Massooma Pirbhai

Dr. Masooma Pirbhai's research is at the interface of physics and biology. It focuses on developing single- walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) based nanosensors that can control the specialization of neural stem cells turning to neural cells namely neurons and astrocytes; a process known as differentiation. The electrical conductivity, strong mechanical properties, and similar morphological characteristics of SWCNTs to neurons make it promising as therapies for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The implementation of nanosensors has, however, been hindered because we do not understand how SWCNTs interact with cells. One of the goals of my research is to characterize and create a model for this interaction.

Dr. Pirbhai has been teaching in the St. Lawrence Physics department since 2020. 

Fall 2024 Courses:

• Phys 151: University Physics with Lab
• Phys 151L: Lab for University Physics
• Phys 221: Modern Physics with Lab
• Phys 489/498: SYE Advanced Laboratory/Honors Research

Spring 2024 Courses:

• On sabbatical - Spring 2024