Sergio Messina

Sergio Messina was born in Siracusa (Italy) on December 21st, 1968. In 1988 achieved the high-school diploma (Liceo Classico) with a graduation mark of 60/60. In 1990 achieved the title of clarinet master at the Liceo Musicale "V. Bellini" in Catania (Italy). In 1992 achieved the master's degree in Physics (Astrophysics curriculum) with a graduation mark of 110/110 and Magna cum Laude at the University of Catania (Italy) (Thesis title "Setup operations and calibration of the automatic telescope (APT-80) of the Catania Astrophysical Observatory”, supervisor Prof. Marcello Rodono'). In 1994 started the PhD in Physics (Astrophysics curriculum) at the University of Catania, the first two years as visiting student at the Villanova University (PA/USA) under the supervision of Prof. E.F. Guinan. In 1998 achieved the PhD in Astrophysics (thesis title "Long- and short- term variability of late-type stars", supervisor Prof. Marcello Rodono'). In the years 1993-2000 won a number of research grants (CNR, Catania University, Consorzio Nazionale per l'Astronomia), research contracts (Catania Astrophysical Observatory), post-doc grants (Catania University). In 2000 achieved the National qualification for teaching Class A049 (Mathematics and Physics) in public high schools. Since 2000 he is permanent Research Astronomer at the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF) based in Catania. In 2012 achieved the National Scientific Qualification for 2nd level Professor (Bando 2012 (DD n. 222/2012) con giudizio G1: OTTIMO; G2 BUONO; G3: OTTIMO)