet, node of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science E-RHIS.

She was Chercheur Associé of the European program GRUNDTVIG Adult Education Program (1999-2003) and Professeur Invitée à temps plein of the University of Bordeaux (2007-2008). She coordinated the activities of Italian researchers within the European Research Group GdRE-TCA “Ceramic Building Materials and new dating methods”. Elected member of the Executive Council of the Italian Association of Archaeometry (AIAr) covering the role of General Secretary (2008-2014) and Treasurer (2009-2011). Member of the Colour Group of the Italian Colour Association, she has been a member of the Scientific Committee and of the Editorial Committee since 2008.

Professor Gueli is the Catania’s University Delegate in the Permanent Thematic Working Group of the Regional Strategy of the Innovation for the Intelligent Specialization in the area of "Tourism, cultural heritage, culture" and in the National Technological Cluster Project TICHE - Technological Innovation in Cultural Heritage.

(Last update 11 March 2019)

Associate Professor of SSD FIS/07 Applied Physics (Cultural Heritage, Environment, Biology And Medicine) – since 1.10.2015
Director of the School of Specialization in Medical Physics – since 5.10.2018
Scientific director of the PH3DRA (PHysics for Dating Diagnostics Dosimetry Research and Applications) Laboratories of the Department of Physics and Astronomy "Ettore Majorana" of the University of Catania – since 2015
Charged of research at the Catania’s Section of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics (INFN) and local scientific manager of the Cultural Heritage Network CHNet, node of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science E-RHIS  – since 2015

Education

  • Master degree in Physics educational path Nuclear Applications, University of Catania, 110/110 cum laude, 20th July 1993, with the thesis “Archaeometry. New perspectives to archaeological pottery characterisation”
  • Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures Spécialisées(DESS) in Physical Methods in Archaeology and Museography, University of Bordeaux (F), with distinction, 20th July 1994
  • PhD in Physics, University of Catania, cum laude, 13th April 1999, with the thesis “Archaeological dating and unconventional dosimetry using luminescent crystals and radiochromic films,

Employment

  • UNICT – Associate Professor (L. 240/10) Academic Recruitment Field 02/D1 - Academic Discipline FIS/07 Applied Physics , since the 1st October 2015
  • UNICT – Researcher Academic Discipline FIS/07 Applied Physics (Cultural Heritage, Environment, Biology And Medicine), from the 1st May 2012 to the 30th September 2015
  • UNICT – Researcher Academic Discipline FIS/01 Experimental Physics, from the 1st February 2006 to the 30th April 2012
  • UNICT - Research grant from University of Catania, FIS/01 Experimental Physics, Subject: Applications of stimulated luminescence to archaeological and geological dating, from the 2nd April 2001 to the 2nd April 2005
  • UE – Associated Researcher, European Commission for Education and Culture, Programme: GRUNDTVIG Adult Education and other educational pathways, Topic: Greco-Latin Mythology and Adult Education in Contemporary Europe, from the 1st December 1999 to the 30th March 2001
  • CNR - Scholarship, Cultural Heritage Targeted Project, Topic: Chronological Determinations,  Subject: Development and application of dating methods using stimulated luminescence (1998-1999)
  • INFM - Scholarship, PIC Project - Stride Italia 91701618, Theme: Characterization of insulating and semiconductors materials by analysis of induced luminescence (1994-1995)
  • UNICT – Project contract, Subject: Analysis of the characterization methods of luminescent centers on ceramics from the archaeological site of Milena (CL), from the 31th July 1992 to the 30th January 1993
  • ERASMUS – Scholarship Higher Education, University of Bordeaux III (F), Subject: Dating and characterisation of archaeomaterials, from the 1st January 1992 to the 30th June 1992

Managerial Roles

  • Delegate of the Director of the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana ” for relations with the School of Medicine regarding the Physics Area teaching activities (since 2019).
  • Delegate of the Director of the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana " for Safety and Prevention (since 2019).
  • Director of the School of Specialization in Medical Physics (since 5 October 2018).
  • Manager of the local INFN Third Mission group for the “Azimov Prize for Dissemination od Scientific Publishing” (since 2018).
  • Delegate to represent the University of Catania in the National Technological Cluster Project - TICHE “Technological Innovation in Cultural Heritage” (since 2018).
  • Delegate to represent the University of Catania in the Permanent Thematic Working Group of the Regional Strategy of the Innovation for the Intelligent Specialization in the area of "Tourism, cultural heritage, culture" (since 2017).
  • Contact person for the University of Catania for the S3 Thematic Area "Tourism, Cultural Heritage and Culture" in the Operational Program PO FESR Sicily 2014 - 2020 and coordinator of the Working Group "Diagnostics and Cultural Heritage" (since 2017).
  • Responsible of the Physics applied to Cultural Heritage and Biomedicine path of the Master Degree on Physics (since 2016).
  • Coordinator of the Counselling group for outside prescribed time students in the project "The University helps me" (2014 - 2018).

Teaching Activity

Bachelor’s degree (CdLT) and Master’s degree (CdLS and CdLM), University of Catania

  • Since 2015: class of “Archaeometry”, CdLM in Physics
  • Since 2015: class of “Image Analysis and Fundamentals of Dosimetry”, CdLM in Physics
  • Since 2013: class of “Applied Physics”, CdLT in Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy
  • Since 2013: class of “Physical Principles of Instrumentation and Equipment”, CdLT in Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy
  • Since 2012: class of “Physics”, CdLM in Medicine and Surgery
  • 2013 – 2015: class of ”Image Analysis and Colorimetry”, CdLM in Physics
  • 2011 – 2013: class of ”Image Analysis”, CdLM in Physics
  • 2011 – 2013: class of ”Colorimetry”, CdLM in Physics
  • 2011 – 2012: class of ”Applied Physics”, CdLT in Obstetrics
  • 2009 – 2010: class of ”Physics”, CdLT in Technologies applied to the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
  • 2008 – 2009: class of ”Image Analysis applied to Cultural Heritage”, CdLS in Science and Technologies applied to the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
  • 2007 – 2010: class of ”Archaeometry”, CdLS in Physics and CdLS in Geophysical Sciences
  • 2007 – 2010: class of ”Medical Physics”, CdLT in Nursing
  • 2007 – 2008: class of ”Laboratory of Physical Methodologies applied to Cultural Heritage 2”, CdLS in Science and Technologies applied to the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
  • 2007 – 2008: class of ”Observation Methods and Measurements”, CdLS in Geophysical Sciences
  • 2007 – 2010: class of ”Laboratory of Physics”, CdLT in Technologies applied to the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
  • 2006 – 2012: class of ”Physical Methodologies applied to Cultural Heritage”, CdLS in Physics
  • 2006 – 2007: class of ” Principles of Modern Physics”, CdLT in Technologies and CdLS in Science and Technologies applied to the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
  • 2005 – 2006: class of ”Physics”, CdLT in Chemistry
  • 2005 - 2010: class of ”Laboratory of Physical Methodologies applied to Cultural Heritage ”, CdLT in Technologies applied to the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
  • 2003 – 2010: class of ”Archaeometry, CdLT in Geology of materials and resources
  • 2003 – 2005: class of ”Laboratory of Archaeometry, CdLT in Technologies applied to the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage

PhD, University of Catania

  • Since 2017: class of ”Archaeometry, PhD in Sciences for Heritage and Cultural Production
  • 2010 – 2011: class of ”Methods and application of dose measurements”, PhD in Physics

Specialisation Schools

  • Since 2018: class of ”Applied Physics”, SS in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine
  • Since 2014: class of ”Healthcare equipment and biomedical technologies”, SS in Medical Physics
  • Since 2014: class of ”Applied Physics”, SS in Audiology and Phoniatrics
  • Since 2014: class of ”Applied Physics”, SS in Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine
  • Since 2014: class of ”Applied Physics”, SS in Ophthalmology
  • 2012 – 2017: class of ”Applied Physics”, SS in Radiology
  • 2012 – 2014: Dosimetry, SS in in Medical Physics
  • 2009 – 2012: Detectors for dosimetry, SS in in Medical Physics

Professor Gueli is the supervisor of numerous theses for the achievement of Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree as well as tutor for PhD and specialization theses.

Coordination roles

  • Coordinator of the "Diagnostics and Cultural Heritage" Working Group as part of the 2016-2018 implementation program of the Sicily ERDF Operational Program 2014 - 2020 for Action 1.2.3 "Support for the implementation of complex projects of research and development activities on a few relevant thematic areas and the application of technological solutions functional to the implementation of S3 strategies (since 2016).
  • Coordinator for Italy of the European Research Group “Terres cuites architecturales et nouvelles méthodes de datation” – TCA médiévales et datation (GdRE TCA) on the dating methodologies (2009-2012)
  • Delegate of the University of Catania in the European Laboratories Network of PACT Sciences and Patrimoine Culturel of the European Federation of the Networks of scientific and technical cooperation, topic "Methods of characterization and dating of archeomaterials" (1999-2009)

Project coordination

  • Scientific Coordinator for the University of Catania of the project PON03PE_00214_2 "Development and applications of innovative materials and processes for the diagnosis and restoration of Cultural Heritage (DELIAS)" High Technology District for innovation in the Cultural Heritage Sector of the Sicilian Region (DTBC) (since 2015).
  • Scientific Coordinator for the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Catania of the project PON03PE_00214_1 "nanoTechnology and nanomatErials for CulturaL heritAge (TECLA)" High Technology District for Innovation in the Cultural Heritage Sector of the Sicilian Region (DTBC) (since 2015).
  • Coordinator of the CHNet “Cultural Heritage Net” Project for the INFN – Catania Section (since 2014)
  • Principal Investigator of the project “Colour and taste of wine: objective measurement of color and sensory analysis ", Research Funding (FIR) 2014, University of Catania (2014-2016)
  • Coordinator of the Catania Unit of the National Group in Colour Research for European Advanced Technology Employment (CREATE), European Community Marie Curie Conferences and Training Courses Project (2007-2011)
  • Coordinator of the Catania Unit of the National Group in Young Researchers Project - Characterization of the optical response of radiochromic films exposed to electromagnetic radiation of the IR-Vis-UV region (2000-2002)

Participation in research projects

  • MIDIS, Mesures Intégrées de Dosimétrie In Situ pour les datations paléodosimétriques, LabEx Sciences Archéologiques de Bordeaux, since 2018
  • Dosimetry in radiometabolic therapy with I131, University of Catania Research Funds 2017, since 2018
  • TriPo (Trittico Polizzi Generosa) Project funded by Iperion-CHNet (2014-2016)
  • INFN-CNV CT Section “INFN-DATING” (2012-2013)
  • INFN-CNV CT Section “ADERLED Annual dose experimental reconstruction in luminescence and ESR dating” (2011-2012)
  • European Research Group “Terres cuites architecturales et nouvelles méthodes de datation” – TCA médiévales et datation (GdRE TCA) on the dating methodologies (2005-2012)
  • INFN-CNV CT Section “RIDAGMA Riduzione dell'incertezza delle misure di datazione archeometrica” (2009-2011)
  • INFN-CNV CT Section “DEALED Dose evaluation advances in luminescence and ESR dating” (2006-2008)
  • POR Sicilia Misura 3.15G - Strengthening of technical-scientific laboratories of the University of Catania, Research Unit of Catania (2000-2006)
  • POR Sicilia Measure 3.15C - Strengthening of the network of laboratories of the University of Catania in the Catania, Ragusa and Syracuse basins - interdisciplinary node for the development and testing of new technologies applied to Cultural Heritage Research Unit of Catania (2000-2006)
  • INFN-CNV CT Section “ILDE Improvements in luminescence dating experimentals” (2003-2005)
  • MIUR CLUSTER 29-T3 "The recovery and enhancement of the architectural heritage of Eastern Sicily", Research Unit of Catania (2001-2003)
  • INFN-CNV CT Section “SCLOC Scintillating layers optical characterization” (2000-2002)
  • Progetto finalizzato CNR Cultural Heritage "Identification of resources in space and time - Dating by TL", Research Unit of Catania (1996-1999)
  • PRIN98 - Dosimetric characterization of detectors used in the field of relative dosimetry of conventional beams and hadron beams in radiotherapy, Catania Research Unit
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The research activity has always been conducted in the field of applied experimental physics with an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach on topics that follows two main axes.

The first axis concerns methodological research in the field of Cultural Heritage with particular attention to the diagnostics of paintings and polychrome works for their conservation, protection, restoration and promotion.

The main topics of interest in this area are:

  • Authentication and dating of terracotta and ceramic artefacts by thermoluminescence (TL)
  • Dating of historical buildings by TL of bricks and OSL (Optically Stimulated Luminescence) of mortars
  • Raman spectrometry of paintings through the characterisation of pigments used by the artists of the past
  • Multispectral imaging of paintings and ancient documents
  • Colorimetry and colour specification by spectrophotometry and spectroradiometry.

The skills acquired in the field of TL and OSL dating have determined the development of the research line concerning the dating of sediments and geological stratigraphy using the quartz and feldspar fractions extracted from them as well as the development of methodologies for dating carbonates by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) methodology.

Thanks to the experience gained in the field of colorimetry an independent research line aimed to the colour specification of materials of interest in various fields was developed The main applications concern areas such as food, dental materials, digital images and printing processes.

The second axis is developed in the field of Medical Physics and, above all, in the dosimetry of ionizing radiations to perform quality control programs of diagnostic systems and instrumentation used for therapy. In the field of radiotherapy the dose measurements are aimed to verify the treatment plans for external beams, brachytherapy and radiometabolic treatments. The research activity in this field concerns methodological and applicative studies based mainly on dosimetry by luminescent crystals, both TLD (ThermoLuminescent Dosimeters) and OSLD (Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeters), and radiochromic films of the Gafchromic® type.

The results of the research activity are constantly presented at congresses and events also as invited speaker.

Roles in committees and councils

Member of the Steering Committee of the Master’s Degree in Physics (since 2019)

Member of the Steering Committee of the Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy (since 2018)

Member of the Review Group of the Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy (since 2018)

Secretary of the School of Specialization in Audiology and Phoniatrics (since 2018).

Teaching Board Member of the PhD in Studies for Cultural Heritage and Production at the Department of Humanities (since 2017).

Member of the Quality Assurance Commission of the Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy (since 2017).

Secretary of the Council of the Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery (from 2016).

Member of the Quality Assurance Commission of the Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery (since 2016).

Member of the Teaching Commission of the Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Radiology Techniques for Imaging and Radiotherapy (since 2015).

Third Mission

Professor Gueli is involved in multiple dissemination activities, through the organisation of seminars, meeting and interactive laboratories for schools and professional of various areas.

From many years she is also involved in projects of “Alternanza Scuola–Lavoro”, Technological Transfer activities, agreements with national and international institutions and services for companies and private citizens. Some of the activities of the last 5 years are listed below.

Dissemination activities

Member of the Regional Committee for the "Asimov Prize for Scientific Dissemination Publishing" (since 2018).

Person in charge for the UniCT and the INFN CHNet network of the activity “How much physics is there in a painting” during the European Researchers 'Night 2018 SHARPER SHAring, Researchers' Passion for Evidences and Resilience, Monastero dei Benedettini, Catania, 28 September 2018.

Delegate of the AIAr (Italian Association of Archaeometry) for the location in Catania of the National Festival “Art is Science: the Sciences for Cultural Heritage": 1st edition (Museo Civico del Castello Ursino, 12-13 December 2014); II edition (Palazzo della Cultura, 30 October - 1 November 2015); III edition (Benedictine Monastery, 2-4 December 2016); IV edition (Multimedia Tactile Pole of the Regional Braille Printing House, 18-19 December 2017); 5th edition (Museo Civico del Castello Ursino, 1-2 December 2018).

"From the Stars to the Particles", meeting - debate organized by the Sicilian Center for Nuclear Physics and Structure of Matter (CSFNSM) under the MIUR program "The female students want to count", 8 March 2016.

Phosforescienza, multimedia exhibition promoted by the CSFNSM, Le Ciminiere Exhibition Center, Catania 21-29 November 2015.

Technological Transfer activities

Spokesperson of the CHNet-TT project for the INFN Section of Catania within the IPERION-CH Project (Integrated Project for the European Research Infrastructure On Culture Heritage)

Agreements and Third Party Services

PH3DRA Project, Liceo Scientifico Galileo Galilei, 2015-2016

IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), OSL dating of sediments, 2014-2016

INGV (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia), OSL dating of sediments, 2013-2016

ISPRA (Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale), OSL/ESR analysis of geological sediments, 2012-2014

CIRAM (Centre Innovation Recherche Analyse Marquage, Pessac, Francia), TL and OSL dating of archeomaterials (2012-2014)

CNR – IGAG (Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria), Geological sediments dating, 2012-2013

Alternanza Scuola – Lavoro projects

“The colour of the world and the world of colours”, Liceo Scientifico Principe Umberto, Catania since S.Y 2016/2017

“Physics for Art”, Liceo Scientifico Galileo Galilei, Catania, since S.Y 2016/2017

Organization of events

Member of the Organizing Committee of the 5th Training Camp of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science, E-RHIS, "Innovation and Archeology: the Apulian archaeological site of Monte Sannace and its finds at the Gioia del Colle museum", National Archaeological Museum of Gioia del Colle (BA), 30 September - 6 October 2018

Coordinator of the Organizing Committee of the event "Physicist and Medical doctor: Pills of daily experience", Catania, 28 June 2017

Member of the Organizing Committee of the 3rd Training Camp of the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science, E-RHIS, "Non-invasive Diagnostics on Cultural Heritage", Palazzo Bellomo Regional Gallery, Syracuse, 25-30 September 2016

Member of the Organizing Committee of the Conference on ancient and modern mortars AMMC 2013, Florence, 7-8 February 2013