Bioengineer · Translational Scientist
Panteha Behboodi, PhD
I build advanced in vitro and microphysiological models — and mine the multi-omic data they generate — to turn complex human biology into decisions that move therapies forward.
New York Metropolitan Area
01 — About
I'm a PhD-trained bioengineer with a focus on translational science, advanced in vitro models, and data-driven biological evaluation. My work spans organ-on-chip platforms, functional genomics, and multi-omic data integration — from engineering 3D microfluidic disease models at the bench to mining large patient datasets for prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Across academic, industry, and postdoctoral settings, I've learned to move fluidly between generating experimental data and communicating what it means — to clinicians, statisticians, and non-technical stakeholders alike. I'm currently expanding that translational lens into biotech and medtech investment through scientific due diligence work.
02 — Experience
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Mar 2026 — Present
Business Development Fellow
H7 BioCapital · Remote
- Conduct scientific due diligence on healthcare opportunities, evaluating intellectual property, competitive landscape, and market potential to support biotech and medtech investment decisions.
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May 2024 — Present
Postdoctoral Fellow, Genomics
Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), Hackensack Meridian Health
- Direct large-scale epigenetic analysis of ~150 multiple myeloma patient samples, integrating methylation, copy-number, and gene-expression data to identify prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic liabilities.
- Use allele-specific methylation mapping and multiplexed CRISPR mutagenesis to identify functional SNPs at post-GWAS cancer and autoimmune risk loci.
- Established a framework linking inherited genetic predisposition to clinical progression in myeloma, showing acquired epigenetic changes at risk loci drive tumor evolution.
- Elucidated epigenetic pathways underlying PFOS-induced multiple myeloma susceptibility in exposed plasma cells.
- Synthesize findings into manuscripts, grant proposals, and conference presentations; collaborate closely with clinicians, statisticians, and external academic partners.
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Jan 2023 — Aug 2023
PhD R&D Co-Op, Human Systems
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
- Developed a 3D microfluidic Liver-Chip for disease modeling and drug screening in MAFLD and MASH, measuring liver enzymes and disease-relevant biomarkers.
- Validated physiological relevance of the chip via LPS-mediated inflammatory response.
- Screened a lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated siRNA therapeutic candidate, assessing target gene knockdown, pathway modulation, and beneficial effects on the disease model.
- Generated and analyzed experimental datasets that informed go/no-go decisions, communicating results to stakeholders through concise slide decks and data summaries.
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Sep 2019 — May 2025
PhD Researcher, Organ-on-Chip Lab
Stevens Institute of Technology
- Discovered osteoblast-driven signaling mechanisms in the bone marrow microenvironment that promote multiple myeloma proliferation and therapy resistance, using integrated transcriptomic and proteomic profiling.
- Developed a 3D microfluidic model simulating ascites-induced pressure in ovarian cancer, linked to elevated metastatic risk.
- Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity for adoptive cell therapy in multiple myeloma by modulating interactions between myeloma cells and non-hematopoietic stromal cells.
- Regularly presented findings to technical and non-technical audiences, from lab meetings to national conferences.
03 — Education & Honors
Education
PhD, Bioengineering
Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ · 2025
Thesis: "Optimizing multiple myeloma treatment approaches by elucidating tumor–stroma interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment." Identified key signaling pathways enhancing drug resistance in MM within the bone marrow microenvironment and optimized therapeutic approaches.
MSc, Materials Science and Engineering
Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran · 2019
Thesis: "Design, Fabrication, and Improvement of Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Hydroxyapatite-Chitosan Scaffold for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications."
BSc, Materials Science and Engineering
Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran · 2017
Thesis: "Development and Mechanical Properties of Bimodal Microstructures in Low Carbon Steel."
Honors & Awards
- $50,000 Research Grant New Jersey Health Foundation, for “Understanding the Interactions Between Multiple Myeloma Cells and Osteoblasts to Optimize Treatment Approaches” (Grant #PC 238-25)
- Runner-Up, 1-Minute Thesis Pitch Award Johnson & Johnson Engineering Showcase, 2025
- Provost Fellowship Stevens Institute of Technology — the university's most prestigious PhD scholarship
- Science Alliance Leadership Training (SALT) New York Academy of Sciences, 2022 — selected participant, leadership development workshop
04 — Publications & Presentations
Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Alshehri S, Pavlovič T, Farsinejad S, Behboodi P, et al. Extracellular Matrix Modulates Outgrowth Dynamics in Ovarian Cancer. Advanced Biology, 2022.
- Arab M, Behboodi P, et al. Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds by Magnesium and Titanium Oxides for Bone Tissue Applications. Heliyon, 2024.
- Iwanicki M, Pavlovic T, Behboodi P. Engineering Approaches in Ovarian Cancer Cell Culture. Engineering and Physical Approaches to Cancer, Current Cancer Research, Springer, Cham, 2023.
- Bokaii Hosseini Z, Rajabi F, Morovatshoar R, Ashrafpour M, Behboodi P, et al. Downregulation of LPAR1 Promotes Invasive Behavior in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Cells. Cancer Informatics, 2024.
- Aziz M, Behboodi P, Lee W. Assessing Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Against Multiple Myeloma Cells with IL-6 and sIL-6R. Journal of Student Research, 2024.
Selected Conferences & Presentations
- Behboodi P, et al. MACROD2 and CDKN2A in multiple myeloma: insights to germline susceptibility and cytogenetic risk from long-read Nanopore sequencing. ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, May 2026.
- Behboodi P, et al. Effects of PFAS on DNA methylation at human cancer susceptibility loci. ASHG Annual Meeting, Boston, October 2025.
- Behboodi P, et al. Optimizing multiple myeloma treatment approaches by elucidating tumor-stroma interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment. AACR Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, April 2025.
- Behboodi P, et al. Optimizing Multiple Myeloma Treatment. Johnson & Johnson Engineering Showcase (Poster), New Brunswick, NJ, April 2025.
- Chim SM, Howell K, ..., Behboodi P, et al. Development of Human Systems for genetic disease modeling, drug development and new biology. Human Systems, VelociGene, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, NY, 2023.
- Castano A, Rigo M, ..., Behboodi P, et al. Allele-specific methylation mapping and CRISPR mutagenesis identify functional chromatin-regulating SNPs (rSNPs) in disease risk loci. Genetics and Epigenomics Research Conference, CDI & Hackensack Meridian Health, NJ, 2024.
- Alshehri S, Pavlovič T, ..., Behboodi P, et al. Extracellular Matrix Modulates Outgrowth Dynamics in Ovarian Cancer. 48th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, Columbia University, NY, 2022.
05 — Skills
Disease Modeling & Cell Biology
Human organ-chips and organoids, immortalized and primary cell culture, 2D/3D co-culture assays, tumor microenvironment modeling, NK cell isolation and cytotoxicity assays, cell therapy, cell sorting and flow cytometry.
Molecular & Genomic Techniques
NGS and RNA-sequencing, methylation quantification (IGV, QUMA), CRISPR-based gene editing, RNAi, lentiviral transduction, plasmid cloning, PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, Luminex, MSD, ICC, confocal microscopy.
Computational & Data Analysis
R and Python for RNA-seq and multi-omic analysis, data mining using TCGA, GTEx, and GEO, biomarker and pathway analysis, electronic lab notebooks (ELN).
Translational & Strategic Insight
Preclinical efficacy and toxicity assessment, target and biomarker evaluation, patient-stratification strategy, scientific due diligence, competitive landscape analysis, and cross-functional scientific communication.
06 — Contact
Let's talk.
Open to conversations about biotech investment, translational research, and organ-on-chip science. Reach out any time.
New York Metropolitan Area