Year in school: Fourth-year PhD Student
Where you’re from: Iran
What drew you to pursue your graduate studies at the University of Iowa?
I was drawn here to do impactful, hands-on medical research, specifically working with the Nuxoll group on ways to tackle tough bacterial biofilms. The collaborative atmosphere and strong resources in the Chemical and Biochemical Engineering department made it clear this was the right place to grow. I had offers from a couple of other US universities, but here was my final choice.
What has been the most exciting or rewarding moment of your research or graduate experience, and how has that impacted you?
The Most rewarding moment so far was recently publishing my first-author paper in Biotechnology and Bioengineering, which focused on interplay of dispersion and thermal shock on bacterial biofilms. There were other great moments too, like whenever I mastered a new technique, and having the unwavering support of my wife, Farnaz, throughout the ups and downs of this journey has been incredibly reassuring for me. I had the opportunity to present this work at (Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing) CBB conference and our department's centennial student panel, which was an amazing experience. Sharing my findings with peers, faculty, and alumni, and seeing their genuine interest and engagement, really brought everything full circle. It gave me a huge boost of confidence in my research and reminded me why I got into this field in the first place—to find practical solutions to real-world challenges.
How has the CBE department supported your growth as a researcher and Graduate Summer Fellow?
The CBE department has been a cornerstone of my development by providing an environment where students are truly encouraged to explore and innovate. Faculty members and advisors are always accessible; specifically, my advisor, Dr. Nuxoll, has shown his support all along my research journey. Thanks to the department, I got the opportunity to collaborate with other fields as a CBB fellow, and currently, I am gaining industry experience as an intern at UIP. The department also did a fantastic job with the CBE centennial celebration by fostering a tight-knit community among current students, faculty, and graduates. Through seminars, funding opportunities, and career advice, they have consistently pushed me out of my comfort zone. I feel like I've evolved from a student learning the ropes into an independent scientist ready for the next step.
What advice would you give to undergraduate students who are considering research, graduate school, or applying for fellowships?
My biggest advice is to get into a lab as early as possible to find out what genuinely sparks your curiosity. Don't be afraid of experiments failing or things not going as planned, because to be honest, I made a lot of mistakes along every research project. That is just a natural part of the growth phase, both personally and academically. When applying for graduate school or fellowships, be authentic about your goals and build strong relationships with your mentors, as their support is invaluable. Most importantly, stay resilient and keep pushing forward, even when the learning curve feels steep.