In 2006, defending a thesis on the theoretical optical properties of Si/Ge multi-quantum-wells analyzed with the tight-binding technique. I started to focus on experimental Si photonics, in particular on silicon nanocrystals as active material in different cavity systems.I moved from the Near-Infrared to the THz spectral range, where I developed efficient, room-temperature detectors based on semiconductor nanowires and smart photonic structure from light extraction and control in Quantum Cascade Lasers. Joining my new and past expertises on photonics and charge transport, I won a Marie Curie fellowship with the aim of devising opto-electro-mechanical systems under the supervision of prof. Oskar Painter at the California Institute of Technology. After going back to NEST in 2014 and obtaining a permanent position in 2017, I am currently consolidating new research lines in near-infrared and THz optomechanics, as well as in strain engineering in 2D materials