This is a past event.

Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar

Mehdi Nikkhah

Arizona State University

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) organotypic tissue models are reshaping the landscape of biomedical research and pre-clinical testing. By addressing the inherent limitations of traditional animal models, organ-on-a-chip and Microphysiological systems are enabling more accurate investigations of complex human diseases, such as cancer. These innovative platform technologies are also significantly advancing the drug discovery process, offering scalable, high-throughput systems that streamline the assessment of drug efficacy across a broad range of compounds. In this talk, Dr. Nikkhah will present his laboratory's interdisciplinary efforts to advance organotypic tissue-on-chip platforms by integrating microfluidics, state-of-the-art biomaterials, and single-cell analyses. This research aims to develop next-generation, physiologically relevant systems for disease modeling and therapeutic testing. Special attention will be given to the lab's work in constructing tumor microenvironment (TME) models, designed to capture key stages in the metastatic process. Additionally, the seminar will briefly discuss the creation of a 3D vascularized human stem cell-derived tissue-on-chip model, a platform aimed at unraveling the mechanisms behind cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Bio

Mehdi Nikkhah is currently an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering (SBHSE), Arizona State University (ASU). He completed his postdoctoral fellowship training at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He received his B.S. in mechanical engineering and M.S. degree in biomedical engineering from Tehran Polytechnic University followed by Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech. Dr. Nikkhah has published more than 80 journal articles (+12,000 citations, H-index of 51), 8 book chapters and 100 peer-reviewed conference papers and holds 10 US patents and invention disclosures.  Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions, including the induction into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows, National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Senior Membership, Arizona Flinn Foundation Award, ASU Biomedical Engineering Outstanding Assistant Professor Award, NSF CAREER Award, and so forth. In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Nikkhah has been very passionate and deeply committed to educating the next generation of students and scholars, with a particular focus on minority and underrepresented groups in science and engineering. He has trained over 75 individuals, including postdoctoral fellows, PhD/MS students, and undergraduate researchers, from diverse backgrounds in his lab.