Biomedical Engineering & Organic Bioelectronics Leader | Neural Interfaces, Medical Devices & Materials–Tissue Interaction | Expert Witness in Product Safety & Failure Analysis

EXPERT ID: 1427

Submit project Add Experts

Biomedical Engineering & Organic Bioelectronics Leader | Neural Interfaces, Medical Devices & Materials–Tissue Interaction | Expert Witness in Product Safety & Failure Analysis

Overview

Multidisciplinary biomedical, mechanical, and materials engineer with a career bridging advanced materials science, neural engineering, and medical device innovation. Work focuses on designing and characterizing organic semiconductors, conducting polymers, hydrogels, and composite systems that interface safely and effectively with neural and other biological tissues. Extensive experience integrating analytical techniques, such as TEM, SEM/EDS, PLM, AFM, and XRD, with in vitro and in vivo studies to understand how material chemistry, morphology, and biopersistence drive biological responses. Regularly supports litigation, regulatory evaluations, and product development by translating complex data into objective, scientifically grounded opinions on product safety, contamination, and failure mechanisms. Academic leadership includes directing NIH- and NSF-funded programs, mentoring numerous trainees, and shaping the field of organic bioelectronics through publications, patents, and conference and editorial roles.

Short Bio

Tenured biomedical engineering professor and internationally recognized leader in organic bioelectronics, neural interfaces, and advanced biomaterials. Combines deep expertise in materials–tissue interactions and analytical characterization with extensive experience as an expert witness in product liability, toxic tort, and FDA-regulated product matters. Has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and multiple patents, while directing major NIH and NSF research programs in neural engineering and bioelectronic devices.

What I Bring

Deep subject-matter expertise at the intersection of biomedical engineering, materials science, and neural interfaces
Proven experience as an expert witness in product liability, toxic tort, design-patent, and intellectual property disputes
Advanced capability in microscopy and analytical techniques for particulate, fibrous, polymeric, and mineral material characterization
Strong track record connecting materials data to biological response and causation in injury and product safety cases
Demonstrated leadership of large NIH and NSF research programs and interdisciplinary academic-industry collaborations
Extensive publication and patent record establishing authority in organic bioelectronics, biosensors, and neural prosthetics
Experience evaluating regulatory compliance with FDA, ASTM, ISO, MoCRA, and REACH frameworks for medical and consumer products
Ability to explain complex technical findings clearly for legal teams, judges, and juries in both written and oral testimony
Long-standing commitment to mentoring scientists and engineers and building high-performing research teams

Key Technologies & Product Expertise

Implantable medical devices, neural probes, and neuroprosthetic systems
Biosensors and bioactuators for diagnostics, glucose monitoring, and neurochemical detection
Conducting polymers (PEDOT, PPy) and organic semiconductors for bioelectronic interfaces
Hydrogels and hydrogel-composite systems for tissue engineering and controlled drug delivery
Electrospun and electrojetted nanofibers and microcapsules for chemotherapeutic delivery
PEGylated and ligand-targeted nanoparticles for precision oncology and glioma therapy
3D printing and multiphoton lithography of soft, stretchable, and flexible electronic microdevices
Composite electrodes and gas diffusion layers for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells
Microscopy and imaging: TEM, SEM/EDS, PLM, AFM, confocal and optical microscopy, XRD
Biostatistical and computational tools: SPSS, PRISM, OriginLab, MSstats, MATLAB, Simulink, SolidWorks, AutoCAD
Regulatory standards and frameworks: FDA medical device and cosmetic regulations, MoCRA, REACH, ASTM, ISO 10993, ISO 22716, ISO 13485
Failure analysis, forensic engineering, and root-cause investigations across biomedical and consumer products

Titles Held

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering (Tenured), University of Houston, 2015 – Present
Scientific Consultant and Expert Witness, Sutton Pierce, 2024 – Present
Scientific Consultant and Expert Witness, Lopez Law Group LLC, Houston, 2020 – 2022
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical Engineering, Penn State University, 2010 – 2015
Postdoctoral Fellow, Plastic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2007 – 2010

Career Highlights

Built an internationally recognized research program in organic bioelectronics, neural interfaces, and advanced biomaterials, leading to more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and 8 U.S. patents.
Pioneered conducting polymer nanotube and nanofiber technologies that improved neural electrode impedance, charge storage capacity, and neurite outgrowth, advancing chronic neural recording and neuroprosthetic performance.
Developed ligand-targeted PEGylated nanoparticles and precision microencapsulation platforms for chemotherapeutic delivery to glioma and brain tumors, achieving strong tumor reduction and controlled release profiles in preclinical models.
Created hybrid hydrogel–conducting polymer nerve conduits and regenerative platforms that promoted axonal regeneration and functional recovery across critical nerve gaps, with demonstrated improvements in muscle mass and force.
Led NIH and NSF-funded projects totaling more than $2 million to study neural tissue engineering, combinatorial guidance cues, and integration of microelectrode arrays with polymer nanostructures.
Served as guest editor for multiple high-impact journal special issues on organic bioelectronics and as editor of a major handbook volume on hydrogels for tissue engineering applications.
Organized symposia and conferences for the Materials Research Society and other organizations, helping to define research agendas in neural biomaterials, organic electronics, and biointerface science.
Provided expert witness support in cases involving product liability, toxic tort, medical device failures, and design-patent disputes, including preparation of expert reports, causation analyses, and deposition testimony.

Education & Professional Certifications

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering / Materials Science (Major in Bioelectronics), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2001 – 2007
Master’s in Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnic University, Tehran, 1996 – 1998
Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic University, Tehran, 1991 – 1995

Impact

Advanced the field of organic bioelectronics and neural interfaces through foundational work on conducting polymers, organic semiconductors, and hybrid hydrogel systems for long-term, stable brain and peripheral nerve interfaces.
Demonstrated how material morphology, chemistry, and biopersistence shape biological responses such as inflammation, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis, informing safer design of medical devices, implants, and particulate-containing products.
Translated complex analytical and regulatory data into influential expert opinions and testimony that have supported litigation outcomes and regulatory decision-making across FDA-regulated and consumer products.
Built and led multidisciplinary teams funded by NIH, NSF, and other agencies, training the next generation of bioengineers and contributing to global research capacity in biomaterials, neural engineering, and product safety.
Helped shape international research directions through invited talks, plenary and keynote lectures, conference organization, and editorial service for high-impact journals in materials science and bioengineering.

27

Years of Experience

200

Papers Published

8

Patents Held