Embedded Files
Zhiwar F. Hassan
San Diego, CA
EMAIL: izhiwar@gmail.com | LinkedIn | (619) 796-2702
EDUCATION
University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA June 2023
M.S. in NanoEngineering,
GPA:3:566/4.00
Department of NanoEngineering, Jacobs School of Engineering/La Jolla CA
Thesis: Advancing Electro-Optical Minimally Invasive Microprobes for Chronic Interfacing With Deep Intrinsic Neural Circuits
Advisor: Prof. Donald J. Sirbully
University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani Kurdistan Region- Iraq December 2014 M.S. Polymer Science,
GPA:3:78/4.00 Evaluated by WES, New York, NY
Chemistry Department, College of Science, Sulaimani- Kurdistan Regional Government-Iraq
Thesis: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Biological Activities for some New Oligomers Containing Aziridine Ring
Advisor: Prof. Helal M. Abdullah
University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani Kurdistan Region- Iraq July 2009
BSc. Chemistry,
GPA:3:07/4.00
Chemistry Department, College of Science, Sulaimani- Kurdistan Regional Government-Iraq
Earned the Honors of Placing Second in the Chemistry Department
Thesis: Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Activities of New Schiff Base Compound
Advisor: Prof. Ibrahim A. Muhamad
AREA OF SPECIALIZED INTEREST
Fabrication and characterization of electro-optical flexible (EO-Flex) probes for optogenetic neuromodulation, In-Situ-Real-Time monitoring nanosensor, synthesis, purification, and characterization of lipid nanoparticles, organic compounds, and polymers. Research interests lie in the development of microfluidics, gene editing, and biosensors by exploiting the unique optical, mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of nanoscale materials for various applications in therapeutic or diagnostic diseases.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Researcher, Lecturer Sep. 2024 – Present
Medical Laboratory Science Department, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimani, Iraq
Courses Teaching:
General Chemistry
First Author and Corresponding Author Research Projects:
Medical Laboratory Science Department, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimani, Iraq
· Loaded sporopollenin with platinum-based nanoparticles (PtNPs) and gene-silencing agents to interrupt the division of cancer cells during mitotic spindle formation, inducing apoptosis.
· Functionalized sporopollenin with PLGA to enhance stability and prolong circulation time in the bloodstream.
· Focused on studying the targeting capability and efficiency of the system in vitro against TNBC cells.
· Functionalized the sporopollenin capsules with targeting ligands like transferrin, EGFR antibodies, and folic acid to specifically target TNBC cells.
· Characterization techniques: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, fluorescence spectroscopy, Quantitative PCR (qPCR), and Western Blot.
First Author and Corresponding Author Research Projects:
Medical Laboratory Science Department, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimani, Iraq
· Synthesis and Functionalization of Carbon Dots for Gene Delivery and Gene Silencing
· Improved the stability and biocompatibility of carbon dots by PEGylation, and conjugated them with plasmid DNA (GFP) for gene delivery, and functionalized them with EPGF, MUC1, and FAP inhibitors for targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer cells.
· Conducted in vitro studies to evaluate transfection efficiency, gene expression, and cytotoxicity, investigating potential gene therapy applications in pancreatic cancer.
· Utilized characterization techniques such as TEM, DLS, Zeta potential, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
· Characterization utilizing techniques such as Quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western Blot, Flow Cytometry, and Gel Electrophoresis.
Master Research- NanoEngineering Laboratory Aug. 2021- Aug. 2022
PI: Professor Donald J. Sirbully, Ph.D. Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego / Jacobs School of Engineering/ San Diego, CA
· Fabricated electro-optical flexible (EO-Flex) probes for neuronal modulation.
· Developed a new technique for buckling mechanical properties of multilayer coaxial optrode against calibrated AFM tips along with the finite element modeling (FEM) analysis model.
· Evaluated the electrical properties of neuronal probes based on Pt and IrO2, and found out the reason behind the stability and low impedance of the probes based on IrO2.
· Ongoing research project on In-Situ Real-Time monitoring nanosensors.
Research, Teaching, Polymer Laboratory, Jan. 2015- Feb. 2019
PI: Khalid M. Omer, Ph.D. Chemistry Department, College of Science, University of Sulaimani
· Synthesized, purified, and characterized organics, polymers, and nanoparticles such as lipid nanoparticles and quantum dots (QDs) for various applications such as drug delivery systems and nanosensors.
· Taught, trained, and guided senior undergraduate students by offering theoretical and practical lessons on polymer science and experience.
· Supervised over 15 undergraduate students on their final research project.
Master Research, Polymer Laboratory, Feb. 2013- Dec. 2014
PI: Professor Helal Massod Abdallah, Ph.D. Chemistry Department, College of Science, University of Baghdad
· Synthesized, characterized, and purified new alkylating agents, monomers, and water-soluble polymers for applications in drug delivery systems.
· Modified and functionalized natural polymers for drug delivery systems.
· Characterized compounds using FTIR for functional groups, NMR for structure and purity, and TGA for thermal stability.
Assistant Chemist, Organic, and Physical Chemistry Laboratory Oct. 2009 - Jan. 2013
PI: Professor Goran Mohammad, Ph.D., and Professor Hama Amin, Ph.D.Chemistry Department, College of Science, University of Sulaimani
· Pre-ran experiments produced detailed protocols for new experiments in organic and biochemistry demonstrated techniques, and assisted students.
· Supervised undergraduate student experiments, trained on experience and methods such as using FTIR, UV- Vis spectroscopy, Rotary Evaporator, TLC, and PH-meter.
· Synthesized, purified, and characterized organic compounds, and conducted biochemistry
Tests.
ONGOING
PUBLICATION
Hassan, Z., Ward, S., Shi, Y., Riley, C., Esener, S., & Sirbuly, D. Coaxial Microstructures Reveal the Stable Adhesion Between Conductive Polymers and Metal Layers in Neural Recording Electrodes. Nano Letters.
SKILLS
Languages: Fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in Kurdish, English, Persian, and Hawrami dialects.
Software: Microsoft Office, Chemoffice, ImageJ, MATLAB and Solidworks.
Machines: Photolithography, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Sputter Coating, E-Beam Evaporator, Filmetrics, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Tensile Strength, FT-IR, UV/Vis Spectroscopy, Optical Microscopy, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Cyclic Voltammetry, (CV) Surface Area Analysis (BET), Rheology (DHR), Viscometry, Conductivity Measurement, Spin Coating, Annealing, Thin Layer chromatography (TLC), Rotary Evaporation, Centrifugation, PH meter, etc...
AWARDS AND MEMBERSHIP
After demonstrating exceptional academic ability, was ranked second among a competitive group of students in the bachelor's program. Fall 2008- Summer 2009
Received a scholarship for graduate school Winter 2013- Winter 2014
Was able to design and tailor various synthesis and characterization polymer lab experiments for undergraduates in the polymer laboratory. Fall 2016- Spring 2017
Received Outstanding accolade for teaching performance. Fall 2017- Spring 2018
Report abuse