Laboratory
Mechanobiology and Microfluidics
Hedie Poorkazem is a PhD candidate at the School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment at La Trobe University and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. Her research focuses on developing bioengineered models of stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaques using microfluidic and tissue engineering approaches.
She holds a Master’s degree in Cellular and Developmental Biology from the Royan Institute, where her research investigated extracellular vesicle (EV) heterogeneity and its functional role in wound healing. Her work examined how distinct subpopulations of mesenchymal stromal cell–derived EVs differentially regulate fibroblast behaviour, including migration and contraction, providing insights into EV-mediated cell communication and its therapeutic potential.
Hedie has published in international peer-reviewed journals and presented her research at international scientific conferences. She is particularly interested in the interplay between nanoscale biological signalling and mechanical forces in regulating cell fate and tissue function. Through her PhD research, she aims to uncover key mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease progression and contribute to the development of innovative regenerative and therapeutic strategies.
Achievements
- PhD student at La Trobe University – Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute (2025–present)
- First-class honours in Master of Science studies
- Ranked 2nd among Master of Science students
- Awarded competitive research grant for MSc dissertation
- Ranked 10th among ~3,000 participants in the National Master’s Degree Entrance Exam (Iran)
- Fully-funded scholarship for Bachelor of Science program
Awards
- First-Class Honours (master’s degree)
- First-Class Honours (bachelor’s degree)
- National ranking award (Top 10, Master’s entrance exam)
- Master’s dissertation research grant
