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Mona Minkara

Tenure-Track Professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University

Dr. Mona Minkara is an accomplished scientist and educator serving as a Tenure-Track Professor of Bioengineering and Affiliated Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University College of Engineering.1 Her academic journey and professional achievements are notable, especially considering her visual impairment.

Background and Education

Dr. Minkara grew up with macular degeneration and cone-rod dystrophy, which affected her vision. Despite these challenges, she pursued a path of academic excellence.1 She completed her undergraduate studies at Wellesley College, where she double-majored in Middle Eastern Studies and Chemistry.1 Dr. Minkara then went on to earn her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Florida.1

Research and Expertise

Dr. Minkara's research focuses on using computer simulations to understand chemical interactions at the air-water interface inside the lungs.1 Her work aims to engineer improved treatments and methods of drug delivery. She is particularly interested in:

  • Pioneering computational models to reveal molecular insights of surfactant proteins at interfaces
  • Driving advanced drug delivery by engineering synthetic pulmonary surfactants
  • Studying interfacial properties of surfactants, water surface tension, and supercritical fluids using computational methods1

Professional Experience

Before joining Northeastern University in August 2019, Dr. Minkara held the following positions:

  • Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Minnesota (June 2015 - June 2019)
  • Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Florida (August 2010 - June 2015)
  • Research Assistant at Wellesley College (June 2009 - August 2010)1

Advocacy and Impact

Dr. Minkara is not only focused on her research but also on creating opportunities for future blind scientists. She advocates for diverse perspectives in the scientific community and is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists.1 Her efforts in this area include:

  • Giving speeches at important events, such as the United Nations, about the need for visually impaired people in the field of science2
  • Involvement with Chemists with Disabilities (CWD), a committee of the American Chemical Society3

Recent Achievements

In June 2024, Dr. Minkara was honored with the NSF CAREER Award for her project "Decoding the Code of Glycan-Collectin Interactions," further recognizing her contributions to the field of bioengineering.4

Highlights

Jun 5 · linkedin

I am excited to announce that I have been honored with the NSF CAREER Award for my project, "Decoding the Code of Glycan-Collectin Interactions." This award will support my research on surfactant proteins and their interactions with glycans, impacting the field of biomedical engineering.

This achievement reflects the consistent support and inspiration I have received from the National Science Foundation (NSF) throughout my scientific journey. From my early exposure to the NSF through "The Magic School Bus" as a child, to receiving NSF REU awards during my undergraduate years, and being awarded the NSF GRFP as a graduate student, this recognition as an assistant professor marks a significant milestone. I am truly grateful for the opportunities that the NSF has given me.

I am deeply thankful to the NSF for fostering my scientific development and providing me with opportunities to contribute to our understanding of the world. Additionally, I want to extend my gratitude to Northeastern University and President Aoun for the recognition at the Academic Honors Convocation 2024.

#NSFCAREERAward #Science #Bioengineering #Research #NSF #BiomedicalEngineering #Northeastern

Mar 1 · linkedin

I was invited by Tumble Media to contribute to their exciting NSF-funded research project. This innovative project asks, can podcasts be used as a tool to engage blind and partially sighted students in STEM fields, focusing on representation and accessibility? For my part, I recorded a podcast with the wonderful Lindsay Patterson and Marshall Escamilla. Reflecting how I can describe my job as a computation chemist to kids, I realized- I’m a Molecular Detective!

It is critical to demonstrate that blind individuals are active contributors to STEM, and I am grateful for this platform. We are taught that science must be observable, through eyesight. However, observation is so much more than sight! By sharing my experience as a Molecular Detective, I talk about asking the questions and following the clues that our bodies tell us about lung surfactant. All of this is happening on such a tiny scale, no one can “see” these molecules with their regular eyesight, anyway!

Thanks again to Tumble Media. Big shout out to the other contributors, Amy Bower, Trevor Attenberg, Yuma Antoine DECAUX, Andrew Leland & Simon Fischer-Baum, and Robert Englebretson. Thanks to Associated Universities Inc, Oregon State University, and Independence Science, who are partners on this incredible, accessible project.   Link to my podcast with the project: https://lnkd.in/eciX5Xrt

Link to Press Release from Tumble Media: https://lnkd.in/ebzAcwV7

Related Questions

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Mona Minkara
Mona Minkara, photo 1
Mona Minkara, photo 2
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Experience

Tenure-Track Professor of Bioengineering, Affiliated Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Northeastern University (August 2019 - Present)
Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Minnesota (June 2015 - June 2019)

Education

PhD in Physical Chemistry from University of Florida (2010 - 2015); Bachelor's degrees in Chemistry and Middle Eastern Studies from Wellesley College (2005 - 2009)

Location

Boston, Massachusetts, United States