Meet Our Team
Principal Investigator
Hossein Montazerian, PhD
Assistant Professor (2025-present)
Mechanical Engineering Department
The University of Utah
Education
- PostDoc, MIT Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research (2023-2024)
- PhD, University of California, Los Angeles (2018-2023)
- MASc, University of British Columbia (2016-2018)
- BSc, Shahid Rajaee University (2011-2015)
Email: h.montazerian@utah.edu
Dr. Hossein Montazerian is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Utah. His research interests involve the development of biomaterials and medical devices for tissue function regeneration using minimally invasive approaches. As a Postdoctoral Associate at MIT Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, he worked with Professors Daniel G. Anderson and Robert Langer to develop implantable electronics and drug delivery devices. He completed his PhD in Bioengineering at the University of California, Los Angeles in Professors Paul S. Weiss and Nasim Annabi groups. His PhD research on sutureless wound closure using injectable bioglues was supported by the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation under the supervision of Professor Ali Khademhosseini. He received his MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia where he was selected as a UBC rising star for his work on integrated sensors. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications and his contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards such as UCLA’s school-wide 2023 Harry M. Showman Prize and Dissertation Year Fellowship.
Graduate Students
Asad Ullah
Asad Ullah is a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at University of Utah since Spring 2025. He graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2021 with a B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering and earned his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Qatar University in 2024. He is interested in developing injectable biomaterials and devices for minimally invasive surgeries, enabling advanced disease diagnostics and targeted treatment.
Parnian Govahi
Parnian is a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah since Fall 2025. She completed her M.Sc. in Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology at Politecnico di Milano (Polimi) in 2024. Her research focuses on designing and synthesizing advanced biomaterials for minimally invasive therapies. She is excited to leverage her knowledge and research skills in materials science to contribute to the advancement of biomaterials for innovative medical applications.
Zhifan Yan
Zhifan Yan is a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah since Fall 2026. He graduated from Tongji University in 2024 with a B.E. in Automobile Engineering and earned his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 2026, where he worked at the Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics (LCSR) on medical robotic systems, serve as both research student and lab manager. His previous research spans surgical-friendly sensing, magnetic manipulation of untethered robots, and autonomous robotic systems for surgery. He is currently interested in bringing together medical robotics, micro sensors and actuators, and biocompatible materials to build minimally invasive surgical devices, implants and wearable systems.
Samaher Shaheen
Samaher Shaheen is a master’s student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah with a focus on biomedical engineering and materials science. She graduated from California State University, Chico (CSU, Chico) in 2025 with a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering. She has previous research experience working with biomaterials for medical devices and tissue engineering, as well as vibrational analysis, non-destructive testing, and metal 3D printing. Her work has been recognized through competitive research awards and publications, reflecting her interest in advancing innovative technologies that connect engineering and medicine. Samaher hopes to continue building her expertise in biomedical devices, material engineering, and biotechnology while pursuing projects that combine creativity with technical problem-solving. Outside of her research, she enjoys oil painting and traveling.
Undergraduate Students
Samuel Smith
Samuel Smith is an undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. He has always been passionate about the biological sciences and their application through engineering. Sam is particularly interested in how hydrogels could be used to make surgery and drug delivery less invasive, allowing for the treatment of illnesses and injuries to become less debilitating. He is excited to develop more skills regarding the creation and application of biomaterials and biotechnology.
Kara Nelson
Kara Nelson is an undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. Her interests include tissue engineering and biotechnology and she enjoys exploring research initiatives that improve patient outcomes. Kara is from Pleasant Grove, Utah and enjoys traveling, photography and spending time with her family. Kara is excited to apply her passion and curiosity for research to her work at the BioMINTech lab.
Hadley Blackwell
Hadley Blackwell is an undergraduate student studying Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah. She is originally from Evanston, Wyoming. She is passionate about biotechnology and the potential of minimally invasive procedures in improving patient health outcomes. Outside of academics, Hadley enjoys hiking, skiing, and reading. She is excited to develop her research skills and apply her passion to the applications of biotechnology.
Isaac Robrecht
Isaac Robrecht is an undergraduate student majoring in Biochemistry at the University of Utah. His research interests focus on the material design of conductive hydrogels and their potential applications in medical devices, wound monitoring, and supporting tissue healing. Originally from Ogden, Utah, Isaac enjoys snowsports in the winter and exploring the mountains on his motorcycle during the summer. He is excited to begin research at the intersection of biochemistry and engineering.
Owen Memmott
Owen Memmott is an undergraduate student studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. He is excited about biotechnology research and its applications in oral surgery; particularly how new materials can be used to speed up the healing process and improve the patient experience. In his free time, Owen is training for the Cottonwood Marathon and loves to play Hacky Sack with his friends. Owen is eager to put his skills to use and start making a difference. He plans to continue on to Dental School after graduating from the U.
Richard Honesto
I’m an undergraduate student majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. I’m an international student from Indonesia. I’m interested in researching the development of new hydrogels and adhesives and testing them mechanically. Outside of academics, I enjoy learning about history, travelling, and listening to podcasts. I’m excited to learn more about biomaterials and their applications.
The BioMINTech Lab 