Antonio Martinez-Margolles was born in Sweden and moved to Miami, FL when he was only seven years old. He was inspired to become a scientist by his mother, who is a Chemist, and his father; a Physics professor at Swansea University in Wales, UK. Martinez-Margolles was also inspired by his high school Marine Biology teacher who was able to present science in engaging ways. Following in his father’s footsteps, he chose Physics because of the desire to do something fulfilling.
Summer 2018, Martinez-Margolles worked with the Bifano Lab at Boston University, researching optics. He gained an appreciation for the advanced facilities at BU, frequently commenting on the high-quality of equipment available to use in the labs. He contributed to the advancement of CELL-MET projects through his time there and recognized the value of this experience as an undergraduate.
Summer 2019, Martinez-Margolles worked at FIU under Prof.Jin He for the NSF STROBE REU: An optics and imaging research group composed of many universities. His main work was to set up and calibrate an Epi-Illumination Fluorescence Microscope with Piezo Stage that is meant for biological imaging. His part of the project not only included the physical work for the optical setup but also developing a simple to use GUI that was meant to make the microscope more accessible and user friendly. Further research topics for this REU included particle tracking which Martinez-Margolles had a chance to begin. He completed the main GUI for the piezo stage and camera settings during the summer in time for the presentation in August. His previous research experiences at Boston University helped immensely during this REU as it had introduced him to optics research and was his first experience with steady research work.
He has since completed both his BS and MS in Physics.
