EBM Interview: Dr. Amir Sheikhi

He is the recipient of several major awards, including the AIChE’s 35 Under 35, The 2022 ACS Unilever Award for Outstanding Young Investigator in Colloid & Surfactant Science, The John C. Chen Young Professional Leadership Scholarship, UNIFOR Global Research Fellowship. Recently, Amir was named as one of the 9 emerging leaders in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering worldwide, featured on the cover of the Inaugural “Futures” Issue of Bioengineering & Translational Medicine journal. Amir earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at McGill University and continued to complete two years of postdoctoral research on Colloids and Macromolecules at McGill Chemistry. Before joining Penn State, Amir was a postdoctoral fellow in Engineering in Medicine/Bioengineering at Harvard Medical School and UCLA. Amir is currently an Associate Editor of Bioengineering & Translational Medicine and is on the editorial board of Biomaterials, Bioactive Materials, and New Biotechnology. In his free time, Amir enjoys reading about the history of science, swimming laps, and holding popcorn-movie nights! 

Here is the interview we did with him

1. Could you briefly introduce your current research field?

My lab (Bio-Soft Materials Laboratory, BSMaL) at The Pennsylvania State University focuses on the intersection of chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials science. One of the research areas in my lab is developing granular and colloidal biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. One of our goals is to design soft granular hydrogels that can mimic the complex structure and function of native tissues, facilitating better integration and healing in biomedical applications. More information about our research may be found here:  www.sheikhilab.com

2. What obstacles or difficulties have you encountered in your research work? How did you overcome these difficulties?

One of the beauties of conducting research is to deal with challenges on a daily basis. One major challenge in my research has been the intricate balance between material properties and biological functionality. For instance, creating biomaterials that mimic both mechanical and biological functions of native tissues requires extensive optimization. We have focused on developing novel granular and colloidal biomaterials that partially overcome these challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging expertise in polymer chemistry, cell biology, and engineering. Extensive and continuous experimentation, coupled with advanced characterization techniques have also been pivotal in fine-tuning these biomaterials.

3. What attracted you to join the BAM editorial Board team?

Joining the editorial board of Bioactive Materials aligns perfectly with my passion for advancing the field of biomaterials. The journal’s commitment to high-impact research and innovation in bioactive materials is in line with my own research goals. Contributing to the journal provides an opportunity to shape the future direction of the field, ensuring that cutting-edge research is highlighted, disseminated effectively, and possibly translated from bench to bedside.

4. What are your expectations for the future development of Bioactive Materials and its promotion of related fields?

I anticipate that Bioactive Materials will continue to grow as a leading platform for impactful research in the field. My expectations are that the journal will further its impact by promoting transdisciplinary studies, fostering collaborations, and encouraging the publication of work that bridges the gap between fundamental science and clinical applications. This will not only enhance the visibility of innovative research but also accelerate the translation of bioactive materials into real-world applications.

5. What is your greatest hobby outside of scientific work?

Outside of my scientific endeavors, I have a deep passion for chess and swimming. Chess provides a creative outlet and a way to decompress after the rigors of research. Swimming helps me concentrate and innovate. 

6. How do you balance scientific research work and personal life?

Balancing scientific research and personal life is indeed an ongoing challenge. I love what I do, so it is not just my job, it is my passion and hobby as well. Prioritization and time management are key, which I am trying to improve. I try to make it a point to dedicate specific times for family, non-scientific hobbies, and some relaxation, which help me recharge and stay productive in my professional life. 

7. What do you think is the most important quality for researchers?

I believe that the most important quality for a researcher is perseverance. Research is often fraught with failures and setbacks, but the ability to persist, learn from mistakes/rejections, continuously seek improvement, and remain coachable is what leads to success. Curiosity, a passion for discovery, and being ethical are also essential qualities that drive innovation and long-term commitment to research.

8. What advice do you have for young scholars who are determined to engage in scientific research?

Instead of giving advice, please allow me to share the advice I have received from my mentors: "embrace curiosity and do not be afraid of challenges". Research is a multifaceted journey that requires patience and resilience. It is essential to stay persistent, remain passionate about our work, and always be willing to adapt and grow as a scientist.