Arya Amiri

Arya Amir is a Vanier Scholar and a Ph.D. candidate in the interdisciplinary department of Systems Design at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Biomedical Engineering. Additionally, he holds affiliations with the University of Calgary and the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, where he serves as a Visiting Researcher and Committee Trainee Representative, respectively. His scientific journey began during his undergraduate studies, where he delved into the mechanics of soft materials and ultimately designed smart hydrogel-based micro-valves. Currently, he is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of the mechanics of soft biological tissues, which directly impact human health and well-being through improved diagnostic tools, medical interventions, and the development of preventive measures and effective treatment strategies. 
 
Amiri's scientific endeavors in smart and soft materials and collaboration with a diverse group of professors and graduate students from all over the world have yielded numerous publications in esteemed journals such as JIMSS, SMS, Acta Mech., MAMS, Int. J. Appl. Mech., and J. Appl. Math. Mech. With a dedication to fostering academic growth, Amiri has mentored over 10 graduate students through their theses and projects. His contributions have earned him several honours and awards, including academic ranking of 1st and 2nd out of over 70 in bachelor's and master's studies, respectively, Graduate Research Studentship (UW, 2022), International Doctoral Student Award (UW, 2022), President's Graduate Scholarship (UW, 2023), Graduate Student Research Dissemination Award (UW, 2024), and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (2023). Notably, the Vanier Scholarship, valued at $150,000 and the highest doctoral scholarship in Canada, underscores his demonstrated leadership qualities alongside academic excellence. 
 
During his master's studies, Amiri was diagnosed with advanced-stage of lymphoma cancer, and he grasped this opportunity to act as a role model for his community once more by showing immense strength, resilience, and determination in his goals. Amiri's leadership and entrepreneurship characteristics led to the co-foundation of a successful startup called Ojiran, which manufactures agricultural drones to enhance farming. It is now valued at over $2M and has created more than 40 jobs. He also enjoys reading books on self-improvement, leadership, investment, and psychology.