Direct PhD Students
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Prabuddha De Saram
PhD thesis title: Microfluidic Approaches to Study Cell Membranes and Mechanobiology
Prabuddha De Saram received his BSc (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, in 2021. In 2023, He joined Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC) at Griffith University, Australia, as a Ph.D. candidate. His research focuses on microfluidic approaches to studying cell mechanobiology, with a particular emphasis on micropillar-integrated devices. His broader research interests include microfluidics, biosensors, cell mechanobiology, and advanced micromanufacturing techniques.
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Elham Lori Zoudani
PhD thesis title: Design and Fabrication of Microneedles for Theranostic Application: Two arrays on one Patch
Elham Lori Zoudani received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Shahid Chamran University (SCU), and Khaje Nasir Toosi University of Technology (KNTU), Iran, in 2015 and 2019, respectively. In 2023, she joined Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC) at Griffith University, Australia, as a PhD candidate. Her research focuses on microneedle design and development for biomedical applications. Her research interests are microfluidics, biomedical microdevices, and computational fluid dynamics.
Azeez Bakare
PhD thesis title: Design, Fabrication & Testing of Acoustophoresis-Magnetophoresis Multifunctional Microfluidic Device
Dynamic Mechanical Engineer with 13 years of diverse experience in project design, quality assurance, quality control, construction, and commissioning. Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, specializing in process optimization and efficiency improvements, proficient in using the Finite Element Method (FEM) and other advanced design tools to optimize project outcome. Currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering focused on microfluidic devices, with a strong interest in their commercialization for addressing health-related challenges. Experienced lecturer and researcher, committed to inspiring students and driving innovation through applied research. Proven ability to bridge academic research with practical applications, driving advancements in microfluidics aimed at improving healthcare outcomes. Committed to leveraging technical expertise and entrepreneurial vision to develop transformative solutions in the medical field.
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Dr Navid Kashaninejad
Dr Navid Kashaninejad is a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Griffith University and the founding leader of the SUMMIT Lab (Surface Micro/nanofluidics, Mechanobiology, and Innovative Technologies). He is an ARC DECRA Fellow and a full member of the Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), where he spearheads interdisciplinary research at the interface of engineering, biology, and materials science.
Dr Kashaninejad’s research focuses on microfluidics, surface micro/nanostructuring, and mechanobiology, with applications ranging from organ-on-a-chip systems and disease modelling to biosensing and quantum-enabled fluidic platforms. His work explores the fundamentals of surface science and fluid–structure interactions, particularly in microengineered environments where surface wettability, flow dynamics, and mechanical cues play critical roles in biological function and device performance.
Leveraging advanced fabrication techniques such as femtosecond laser machining, CO₂ laser micromachining, and SiC-on-Si microtechnology, Dr Kashaninejad develops novel microstructured platforms to manipulate cells, control fluid transport, and probe cell-environment interactions with high precision. His recent work has introduced height-variable micropillar and microhole arrays as versatile platforms for studying cell mechanics, liquid transport, and interfacial phenomena.
As the leader of the SUMMIT Lab, Dr Kashaninejad is committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovation-driven research culture. He actively mentors PhD, Honours, and undergraduate students, empowering them to pursue high-impact research and career pathways across academia and industry. His vision is to develop next-generation lab-on-a-chip systems that bridge fundamental science with real-world biomedical and sensing applications.
OUR CREATIVE TEAM
Jamie Lane
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Max Johnson
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Jesse Neimus
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Drew Carlyle
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OUR CREATIVE TEAM
Jamie Lane
Position / Role
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Max Johnson
Position / Role
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Jesse Neimus
Position / Role
Describe the team member here. Write a brief description of their role and responsibilities, or a short bio with a background summary.
Drew Carlyle
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