Last word with Amir Farnoud

Amir Farnoud is an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, actively researching, among other areas, the delivery of drug treatments to a desired target only, like cancer tumors, using nanoparticles. Fulfilling work, but Farnoud also wanted to demystify this research field and share it with the world. So, he created a podcast about nanotechnology suitable for the general public, learning as he went how podcasts are produced. NanoTalks launches in the fall. Farnoud’s risk paid off.

Ohio Today wondered about the man behind this gamble, who took a risk and learned something new. An excerpt of our interview follows.

Who was your favorite teacher? Why?

Julie Jessop. She was only my teacher for half a semester (in graduate school), but I was lucky enough to be her teaching assistant four times. Even now, sometimes when I’m unsure how to deal with teaching challenges, I ask myself, “What would Julie do?”

What was your favorite toy growing up?

I don’t think I had a favorite toy growing up, but when I was a teenager, the chess board become my favorite toy! Sometimes my cousins and I would stay up all night playing chess!

How would your friends describe you?

A workaholic coffee addict!

What do you do to “recharge your batteries”?

Exercise. I work out nearly every day, and I do it more for mental health than for physical health.

If you could pick a new first name, what would it be? 

Not sure…I like my name, so I probably wouldn’t change it.

How do you lift yourself up after you’ve had a set back?

I get a good espresso drink with a sugary treat and just think. Usually I take out a piece of paper and write down all my professional achievements and future goals. Seeing the sense of purpose and past achievements is usually enough to calm myself.

What is your favorite place on campus to be alone?

I don’t have a favorite place. But, I like walking around campus while listening to music.

What three people would you invite for dinner?

Robert Langer (biomedical researcher), Anatoly Karpov (retired chess player and former world chess champion), and Brian Lehrer (radio show host). They each represent one important aspect of my life.

Feature photograph by Ellee Achten, BSJ ’14, MA ’17