ECE Seminar: Zeinab Jahed

ECE Seminar: Zeinab Jahed

Title: Interfacing Nano-Electronics with Biology for Sensing and Delivery

Abstract: Overcoming biological barriers is essential for precisely interacting with cells to better understand, sense, and influence their behavior. In my lab, we focus on creating intelligent nano-devices that can interface effectively with biological systems. Our approach has three main levels: First, we study the fundamental interactions at the nano-bio interface to understand how nanoscale materials and cells communicate. Second, we use this knowledge to design innovative nanomaterials, including nanoelectrodes and surfaces with precise nanoscale topographies, capable of minimally invasive interactions with cells. These tools can transiently breach membranes, enabling accurate intracellular sensing and delivery of therapeutic materials. Finally, we utilize machine learning to interpret large-scale datasets generated by these high-throughput nano-bio interfaces, uncovering new biological insights. Through this systematic strategy, our lab aims to advance precision sensing, targeted delivery, and deeper understanding of cellular processes, contributing directly to new therapeutic possibilities.

Bio: Zeinab Jahed is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering and an Affiliate Faculty member in Bioengineering at the University of California San Diego. She completed her Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Chemistry at Stanford University in 2020 and obtained her PhD in Applied Science and Technology from UC Berkeley’s Departments of Mechanical and Bioengineering in 2018. Before moving to sunny California, Zeinab was recognized among Canada's top early-career researchers, receiving prestigious awards such as the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship—awarded to only 24 individuals nationally (top 0.05%)—and ranking first nationally in Chemical, Biomedical, and Material Science and Engineering in the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellowship competition. In 2022, she was awarded the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Award for her innovative work in nano-bioelectronics. Her current research focuses on developing innovative nano-bioelectronic tools that enable precise cellular sensing and targeted therapeutic delivery, advancing our understanding and control of biological processes at the nanoscale.