Assist. Prof. Dr Gianfranco Bianco | Ocular Biomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gianfranco Bianco is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), USA, specializing in ocular biomechanics, biomedical imaging, and optical engineering . He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Calabria, Italy and has conducted research at EPFL, Switzerland . His work focuses on glaucoma, myopia, and intraocular pressure studies, combining engineering and medical imaging . With high-impact publications, NIH-funded research, and innovative patents, Dr. Bianco is a leading expert in his field, making groundbreaking contributions to vision science and biomechanics .

Assist. Prof. Dr Gianfranco Bianco, University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States

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Education

Dr. Gianfranco Bianco earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2011) from the University of Calabria, Italy, specializing in digital imaging techniques for cultural heritage applications . His research covered optical 3D reconstruction, multispectral imaging, and underwater imaging . He also gained international experience at CNR-ISTI (Italy) and the Institute of Information Theory and Automation (Czech Republic) . Previously, he completed his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (2007, cum laude) at the same university, conducting research at EPFL, Switzerland, on 3D-shape reconstruction and experimental mechanics . His strong foundation in optical imaging and engineering fuels his groundbreaking research .

Experience

Dr. Gianfranco Bianco has extensive teaching experience in mechanical engineering and optics . He served as an Assistant Lecturer (2009, 2011, 2013) at the University of Calabria, Italy, where he taught Technical/Mechanical Drafting and CAD software (Autodesk, SolidWorks) . Additionally, he worked as a High School Teacher (2009) at I.P.S.I.A., Italy, instructing students in Optics and Illumination . His expertise in computer-aided design and optical engineering has played a crucial role in training future engineers and researchers, bridging academia and industry for technological advancements .

Research Focus

Dr. Gianfranco Bianco specializes in ocular biomechanics and biomedical imaging, focusing on glaucoma, myopia, and age-related ocular changes . His research explores the biomechanics of the sclera, optic nerve head (ONH), vitreous, and lens, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatment strategies for vision disorders . He also investigates vitreous-retina interface mechanics and histomorphometry, using advanced optical and biomechanical techniques . By integrating engineering and ophthalmology, his work enhances the understanding of ocular diseases and biomechanics, contributing to cutting-edge innovations in vision science and eye health .

Honors and Awards

Dr. Gianfranco Bianco has received prestigious awards and research grants for his groundbreaking contributions to ocular biomechanics and biomedical imaging . He secured the NIH-R21 Grant ($428,850, 2023-2025) for research on scleral biomechanics in glaucoma and the UAB Visual Science Research Center Pilot Grant ($25,000, 2020) for studying age-related changes in vitreous humor. His Best Paper Award (2010, Euromed Conference) recognized his work on multispectral image enhancement for ancient document analysis . Additionally, he earned the Walter Abramo Regional Degree Award (2008) for excellence in mechanical engineering .

Research Experience

Dr. Gianfranco Bianco has an extensive research background in ocular biomechanics, biomedical imaging, and 3D optical techniques . As an Assistant Professor (2024-present) at UAB, USA, he studies sclera-vitreous biomechanics, intraocular pressure, and soft tissue mechanics . Previously, he served as Scientist I (2019-2024) and Research Associate (2015-2018), advancing glaucoma and myopia diagnostics . His postdoctoral work explored underwater imaging, 3D reconstruction, and optical calibration . With expertise spanning biomedical engineering, ophthalmology, and computer vision, his multidisciplinary contributions are shaping the future of vision science and biomechanics .

Publications

Title: “Experimentation of Structured Light and Stereo Vision for Underwater 3D Reconstruction”
Authors: F. Bruno, G. Bianco, M. Muzzupappa, S. Barone, A.V. Razionale
Journal: ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (Citations: 298, 2011)

Title: “A Comparative Analysis Between Active and Passive Techniques for Underwater 3D Reconstruction of Close-Range Objects”
Authors: G. Bianco, A. Gallo, F. Bruno, M. Muzzupappa
Journal: Sensors (Citations: 125, 2013)

Title: “A New Color Correction Method for Underwater Imaging”
Authors: G. Bianco, M. Muzzupappa, F. Bruno, R. Garcia, L. Neumann
Journal: The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences (Citations: 112, 2015)

Title: “An Alignment Method for the Integration of Underwater 3D Data Captured by a Stereovision System and an Acoustic Camera”
Authors: A. Lagudi, G. Bianco, M. Muzzupappa, F. Bruno
Journal: Sensors (Citations: 48, 2016)

Title: “Registration and Enhancement of Double-Sided Degraded Manuscripts Acquired in Multispectral Modality”
Authors: A. Tonazzini, G. Bianco, E. Salerno
Journal: 10th International Conference on Document Analysis and Recognition (ICDAR) (Citations: 34, 2009)

Dr. Gianfranco Bianco’s highly cited research in 3D imaging, underwater reconstruction, and multispectral imaging has made a significant impact on computer vision and photogrammetry .