Sajjad Mortazavi | Biomedical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Sajjad Mortazavi | Biomedical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

PHD | University of Tabriz, Iran

Sajjad Mortazavi, born on June, is a PhD student in Cognitive Neuroscience with a specialization in Computing and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Tabriz, Iran. A native of Sarab County, Tabriz, he is an emerging researcher in the intersection of neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and photonics. Sajjad’s current research includes plasmonic metasurfaces for cancer cell ablation and medical sensor design. With expertise in computational modeling, optical engineering, and AI applications, he has already contributed multiple peer-reviewed publications. Fluent in English and Persian, Sajjad is proficient in MATLAB, Python, and COMSOL, supporting his technical and analytical capabilities. His interdisciplinary approach blends artificial intelligence with practical healthcare innovations. As a young scientist, he has demonstrated potential in applying advanced technologies to solve real-world problems in medicine. Sajjad is committed to advancing research at the convergence of nanotechnology, neuroscience, and AI to contribute to the future of intelligent biomedical solutions.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Sajjad Mortazavi began his PhD studies in 2023 at the University of Tabriz, Iran, focusing on Cognitive Neuroscience with emphasis on Computing and Artificial Intelligence. His academic path demonstrates a strong interdisciplinary foundation integrating neuroscience, photonics, and biomedical engineering. During his doctoral studies, Sajjad has centered his research on plasmonic metasurfaces, cancer cell ablation, and the development of intelligent systems for medical applications. His educational pursuits reflect a deep commitment to scientific exploration at the interface of biology and engineering. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on research, he is building robust knowledge in nanophotonics, neural computation, and AI-driven diagnostics. Sajjad’s academic training equips him with both theoretical insight and practical experience in computational modeling, sensor development, and intelligent healthcare technologies. His current PhD work builds upon a solid understanding of neural mechanisms and AI applications, aiming to develop next-generation biomedical solutions for critical health issues such as cancer and neurological disorders.

🧪 Experience

Sajjad Mortazavi’s research experience encompasses advanced simulation, computational modeling, and the integration of AI in biomedical systems. While pursuing his PhD at the University of Tabriz since 2023, he has been involved in multiple interdisciplinary projects, focusing on cancer therapy using photonic tools and artificial intelligence in cognitive neuroscience. His hands-on experience includes designing carbon monoxide sensors for medical diagnostics and plasmonic metasurfaces for cancer cell ablation. He has contributed as a co-author to peer-reviewed journals such as Optical Engineering and Optik, showcasing a practical ability to translate complex scientific concepts into real-world applications. Sajjad is proficient in software tools like COMSOL, MATLAB, and Python, which he uses for numerical analysis, simulations, and model validation. With a growing portfolio of research in sensor design and phototherapy, Sajjad is gaining recognition as a skilled interdisciplinary researcher committed to developing AI-powered tools for neurological and biomedical innovation.

🏅 Awards & Honors

While Sajjad Mortazavi is in the early stages of his research career, he has already made notable contributions to scientific literature, with publications cited in international journals. His article in Optical Engineering on carbon monoxide sensors has been cited four times, reflecting growing recognition of his work. He is co-author of two upcoming papers on cancer phototherapy and plasmonic metasurfaces, indicating strong collaborative research involvement. His selection for the PhD program in Cognitive Neuroscience – Computing and AI at the prestigious University of Tabriz highlights academic merit and research potential. Though formal awards have not yet been listed, Sajjad’s publishing track and involvement in high-level research demonstrate scholarly excellence and future promise. His work intersects cutting-edge fields, and his continued publication in peer-reviewed journals positions him for recognition in biomedical optics, AI-driven neuroscience, and sensor development for clinical applications. He is poised for future honors as his research progresses.

🔬 Research Focus

Sajjad Mortazavi’s research lies at the intersection of cognitive neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and artificial intelligence. His primary focus is on designing plasmonic metasurfaces to ablate cancer and tumor cells through photothermal effects. He also explores photonics-based sensor systems for non-invasive medical diagnostics, as evidenced by his work on carbon monoxide sensors for hyperbilirubinemia diagnosis. In the field of cognitive neuroscience, he applies AI techniques to model brain function, aiming to decode neural mechanisms computationally. His research combines Python-based machine learning, COMSOL simulations, and MATLAB modeling to create intelligent biomedical tools. Additionally, Sajjad investigates the therapeutic potential of carbon nanotubes and carbon dots in phototherapy, particularly for pancreatic cancer. His work bridges gaps between theoretical neuroscience and practical medical technology. His interdisciplinary research contributes to next-generation health solutions that are minimally invasive, data-driven, and AI-enhanced—advancing both scientific knowledge and clinical application in cancer therapy and neural modeling.

 Conclusion

With a strong interdisciplinary research focus, early peer-reviewed publications, and a drive to integrate AI with biomedical applications, Sajjad Mortazavi exemplifies the potential and vision sought in a Young Scientist Award recipient. His current trajectory indicates a future leader in the convergence of cognitive neuroscience and medical engineering. With continued research momentum and broader dissemination, he is highly deserving of recognition through this award.

Publication

📄 Article 1

  • Title: Hollow core photonic crystal fiber based carbon monoxide sensor design applicable for hyperbilirubinemia diagnosis

  • Year: 2023

  • Authors: S. Mortazavi, S. Makouei, S.M. Garamaleki

📄 Article 2

  • Title: Optimized Plasmonic Metasurface for Efficient Ablating of Cancer and Tumor Cells

  • Year: 2025

  • Authors: L. Ghasemzadeh, K. Abbasian, S. Mortazavi

📄 Article 3

  • Title: An Approach to Pancreatic Cancer Phototherapy Using CNTs and Carbon Dots

  • Year: 2025

  • Authors: K. Abbasian, S. Alizadeh, S. Mortazavi

Farnoosh Saeedinejad | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Farnoosh Saeedinejad | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate, University of Connecticut United States

Farnoosh Saeedinejad is a driven biomedical engineer completing her Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut (May 2025), with research spanning scaffold design for tissue engineering, lipidic nanoparticles, biosensors, and tumor-on-chip systems. She possesses deep expertise in in vitro/in vivo experiments, microfabrication, and material characterization, with strong cross-disciplinary insight. Her research emphasizes practical, high-impact biomedical solutions. Farnoosh is a collaborative team player known for innovation and hands-on execution in translational medicine.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Farnoosh is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at UConn, focusing on scaffold porosity control via microfluidics (GPA: 4.0/4.0). She earned her M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering – Tissue Engineering from Amirkabir University (GPA: 4.0/4.0), with a thesis on nanofibrous composite scaffolds for neural tissue. Her B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering – Biomaterials Engineering, also from Amirkabir (GPA: 3.8/4.0), involved conductive scaffolds for spinal cord repair. She ranked top in her class in both M.Sc. and B.Sc. programs.

💼 Experience

Farnoosh serves as a Graduate Research Assistant at UConn Health, leading scaffold fabrication for tissue engineering, microfluidic-based 3D printing, prevascularized tissue constructs, and cultured meat bioengineering. She previously worked on lipid nanoparticles and biosensors at the Institute of Material Science and interned at Encapsulate LLC, optimizing tumor-on-chip systems, including those launched aboard the ISS. Earlier, she coordinated a tissue engineering lab at Amirkabir University, mentoring students and managing lab operations.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Farnoosh ranked in the top 0.1% in Iran’s national university entrance exam (2010), was 1st in her M.Sc. class, and 3rd in her B.Sc. class at Amirkabir University. She is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society (since 2022) and John Lof Leadership Academy (2018–2019). She was selected for the CTNext/Encapsulate talent bridge program (2021), and holds a U.S. patent (2022) for plant-based photocrosslinkable biomaterials in regenerative medicine.

🔬 Research Focus

Farnoosh’s research bridges biomaterials, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. She develops macroporous hydrogels, 3D-bioprinted scaffolds, and intrafibrillar microchannel networks for muscle regeneration and cultured meat. She engineers lipidic nanocarriers for intracellular drug delivery and designs biosensors using novel amplification strategies. Her work on tumor-on-chip systems and microfluidics supports translational oncology and space-based biomedicine. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates biology, material science, and microengineering to solve complex biomedical problems.

📝 Conclusion

Farnoosh SaeediNejad is an exceptional and well-rounded candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the emerging investigator or early-career researcher category. Her blend of technical mastery, interdisciplinary innovation, impactful publications, and translational research (including space-based biomedical systems) places her at the forefront of biomedical engineering. With time, expanded grant leadership and international visibility will further solidify her place as a leading researcher.

Publication Top Notes

📄 1. Repurposing biomedical muscle tissue engineering for cellular agriculture: challenges and opportunities

Year: 2023
Authors: M. Samandari, F. Saeedinejad, J. Quint, S.X.Y. Chuah, R. Farzad, A. Tamayol

📄 2. Dissolvable immunomodulatory microneedles for treatment of skin wounds

Year: 2024
Authors: P. Ghelich, M. Samandari, A. Hassani Najafabadi, A. Tanguay, J. Quint, …

📄 3. Effect of drug-to-lipid ratio on nanodisc-based tenofovir drug delivery to the brain for HIV-1 infection

Year: 2022
Authors: C.R. Garcia, A.T. Rad, F. Saeedinejad, A. Manojkumar, D. Roy, H. Rodrigo, …

📄 4. Benefits of In Situ Foamed and Printed Porous Scaffolds in Wound Healing

Year: 2024
Authors: A. Seyedsalehi, F. Saeedinejad, S. Toro, F. Alipanah, J. Quint, T.A. Schmidt, …

📄 5. In Situ-Formed Tissue-Adhesive Macroporous Scaffolds Enhance Cell Infiltration and Tissue Regeneration

Year: 2025
Authors: F. Saeedinejad, F. Alipanah, S. Toro, N. Pereira, D. Ghanbariamin, I. Jozic, …

📄 6. Biodegradable Oxygen‐Generating Microneedle Patches for Regenerative Medicine Applications

Year: 2025
Authors: L. Barnum, M. Samandari, Y. Suhail, S. Toro, A. Novin, P. Ghelich, J. Quint, …

📄 7. Nanoliposome functionalized colloidal GelMA inks for 3D printing of scaffolds with multiscale porosity

Year: 2024
Authors: E. Omidvari, M. Samandari, D. Ghanbariamin, E.M. Lara, J. Quint, …

📄 8. Three-dimensionally Printed Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Scaffolds For Culture Of Hematopoietic Stem And Progenitor Cells

Year: 2024
Authors: N.S. Pereira, E.C. Mollocana-Lara, M. Kutrolli, E.N. McEwen, F. Saeedinejad, …

📄 9. Photo-crosslinkable plant-based materials, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same

Year: 2024
Authors: A. Tamayol, M. Samandari, F. Saeedinejad, J.P. Quint, E.A. Tehrany-Kahn, …