Neda Habibi, LinkedIn Profile
- Università degli Studi di Genova; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Nano-Bio-Technology
- Connect with Me: neda.habibi@unt.edu
- Passion Projects:
Location: University of North Texas, Texas
I’m thrilled to introduce Dr. Neda Habibi in this month’s Partner Spotlight. I met Neda in 2019 when we first started writing the MNT-EC grant. She was quiet and full of passion. I have come to love the conversations that she and I have had over the years. Neda is one of the smartest women I have ever met, and I am better for having known her over the past five years. She is an inspiring educator and researcher at the University of North Texas whose passion for mentoring and hands-on learning is helping shape the future of the biomedical workforce.
Through her work with MNT-EC, she’s bringing students into the world of nanobiotechnology in powerful and practical ways—empowering them to see themselves as future scientists, innovators, and leaders. I’m so grateful to have her in our community.
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Can you share your background and the pioneering work you’ve done in your field?
I am a faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas, where my research focuses on nanomedicine, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. As part of the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), I have been actively involved in outreach and workforce development by organizing and leading nanobiotechnology summer camps. These programs provide high school and college students with hands-on experiences in areas such as 3D bioprinting, cell culturing, and advanced bioinstrumentation.
Through these efforts, I aim to inspire students to pursue STEM careers and equip them with the technical skills and confidence needed for the future biomedical workforce.
What impact do you hope MNT-EC will have?
I hope MNT-EC continues to be a driving force in making micro and nanotechnology accessible and engaging for students and educators across the country. Through hands-on experiences and mentorship, like those we offer in our nanobiotechnology summer camps at University of North Texas, MNT-EC has the potential to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators, while equipping educators with cutting-edge resources to enhance STEM education. I believe this initiative not only improves workforce readiness but also fosters curiosity and participation for all who want to be involved in advanced science fields.
What advice do you have for students and educators in this field?
Stay curious and embrace hands-on learning. Micro and nanotechnology are inherently interdisciplinary, so don’t hesitate to explore how these fields intersect with biology, chemistry, medicine, and engineering.
For educators, I’d say prioritize experiential learning and mentorship, students thrive when they can apply theory to practice and see the real-world impact of their work.
What do you love best about your work?
What I love most is mentoring students and seeing their excitement when they engage in real-world applications of science, whether it’s culturing cells, 3D printing tissues, or exploring cutting-edge drug delivery systems. Watching students gain confidence, develop skills, and discover new career pathways is incredibly rewarding. It’s even more meaningful when you know these experiences could shape their futures.
Advice for young people considering this field?
Take advantage of every opportunity to get hands-on experience—internships, workshops, research projects. These experiences will help you build technical skills and discover what areas truly excite you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek mentors; the field is full of passionate people who are eager to support young talent. And remember, the most innovative solutions often come from interdisciplinary thinking.
What else should we know?
I’m passionate about building open pathways for students into STEM fields, especially through mentorship and hands-on learning. I believe that giving students early exposure to advanced tools and techniques empowers them to envision themselves as future scientists and engineers. Through my work, I aim to bridge the gap between academic training and real-world applications, preparing students not just for careers, but for leadership in science and technology.
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P.S. from the Center Manager: Want to see more of Neda’s work in action? Check out one of our very first Think Small blog posts on her successful project: Texas Undergraduate Students Gain Advanced Biomedical Research Experience.
Here’s a brief synopsis of her project:
Dr. Neda Habibi, in collaboration with Northwest Vista College and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), led a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded initiative to provide undergraduate students with hands-on experience in biomedical engineering research. This program offered students the opportunity to work with advanced electron microscopy techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), to develop anti-cancer drugs and tissue scaffolds aimed at improving cancer treatment and tissue regeneration.
