Dr. Pooria Lesani

Pooria is a Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Science, STEM College. Having been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship (2023-2024) at the renowned Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Pooria facilitates collaborative research endeavours between RMIT and MIT, fuelling the creation of new levels of innovation. Pooria holds a PhD in biomedical engineering from the University of Sydney (2022), along with master's and bachelor's degrees in the field of materials science and engineering.

Pooria's research is centred around the development of the next generation of fluorescent nanoparticles for medical applications, such as biosensing, bioimaging, targeted drug delivery and antibacterial approaches. His interdisciplinary research integrates a wide range of disciplines, including materials science and engineering, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and cell biology, with a primary objective of developing nanoparticle-based theranostic systems for early and accurate detection and treatment of diseases. In addition to his research, Pooria actively engages in teaching and outreach activities, passionately sharing knowledge, inspiring young individuals, and mentoring aspiring students in the field.

Pooria's contributions to teaching and research have garnered him numerous awards and funding opportunities, notably including the highly regarded Best Tutor Award presented by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney.

For a comprehensive overview of Pooria's research, publication list, ongoing projects, and the latest updates, please visit and follow his Twitter feed, LinkedIn profile, Google Scholar, and YouTube channel.

Research

• Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of fluorescent carbon dots with optimized optical characteristics.
• Synthesis and development of nanoparticle-based nanosensors for intracellular optical sensing of biomolecules and metal ions, such as dopamine and iron ions.
• Design and development of imaging agents based on fluorescent nanoparticles for real-time cellular imaging and deep-tissue imaging in complex biological systems.
• Design and development of nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery systems for efficient treatment of cancers like Glioblastoma and Pancreatic cancer.
• Design and development of nanoparticle-based systems with high efficiency for antibacterial applications.

Outreach and Professional Engagements

• Organizing committee and mentor for BIOTech Futures Program, an initiative that aims to bring together scientific minds, both young and old, to tackle the biggest challenges across all disciplines of biotechnology.
• Organizing committee Personal Journeys to Translation Symposium, an event aimed at bridging the gap between research and practical applications.
  
• Creating audio-visual content to promote awareness and education in the field of nanotechnology and nanomedicine.
• Organizing and conducting laboratory visits for high school students to provide hands-on learning experiences.
• Member of the Australian Nanotechnology Network

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, 2022.
• Master's Degree: Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, 2016.