Can you tell us about your professional journey and the path that led you to your current role?
My professional journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to innovation in drug development. I left Iran at the age of 18 to start a new life in Sweden, where I began my academic path by earning a Master of Pharmacy degree from Uppsala University. Driven by a fascination with drug delivery systems, I pursued a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, focusing on the importance of solid-state properties for solubility and dissolution rate of sparingly soluble drugs under the mentorship of Professor Christer Nystrom. This research led to five publications. I also spent time as a visiting researcher in the School of Pharmacy in London, where I studied liposomes and the impact of calcium ions on their stability, a work that was later published and helped define my career direction.
After completing my PhD, I joined Pharmacia in Stockholm as a senior scientist working on protein formulations and lyophilization. Following Pfizer’s acquisition of Pharmacia, I was promoted to principal scientist and worked at Pfizer Global Manufacturing working on product and process development of combination products, especially biologic drug-device combination. My work at Pharmacia and Pfizer led to two patents on protein nanocrystals. I also regularly presented at international conferences, participated in leadership training, and began to envision a career in the U.S.
In 2005, I transitioned from big pharma to a small CDMO in the San Francisco Bay Area as Chief Scientific Officer. This was a bold move that immersed me in the startup world and allowed me to apply my formulation expertise across a broad range of biologics and liposomal products. After nearly a decade, I joined Santen as Director of Drug Product Development, where I led ophthalmic biologics programs in close collaboration with teams in Japan and global CDMOs.
A turning point came when I pursued an Executive MBA at MIT Sloan, where I was one of only 30 women in a class of 120 executives. This experience sharpened my leadership and strategic thinking and inspired me to co-found Engimata, a startup focused on thermostable vaccines. At MIT, I was a finalist in entrepreneurship competitions, received awards from the MIT Sandbox, and launched Engimata, which later in 2021 was a recipient of the 2021 Economic Driver Award from the Chambers of Commerce and the City of Pleasanton in California and were granted several patents for our innovations at Engimata.
Since then, I’ve held leadership roles in both startups and established companies, including serving as VP of Product Development at Oryn Therapeutics and CMC advisor to Exelixis. Today, I lead HTD Biosystems as Chief Scientific Officer and EVP while continuing to guide Engimata and co-founded Tri Valley Biosolutions, which supports biotech innovation through consulting.
From academia to big pharma, CDMOs to entrepreneurship, each chapter of my career has deepened my understanding of drug development and strengthened my passion for mentoring, innovation, and advancing global health.
What has been the most rewarding part of your work in pharmaceutical sciences?
The most rewarding aspect of my career has been knowing that my work contributes to improving patients’ lives. Whether through innovative product development or process improvements, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see those efforts translate into real-world impact. I'm also deeply committed to advancing the field through scientific publications, conference presentations, and active service within AAPS. Organizing webinars and learning opportunities for our community has been especially meaningful—it's a privilege to play a small part in the collective progress of pharmaceutical sciences.
How has your AAPS membership contributed to your career and professional development?
AAPS has been a constant companion throughout my career, from my early days as a PhD student presenting posters, to leading national programming and community initiatives today. It’s provided me with invaluable opportunities to share my work, learn from thought leaders, and stay ahead of scientific and regulatory developments in pharmaceutical sciences. What truly sets AAPS apart is its sense of community. The connections I’ve made through conferences, webinars, committees, communities and collaborative publications have enriched both my scientific knowledge and professional network. I’ve gained mentors, collaborators, and lifelong colleagues. Equally important has been the opportunity to give back. Taking on leadership roles within AAPS has helped me grow as a communicator, strategist, and mentor. Whether leading programming for the National Biotechnology Conference or serving as Chair of the Nanotechnology Community, these experiences have expanded my perspective and deepened my commitment to advancing the field. AAPS has not only supported my growth, but it has also helped shape my identity as a scientist, leader, and advocate for innovation.
Explain your involvement in AAPS. How have these experiences influenced your work and professional relationships?
I've been an active AAPS member for over two decades. My involvement began with the AAPS Bay Area Discussion Group (BADG), where I served as Vice Chair (2011–2012), Chair (2012–2013), and Past Chair (2013-2014). I also represented BADG at the Member Group Coordination Committee and served on the AAPS Publications Committee (2015-2017), representing the Biotech section. Most recently, as Track 1 Chair of the 2024 National Biotechnology Conference, I helped shape programming around CMC, novel delivery systems, and AI, coordinating a team that brought 30 speakers to the stage. As the Chair of the AAPS Nanotechnology Community, I’ve led the community leadership team to develop scientific programming proposals, webinars, and publications. We’ve organized nine webinars on various topics related to nanotechnology and an “Ask the Experts” session on nanoparticle characterization so far this year. We have also published an article on CAR-T cell therapies and AI in nanomedicine, with additional papers on exosomes and lipid nanoparticles in progress. These experiences have connected me with brilliant scientists and PhD students across academia and industry. Leading the AAPS Nanotechnology Community has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has enabled me to collaborate with exceptionally talented academic and industry leaders within our leadership team and community. I learn from their diverse perspectives and expertise every day. Additionally, working with the students in the community leadership team I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities AAPS has provided throughout my career—from presenting my research through posters and podium talks to gaining knowledge through outstanding programming and educational resources. The support from AAPS staff, colleagues, and friends has played a vital role in my professional growth. I’m honored to call AAPS my professional home and appreciate the trust the Board has placed in me to lead the Nanotechnology Community, now with over 1,000 members strong. Serving in this three-year leadership role has been incredibly enriching, broadening my perspective, expanding my network, and opening new doors for continued impact and growth.
Can you share any memorable mentorship experiences—either as a mentor or mentee—that have shaped your career?
One piece of advice that has stayed with me is: “Without taking risks, nothing happens.” I was reminded of this when I made the life-changing decision to leave Sweden and move to the U.S., changing countries, companies, and careers all at once. It was a bold step, but one that opened doors to experiences and opportunities I never imagined. That mindset continues to shape how I mentor others, encouraging them to embrace calculated risks and pursue meaningful impact.
What advice would you offer to other pharmaceutical scientists or those looking to make an impact?
Be bold, stay curious, and embrace the unknown. The pharmaceutical sciences are evolving rapidly. This is driven by breakthroughs in AI, gene editing, nanomedicine, and precision therapeutics. To make a lasting impact, you must not only stay current but stay ahead. That means continuously learning, asking hard questions, and seeking out emerging tools that can shape the future of healthcare. But technical expertise alone isn’t enough. The most successful scientists I’ve worked with are also great collaborators. They listen deeply, communicate clearly, and build bridges across disciplines. So, invest just as much in your soft skills as your technical ones. Take risks when they matter. My most transformative career moments came when I stepped out of my comfort zone, whether moving across continents, shifting from big pharma to startups, or going back to school mid-career. Growth rarely happens without uncertainty, but those leaps often lead to the most meaningful rewards. Finally, remember that science is a team sport. Surround yourself with people who challenge and uplift you. Mentor others and let yourself be mentored. The impact you make is amplified when you invest in the growth of those around you.
Closing thoughts?
It’s also important to acknowledge the many people who have helped shape my career, my parents, spouse, son, friends, classmates, colleagues, mentors, professors, and PhD advisors. Their encouragement, insight, and unwavering support have guided me through each chapter of my journey. I am deeply grateful for the wisdom they’ve shared and the opportunities they’ve helped me pursue. Their presence continues to inspire and propel me forward every day.
In a field as collaborative as pharmaceutical sciences, no achievement is ever truly individual. The collective spirit of mentorship, teamwork, and shared purpose has been central to my growth and it’s what I value most as I continue to contribute to this community.