Meet our team

Current members

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 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 

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  

Ava Dlugolecki

Undergraduate trainee


I am an undergraduate Microbiology/Immunology and Biochemistry student at Dalhousie University, intending to pursue a combined honours degree. My research interest is in biomedical engineering, biochemical processes, immunology and immunochemistry. I am eager to develop biomaterials that can help solve current and emerging medical and technological problems. 
E-mail: av732071@dal.ca 

Paige Fraser

Undergraduate trainee


I am an undergraduate student in medical sciences program here at Dalhousie. After completing my undergraduate, I am interested in further pursuing research in the field of biomedical engineering. I have previous experience working in retirement homes, where I have witnessed residents suffer from osteoarthritis on a day-to-day basis. Being involved in research to aid with this ailment is of great interest to me, and I am very excited to help further the research on such an impactful project. 
E-mail: P.Fraser@dal.ca

William Austin

Undergraduate trainee


I am an undergraduate student majoring in Medical Sciences at Dalhousie University with the intention of completing an honours degree. I aspire to continue on to medical school. I am interested in biomedical research and am enthusiastic to start working with biomaterials to make a significant impact on peoples lives.
E-mail: wl675234@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

Whalen Matthews

Undergraduate trainee


I am an undergraduate student enrolled in Dalhousie University’s medical sciences program. I intend to complete my honours degree and ultimately pursue medical school. Biomedical research and orthopedics are personal interests of mine, and I am very excited to develop and test biomaterials! 

E-mail: whalen.matthews@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 2nd year of medical science, 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

Maryam Hdeib

Undergraduate trainee


I am a third year undergraduate student in the Medical Sciences program at Dalhousie. I intend to pursue an honors project involving biomedical applications of chitosan nanoparticle. I am interested in biomedical engineering, immunology, pharmacology, and the development of drug delivery systems. In the future, I intend to apply to professional programs and/or graduate studies at Dalhousie .
E-mail: MHdeib@dal.ca

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