Earlier this year, thirty-six Colorado State University graduate students competed for sixteen Vice President for Research fellowships in the annual “three-minute challenge.” Mohammadhasan Hedayati, a graduate student in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, earned a spot in the 2018-19 VPR Fellowship Cohort.

Competitors are given only three minutes to develop a compelling presentation sharing their thesis ideas, major research findings, and passion for the topic. It also must be suitable for a general audience.

“I had a clear outcome in my mind and knew what the general audience should take from my presentation. I was motivated to make an impact at the competition,” said Hedayati.

“My three-minute presentation described the design of new blood-compatible surfaces for medical devices. Taking inspiration from biology, my work aims to develop surfaces that mimic the inside surface of healthy blood vessels, which is the only known surface that continuously prevents blood clotting. This work will improve the long-term risks of implanted cardiovascular devices and ultimately improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease,” he said.

Hedayati joined CSU’s chemical and biological engineering graduate program after completing his bachelor’s degree at Amirkabir University of Technology and his master’s degree at Sharif University of Technology, both in Iran. His previous achievements include the first place award in the 2017 Great Minds in Research, the second place award in the 2016 Great Minds in Research, and the 2017 Travel Achievement Award from the Society of Biomaterials.

“I want to express my gratitude to my family, my advisor Matt Kipper, and the opportunities that CSU has allowed me to pursue, preparing me to excel in the future,” said Hedayati.