Parissa Ziaei, PhD

I began my research in materials science and engineering by developing a PVC membrane electrode sensor for the detection of strontium, a silvery metal that is prevalent in the environment. I characterized the parameters of the sensor, showing that the sensor identifies a wide range of strontium concentrations with a fast response time of 15 seconds, that it performs well in a large pH range, and that it works for 55 consecutive days without divergence of accuracy. Strontium has numerous medical applications, such as treatment of osteoporosis and prostate and bone cancers. Therefore, it has become more important to measure strontium concentrations, as these measurements benefit several avenues of biomedical research. I have published three articles on these findings that have been widely cited and have impacted the scientific community.

 

I received my Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Washington State University (WSU), where my research focuses on developing biomedical devices and novel vaccines. I have developed a silica nanostructure platform to specifically capture tumor-derived exosomes from the prostate cancer cell line. Tumor-derived exosomes released by cancer cells carry important information about those cells that provides insight into optimal treatment for that form of cancer. This method is particularly groundbreaking because it offers a non-invasive approach to diagnosing prostate cancer by utilizing blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. My research has received a great deal of attention in the scientific community and has been covered by 17 national and international news outlets.

 

I also devised biodegradable nanovaccines for MAP treatment and to combat the spread of Johne’s disease in cattle and other animals. According to the National Animal Health Monitoring System, almost 70% of dairy herds in the United States contain animals infected with the MAP. The development of an effective vaccine greatly reduces the prevalence of MAP in livestock, with savings approaching $200 per cow/year. Such savings significantly enhance the profitability and sustainability of US milk operations.

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Currently, I am working as a postdoctoral research associate in the Institute of Biological Chemistry at WSU, where I practice more on biological assays required to build my future carrier as a biomedical researcher. According to the most recent count, my published work has been referenced more than 65 times, indicating a significant level of influence in engineering as well as biochemistry, medical research, and materials science. My articles have been published in many high-profile journals, such as Materials Science and Engineering: C, ACS Applied Nano Materials, and PLOS ONE. As a result of my highly regarded work, I have been invited to peer review submissions to the Journal of Materials Science.