My academic journey began in the fields of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, and I deepened my exploration during my Master's studies in Agricultural Biotechnology. My Ph.D. research in NanoBiotechnology at Tarbiat Modares University went beyond theoretical study; it was here that I delved into the fascinating quantum world of atoms and molecules. My pioneering work on biotemplated copper nanostructures demonstrated how we can harness the forces of nature to inspire human innovation. By attaching the lysozyme enzyme to these structures, I explored molecular behavior and opened new paths for practical applications, particularly in creating antibacterial and antifungal food packaging and surfaces.
My curiosity was not just confined to electron microscopy. Recognizing the larger environmental issues that surrounded me, I pursued a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies at the University of Toronto. It was during this time that I recognized the growing influence of AI in various fields. I embraced machine learning to predict environmental emissions, connecting the microscopic world to the larger ecosystems that surround us.
It was during this period at Toronto, amidst the intense research and academic commitments, that my entrepreneurial spirit took flight. Inspired by my studies and aware of the challenges posed by environmental contaminants, I co-founded a startup with a noble mission: to protect public health. By combining sensors and satellite imaging with machine learning, our company developed a groundbreaking method to predict E. coli in water bodies, significantly advancing early detection and prevention of waterborne diseases. Our efforts extended to developing Microfluidic devices capable of detecting traces of contaminants in water within seconds.
My journey is more than a story of academic and entrepreneurial achievement. It's about connecting different fields of study. Using nanobiotechnology, I've unlocked new opportunities in environmental protection, with machine learning acting as a crucial link. From the molecular landscapes of farms in Iran to the vast forests and water bodies of Canada, my experience shows how curiosity, driven by a clear purpose can bring together diverse areas of expertise into a unified force for the betterment of humanity and the environment.