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, Ph. D.

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

Khaled Hijazi, Ph. D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

I am a Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellow at Dalhousie University’s School of Biomedical Engineering, working under the supervision of Dr. Vahid Adibnia. My research focuses on the development of personalized biomechanical models to support the early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, using patient-specific data from the Nova Scotia population. I completed my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at Western University, where I specialized in the design and optimization of patient-specific porous titanium implants for mandibular reconstruction, integrating CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and additive manufacturing. My research interests lie at the intersection of computational modelling, innovative manufacturing techniques, biomechanics, biomaterials, with a particular focus on utilizing diverse materials to drive innovative, personalized healthcare solutions. Outside the lab, I enjoy swimming, working out, traveling, and reading about history and culture.
E-mail: TBDCo-supervisor: Dr. Janie WilsonPersonal Research Website

Sajjad Fanaee, Ph. D.

Postdoctoral Fellow

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 in Biomedical Engineering

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.caCo-supervisor: Prof. Zeeshan Sheikh

Da-Young Lee

Doctoral Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

I am a Ph.D. student in the Biomedical Engineering program, focusing on the development of biomaterials for wound management and bleeding control. I earned my M.S. in Forest Biomaterial Engineering at Kangwon National University, South Korea, where I worked on the preparation and characterization of nanocellulose composite hydrogels for 3D printing. Outside the lab, I enjoy traveling and playing the guitar.

E-mail: dayounglee@dal.ca

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.caCo-supervisor: Prof. Pierre-Luc Michaud

Mohammadjavad Ranjbar

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Research Fellow

I am a second-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) student at Dalhousie University, conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Adibnia. My project focuses on the ex vivo testing of artificial saliva formulations using a bovine tongue-enamel model, aiming to evaluate and improve the lubrication properties of saliva substitutes for patients experiencing xerostomia. With a background in physics and a keen interest in dental biomaterials and biomechanics, I’m passionate about bridging fundamental science with clinical applications to enhance patient care and comfort.
E-mail: MRanjbar@dal.ca

Catherine Robbins

MASc Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

I am a MASc candidate in Biomedical Engineering. I have an Honours degree in Chemistry from Acadia University, with a background in physical organic chemistry. My research in the AdibLab focuses on developing hydrogels that mimic the unique properties of human cartilage for use in cartilage repair. Beyond my research, I enjoy working out, reading and spending time with friends!
E-mail: ct922394@dal.ca

William Austin

MASc Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

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

Eloise MacKenzie

Undergraduate Trainee (honor's thesis)

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 (honor's thesis)

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

Noa Waldman

Undergraduate Trainee (honor's thesis)

I'm an undergraduate student in the Honours Chemistry program at Dalhousie University, working toward a B.Sc. degree. In the lab, I'll be working on dynamic light scattering measurements to study the zeta potential of various polymers. I have prior research experience in both microfluidics and inorganic synthesis, and I'm currently working toward attending dental school after completing my undergraduate degree. Outside the lab, I enjoy drawing, reading, and spending time with friends!

E-mail: nz654835@dal.caCo-supervisor: Prof. Zeeshan Sheikh

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