Dr. Kambiz Pourrezaei
Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science & Health Systems
Focus Area: Bio-Nanotechnologies

Dr. Pourrezaei earned his Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechic University in 1982. His research interests are concentrated in the areas of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of nano and micro technology. He is actively researching near infrared (NIR) imaging of biological tissues for breast cancer and brain imaging. His research also involves the use of microtechnology for studying the attachment of protein and cells to biomaterial surfaces.

Dr. Pourrezaei is leading the research activity in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems that is enabling nanotechnology to merge with biomedical applications. Three major thrust areas identified by the School include biosensors, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. These activities are being funded by a $10.5 million research grant that Dr. Pourrezaei, along with Dr. David Luzzi of the University of Pennsylvania, recently received from the State of Pennsylvania to establish the Nanotechnology Institute (NTI), while support from the region's pharmaceutical companies is also energizing this research. NTI has helped more than 40 faculty members at area colleges, universities, and hospitals to land approximately $60 million in federal research grants. It also has helped spur the creation of seven companies, drawn praise from the head of the federal government's effort to promote nanotech research, and fielded inquiries from New York financiers interested in nanotechnology investment opportunities in the region. Though many areas have launched various efforts to capitalize on nanotechnology, NTI is the first to focus on building partnerships among businesses and academic institutions, as specifically noted by Mihail C. Roco, senior advisor for nanotechnology at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Dr. Pourrezaei also leads the School's research activity in the area of bio-optics. Currently, a near infrared (NIR) modality is being utilized for monitoring breast cancer and brain activities. The projects are being funded by various federal government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH).