Dr. Pistone has been awarded the Research Intensification System (RIS), Rapid Interdisciplinary Proposal (RIP), and International Research Collaboration (IRC) grants.

RIS (Research Intensification System): "Powering the high-temperature and high-pressure capabilities of MAGMA MIA Lab", Research Intensification System, Franklin College of Arts & Sciences, University of Georgia, US

The MAGMA MIA Petrology & Volcanology Lab of the Department of Geology has been operative since Fall 2023. However, some of the equipment is not fully installed yet such as the piston cylinder and gas mixing furnace. The two apparatuses faced both a lack of technical support and financial resources. The RIS funding will enable the installation of both apparatuses, power up the MAGMA MIA Lab with new high-temperature and high-pressure capabilities for experimental work, and augment research productivity with a new research line on MAGMA Rheological, Hydrothermal, and Energetic Analysis (MAGMA RHEA). The planned work of laboratory upgrade and initiation of the experimental activities are designed to evaluate gas accumulation in magmas during pre-eruptive unrest. This research work will be conducted from June to August 2026.

RIP (Rapid Interdisciplinary Proposal): "Critical minerals vs. energy independence: Resolving the conundrum via phytomining of metals", Multidisciplinary Seed Grant of the Rapid Interdisciplinary Proposals Program, University of Georgia, US.

Phytomining uses plants as hypertolerant bioaccumulators that are capable to naturally absorb high concentrations of critical metals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, zinc, lithium, and rare earth elements (REEs) that are in high demand by the burgeoning technology sector. By leveraging native plants as living biorefineries, the U.S. can defend the own national security from volatile foreign supply chains, producing high-purity "bio-ore". The optimal climate and environmental conditions that support efficient phytomining can be found in the State of Georgia, which has greatly invested in the EV industry to promote the green energy transition. This project is founded on the crossover synergy between geology, forest science, natural resources, material science, biochemistry, plant biology, entomology, analytical chemistry, and governmental policy. This RIP funding will stimulate the generation of a coherent dataset that demonstrates the societal, industrial, and economic benefits of phytomining. The planned work will start on March 16, 2026.

IRC (International Research Collaboration): "Mt Vulture volcano (Italy): Insights into the reawakening of a volcanic 'Sleeping Beauty' ", Office of Research and Office of Global Engagement, University of Georgia, US 

Volcanologists still strive to forecast the likelihood (when?), style (how?), and magnitude (how big?) of volcanic eruptions. Volcanoes with prolonged inter‐eruptive quiescent or dormant periods are commonly underestimated owing to the lack of monitoring stations recording the vitals of volcanic activity and due to the scarcity of written records or direct observations from local communities. This underestimation can lead to insufficient implementation of risk reduction strategies to apply in case of potential catastrophe. Volcanoes like Mt. Vulture (Italy) showcase long periods of dormancy or quiescence are punctuated by intermittent “hiccup” activity, which is challenging for formulating eruption forecast strategies. In this project, the Geology team (Allison Hidalgo, Trista Warner, and Mattia Pistone) aims to evaluate the geochemical and physical conditions of gas accumulation in the magmas prior to explosive eruptions at Mt Vulture. In collaboration with US and Italian scientists a field expedition will be conducted in the period May 25 to June 5, 2026. The field mission will be accompanied by the creation of a film documentary on the “Italian Trail of Fire” (led by Prof. John Weatherford, New Media Institute at UGA) that links Mt. Vulture, the easternmost volcano in Italy, the only one east of the Apennine chain, with the famous Vesuvius and Phlegrean Fields, all located at equivalent latitude (~41° parallel N).