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 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 

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

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

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, 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 

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Alumni

Ava Dlugolecki 

Undergraduate trainee (2023)

Whalen Matthews

Undergraduate trainee (2023)

Maryam Hdeib 

Undergraduate trainee (2023-2024)