Meet our team

Current members

Vahid Adibnia, Ph. D.

Principal investigator

I am an assistant professor of biomedical engineering and chemistry at Dalhousie University since July 2022, and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Functional Polymeric Biomaterials. I received my Ph. D. in chemical engineering from McGill University in 2017, and completed my postdoctoral studies at University of Toronto and University of Montreal. My research interest is in applied polymer and colloid science. In my research, I tune intermolecular and nanoscale interactions in colloidal and polymeric systems to induce unique and useful material properties at the macroscale. Materials that I design are applicable to a wide range of applications, including osteoarthritis treatment, wound management and antifouling coating.
E-mail: adibnia@dal.caPhone: (902) 494-2320Office: 5217, Dentistry Building
Affiliations: Department of Biomaterials & Applied Oral Sciences, Faculty of DentistrySchool of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of EngineeringDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of ScienceAffiliate Scientist at Nova Scotia Health Authority

Wasitha Praveen de Wass Thilakarathna

Postdoctoral Fellow

I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, with expertise in biomass valorization, functional foods, bioactive phytochemicals, fermentation, and microbiology. I completed my Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences at Dalhousie University, where my research focused on utilizing bioactive phytochemicals and their biotransformation to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases, especially metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). I am currently interested in innovating novel biomaterials for managing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly osteoarthritis .
E-mail: wasitha@dal.ca

Sajjad Fanaee

Doctoral Candidate

I am a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering program, focused on developing absorbent hemostatic biomaterials through Chitosan-Polyphosphate complexation. My expertise also spans hybrid polymer-ceramic scaffolds for progressive bone tissue engineering. Beyond my research, I find joy in performing Persian music and practicing "Se_Tar," weaving together my scientific and artistic passions .
E-mail: sajjad.fanaee@dal.ca
Co-supervisor: Prof. Mark Filiaggi

Namita Bhasin

Doctoral Candidate

I am a Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering program, developing bio-sourced nano- and microparticles for the controlled delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs, specializing in tuning the nanoparticles' size, surface charge, and biodegradability. My research aims to contribute to innovative solutions for drug delivery systems. Outside the lab, I am passionate about cooking, watching movies, and volunteering at community centers. These activities allow me to stay connected with my community and explore creative outlets beyond my academic work.

E-mail: namita.bhasin@dal.ca
Co-supervisor: Prof. Zeeshan Sheikh

Sormeh Mehrabihaghi Hamedani

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Research Fellow

I’m Sormeh, a dental student at Dalhousie University, leading research on xerostomia, or dry mouth. My work focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of various saliva substitute gels to improve management strategies for this condition. Under the mentorship of Dr. Adibnia and Dr. Michoud, I’m developing protocols to test artificial saliva formulations. This research aims to enhance patient care and solidify Dalhousie as a leader in innovative xerostomia solutions.
E-mail: sormeh@dal.ca
Co-supervisor: Prof. Pierre-Luc Michaud

William Austin

Undergraduate trainee

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Medical Sciences, with plans to pursue honors. My research centers around applied polymer science, specifically the development of an antifouling bilayered PDMS-modified polyurethane film for facial prosthetics and a chitosan-based hydrogel for early-stage osteoarthritis treatment. Outside the lab, I am passionate about singing and am pursuing a Minor in Music. I actively perform with the Halifax Camerata Singers and have had the privilege of singing with the National Youth Choir of Canada.
E-mail: william.austin@dal.ca

Maya Goldchtaub

Undergraduate trainee

I am an undergraduate medical sciences student interested in chemical and biomedical engineering research. I plan to complete an honours and possibly pursue medical school following my degree.
E-mail: my906154@dal.ca

Emma Welshman

Undergraduate trainee

I am from Corner Brook Newfoundland. Some of my hobbies include skiing, volleyball, and yoga. I am currently in my 4th year of medical science program, with plans to attend medical school in the future. I hope to complete my honours with research interests in arthritis, as it affects my family directly.
E-mail: em909988@dal.ca

Malek Mahmoud

Undergraduate trainee

I am an undergraduate student majoring in Microbiology & Immunology at Dalhousie. I am currently conducting research where I use centrifugal spinning to replicate the structure of biological tissues. My work focuses on creating nanofibers with strong cell attachment and relevant mechanical properties for applications in dentistry and 3D printing. On the weekends you can find me boxing or on the field playing soccer.
E-mail: malek.mahmoud@dal.ca

Eloise MacKenzie

Undergraduate trainee

I'm an undergraduate student majoring in Medical Science at Dalhousie and originally from Toronto. I'm currently synthesizing a gelatin-based UV-crosslinked hydrogel. I hope to continue my research next year with an honours project. In my free time I love to ski and ski coach young racers!

E-mail: el723510@dal.ca

Matthew MacNeil

Undergraduate trainee

I am an undergraduate student currently pursuing a BSc. in Medical Sciences. Currently in the lab I am working on designing and 3-D printing microfluidic devices to produce microparticles. In the future, I aspire to complete my honours research and eventually attend medical school. Outside of school, I work in Medical Affairs for the Nova Scotia Health Authority and I enjoy weight lifting and playing baseball. One fun fact about me is that I got my black belt in Taekwon-do when I was 11 years old.

E-mail: MatthewMacNeil@dal.ca

Sophie Mertens

Undergraduate trainee

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a B.Sc. in chemistry. In the lab, I am optimizing the oxidation process of alpha-glycerophosphorylcholine to enhance crosslinking and modify the chemical properties of hydrogels. I am looking forward to continuing my research this summer with the support of the Faye Sobey Undergraduate Student Research Award. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading and doing crossword puzzles, and I am pursuing a minor in political science!

E-mail: sophiemertens@dal.ca