PhD Defense - Biotechnology: Mahsa Jahed

You are invited to attend the Biotechnology PhD Dissertation Defense of Mahsa Jahed.

Title: Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Multi-phase Multicomponent Drug Delivery through a Patient-specific Respiratory Airway using Pressurized Metered-dose Inhalers (pMDIs)

This research study advances the fundamental understanding of aerosol drug delivery in pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs)—commonly known as puffers—by examining how device design, inhalation airflow dynamics, and patient-specific airway morphology collectively influence particle transport and deposition. Using an integrated experimental–computational framework, anatomically realistic airway replicas were evaluated alongside high-fidelity CFD simulations to capture transient plume evolution, droplet breakup and coalescence, wall interaction behavior, and multiscale deposition mechanisms under clinically relevant inhalation conditions. The findings show that even subtle changes in device nozzle geometry, plume temperature, aerosol momentum, airway compliance, or non-ideal breathing patterns can lead to significant shifts in regional deposition throughout the respiratory tract. These insights are especially relevant for improving puffer performance for individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), offering critical guidance for next-generation pMDI design and providing evidence-based recommendations for optimizing patient inhalation techniques. Ultimately, this work enhances the reproducibility, efficiency, and therapeutic effectiveness of pulmonary drug delivery.

Friday, January 16, 2026
10:00 am
FB 2023 and zoom

Committee Members: Drs. Leila Pakzad and Janusz Kozinski (co-supervisors), Dr. Francisco Ramos Pallares, Dr. Muhammad Khalid and Dr. Zahra Keshavarz-Motamed (external)

Everyone is welcome

Please contact Brenda Magajna at phd.ses@lakeheadu.ca for more information.