Dr Galiya Sharafutdinova

Research Expertise

My research interest and experience is in optics, lasers, and optical laser scanners for fluorescence microscopy. With a particular interest in confocal, two- and multi-photon systems were established during my PhD study in the Physics department, Faculty of Science and IT, the University of Newcastle.  I was involved working with CW and Ti:sapphire ultra-short pulsed lasers and BioRad and Nikon confocal imaging systems.

During my study, I developed the new scan engine and compared to known scan engines with results showing superior linearity of scan lines and intensity distribution across the scan field, as well as the advantage of using it for fast imaging. The characteristics of the scanner performance (deflected laser beam) across the scan field have been investigated experimentally and in OSLO optical software. The future goal for my scanner included utilising two complete parabolic reflectors to perform 3D continuous imaging through a scattering media, applying it in Bio-Medical research, especially for optical mammography. Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer-related death among women around the world, there is constant research on improving detection strategies, tools and sources compare to conventional X-ray machines so the new scanner shown potential. After the study, I began working as a Physics teaching laboratory officer, the role included a diversity of tasks from assisting students, writing ARC research grant and participating in safety meetings to better the University. I continue collaboration with my former PhD supervisors, John Holdsworth and Dirk van Helden, through providing my knowledge and expertise to undergrad, project,  honours and HRD students involved with the volume scanner development and other projects where OSLO and TracePro optical software are used. I participate in research, paper preparation and presentations. Self-learn Scheme macro language and tomographic image reconstruction algorithm particularly the Radon transform. 

The current role, Teaching and Administrative Expertise

My current role is to provide technical support in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, assist with the planning and operation of undergraduate laboratory classes, test and set up undergraduate experiments, maintain and repair undergraduate laboratory equipment, assist academics and research students and ensure safe operation in the lab space. I regularly participate in providing outreach activities through the Experiment Fest, Open days, Hunter GATS camp and others.

With my initiative and in collaboration with academics and other staff, a new 3D fabrication “facility” was successfully established in Physics. The first equipment was setup in 2015 and I managed the safety use, developed RA, SOP and Induction. I self-learned 3D drawing and printing at a general level and provide a short introduction courses and demonstration. 3D production plays crucial roles in teaching and research to turn ideas into physical objects, progress with design and prototyping. It allows to avoid the required time and cost associated with traditional methods. Existing 3D technology also brings significant benefit to the department and School ensuring our science students as well as staff are equipped with the modern skills for future employment.

I am familiar with flexible modes of teaching delivery and since 2011 I involved with development, promote and advance of the Physics remotely controlled experiments and contributed into the Cosmic Ray Telescope, Gamma Ray Spectroscopy and Gas Spectroscopy experiments. Recently two experiments are provided for the James Cook University as part of an undergrad course but remote labs could be potentially distributed 24/7 around the world. I participated in tech conferences and our work was published DISTANCE LEARNING LABORATORY: A REMOTE ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS EXPERIMENT in Australian Institute of Physics magazine, 2013.

For two years in 2015-2017, I undertook an Acting Technical position role within the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. My focus was on building the professional staff team, promote our work, and advance Laboratory Safety for students, staff and community. In collaborative group work, we have developed the compulsory Laboratory Safety Induction Quiz for undergrad students and implemented it through the online Blackboard test. Our success in promoting Lab Safety was recognised in 2017 by the Faculty of Science Excellence Award Health and Safety Excellence. Then focus was and is on Laboratory ergonomics, applying collaborative and interactive technologies in teaching. I have visited the Superlab at UTS, participated in STEM+M Business Case Development Discussion and other MAPS workforce planning.

My additional contribution to the university community is as a fire warden in Physics building and as a Laser Safety in the UoN Chemical Radiation Technical Committee (CRTC). As the Laser Safety, I work to ensure that the use of lasers and laser equipment within the university meet Australian standards of laser safety and good practice as well as comply with the UoN requirements. Within the committee, I contribute into safety review of research applications and provide expert advice in the key risk areas, participate in inspections, lead investigations and assist with corrective actions to implement the safety controls into design, investigate incidents and reports to the committee. I developed the UoN Laser Registration form, develop Laser Cutters Safety info sheet and keep the UoN Laser Register.

I am a member of the Optical Society of America, the SPIE and the Australian Optical Society.