Faculties:
- Mathematics, Department of Applied Mathematics
- Engineering, Department Electrical and Computer Engineering
Country of origin: Iran
Academic degrees and institutions:
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, Sep 2016–Jun 2022
- M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, Sep 2014–Sep 2016
- B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran. Sep 2010–Jul 2014
Describe your work and how it embodies the nature of the Interdisciplinary program.
Cancers within the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity, like gastric, colorectal, and ovarian cancers, often spread along the lining surface as peritoneal metastasis (PM). This leads to a poor prognosis. Traditional chemotherapy is ineffective, but hyperthermia intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has shown promise by delivering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen after surgically removing visible tumors. Despite its rationale, HIPEC's effectiveness is debated due to varying clinical results. Our project aims to develop a 3D cancer-on-a-chip microfluidics device to replicate tumor conditions and create a computational framework to predict treatment outcomes. This work integrates advanced technologies and interdisciplinary approaches, including biology, engineering, mathematics, nanotechnology, artificial Intelligence, physics, and pharmacology, to optimize and personalize HIPEC treatment.
What are some activities you hope to accomplish during your postdoctoral appointment at University of Waterloo?
- Work with industry and academia to address global challenges in cancer treatment, combining advanced research and practical applications to enhance patient outcomes.
- Enhance my research skills across various interdisciplinary areas during my postdoctoral fellowship.
- Improve teaching skills in mathoncology and mathematics in chemical engineering courses, guiding many graduate and undergraduate students during my postdoctoral fellowship.
- Apply for grants to advance the research initiatives of our team.
Have you been the recipient of any other major or donor-funded awards?
- Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC) Award in the subdivision of publishing high-impact ISI journal papers concerning nanotechnology (2022)
- Visiting Research Scholarship by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran (2020)
- 1st place winner, 5th National 3 Minute Thesis Competition*, Tehran, Iran (2020)
- 1st place winner, 4th National 3 Minute Thesis Competition, Tehran, Iran (2019)
- 3rd place winner, 3rd National 3 Minute Thesis Competition, Tehran, Iran (2018)
- 2nd place winner, 2nd National 3 Minute Thesis Competition, Tehran, Iran (2017)
- 1st place winner, 1st National 3 Minute Thesis Competition, Tehran, Iran (2016)
- Received Full Scholarship (Tuition Waiver) for Ph.D. Program, Sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (Iran), K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran (2016)
- Received Full Scholarship (Tuition Waiver) for M.Sc. Program, Sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (Iran), K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran (2014)
- Received Full Scholarship (Tuition Waiver) for B.Sc. Program, Sponsored by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (Iran), Isfahan University of Technology, Iran (2010)
Do you have any relevant academic projects you would like to share?
During my Ph.D., I focused on drug delivery to solid tumors and developed computational models in this area. These models are crucial for my current work on drug delivery during HIPEC. I also reviewed the role of computational models in HIPEC research, published as a book chapter in 'Peritoneal Drug Delivery Systems' by Springer. In my recent publication, using real tumor data, I showed that each tumor's unique environment significantly affects HIPEC treatment outcomes, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment plans. Additionally, I found that nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems like liposomes and MNPs can enhance HIPEC effectiveness. Validation through experiments is a key part of my current research. The outcomes of my research are detailed in over 10 contributions, available at https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=xi570noAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
Why did you choose the University of Waterloo?
The Department of Applied Mathematics at Waterloo provides a strong base in Mathematical Medicine and Biology, which complements my expertise. Collaborating with Professors Brian Ingalls, Mahla Poudineh, and Mohammad Kohandel gives me access to a diverse team spanning systems biology, biomedical engineering, and biological physics. This collaborative environment, along with state-of-the-art research facilities and industry partnerships, supports our advancements in HIPEC and cancer treatment. The Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars at UWaterloo aligns perfectly with my focus on cancer modeling and chemotherapy studies.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the postdoctoral scholar's community at the University of Waterloo?
I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in my field, engage in cutting-edge research, and contribute to a vibrant academic environment. The university's commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary research aligns perfectly with my career goals and interests. I am excited to share my knowledge, learn from my peers, and grow both professionally and personally within this community.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my free time, I like exploring new places, hiking, checking out music festivals, playing sports such as soccer, volleyball, and tennis, hitting the gym, and camping. It's my way of staying active and enjoying life outside of work!
Learn more
- Connect with Mohsen on LinkedIn
- View Mohsen's Google Scholar profile