When I first moved to the United States from my home country, Iran, I carried with me a deep curiosity and determination to expand my research in electrical engineering—without knowing exactly where this journey would lead. I began my PhD at Western Michigan University in 2021 and later transferred to Michigan Technological University in 2023 to pursue advanced research in semiconductor-based devices. Joining Dr. Paul Bergstrom’s group allowed me to focus on microfabrication and semiconductor technology using the M&M facilities, and to benefit from his mentorship and expertise. I am truly grateful to be his doctoral student, as I have learned not only about semiconductor science but also invaluable lessons in perseverance, patience, and resilience throughout my PhD journey.
Over the past two and a half years, I have gained extensive experience in both research and teaching, shaping my technical expertise and hands-on skills in semiconductor and electrochemical systems. My dissertation, titled “Toward Single-Entity Electrochemical Sensing Using Nanoscale Pores in a Planar Electrode Array,” focuses on developing nanoscale platforms for detecting and characterizing individual biomolecules. Traditional electrochemical methods detect analyte composition in bulk but lack single-entity precision. My research addresses this limitation by modeling and fabricating planar microelectrode arrays coated with ultra-thin SiO₂ films containing nanoscale pores. These pores act as molecular traps, confining electrochemical reactions to localized sites and enabling detection of individual biomolecules such as elevated liver enzymes. Validated performance confirmed the potential of nanoscale, pore-confined electrochemical sensing for next-generation diagnostic systems, as presented in my recent work at the IEEE NMDC 2025 Conference and the 248th Electrochemical Society (ECS) Meeting in Chicago.
I was deeply honored to receive the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award from the Graduate School in Spring 2025 for my work in the Chip Fabrication and Photonic Materials laboratories within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This recognition was especially meaningful, as teaching has been one of the most rewarding parts of my PhD journey—an opportunity to inspire curiosity and confidence in students while continuing to learn and grow alongside them.
Outside of research, I find balance through music and nature. I enjoy playing Piano and Hang Drum, hiking, and exploring the peaceful landscapes of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which have provided inspiration and calm throughout my doctoral journey.
The Michigan Tech Doctoral Finishing Fellowship will support the final stage of my doctoral research and dissertation completion during the Spring 2026 semester. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to dedicate my full focus to completing and sharing my work in single-entity electrochemical sensing.