Vasant Iyer, advised by Professors Firooz Aflatouni and David Issadore works as a postdoc working with implantable and wearable medical devices at Northwestern University.
“My focus is on developing miniaturized circuits that decompose naturally after their intended lifespan,” Iyer says. Examples of this work include “temporary wireless pacemakers that help infants recover from congenital heart defect repair surgery and then dissolve after a few weeks, avoiding the need for a second surgery.”
According to Iyer, his transition from Penn to Northwestern proved relatively seamless regarding technical skills.
“In fact, I use the exact same circuit design tools that I used in the EPM Lab, and many of the same tools that I used in the Singh Center,” Iyer says. “That strong background has helped me carve a unique niche for myself within the new group.”
Composed of 50 PhD students and postdocs, Iyer’s group at Northwestern University includes those from diverse research backgrounds.
“I’ve had a lot of chances to learn new things about materials science, chemistry, medicine, and technology commercialization,” Iyer says. “I’ve also had to grow more comfortable with directing my own research projects and mentoring a small team of undergraduate and master’s students, both of which will hopefully serve me well later in my career too.”
Beyond his current research, Iyer is working with both Professor Issadore and Professor Aflatouni, as well as other collaborators at Penn, to publish the final chapters of his dissertation into a manuscript.
“We shared a preprint version last year and hope to see a peer-reviewed version in print very soon.”
When Iyer’s not working, he enjoys taking long runs along the Lake Michigan shoreline. “I’ve also made new friends from the local running club.”
In addition, Iyer enjoys exploring Chicago’s arts and culture. Though Iyer reports missing his favorite Philly spots, particularly those where sports fans gather. “Fortunately, I did find my way to an Eagles-allied bar last year where I celebrated our Super Bowl triumph with a massive crowd of other Philly expats.”
Learn more about Iyer’s work here