Saman Sargolzaei

Saman Sargolzaei’s research on brain connectome, or comprehensive map of neural connections, particularly in patients with epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease, could one day shed new light on these elusive neurological disorders.

Born and raised in Zahedan, Iran, Saman started his Ph.D. studies at FIU in August 2012 along with his brother Arman and his sister-in-law Shirin Noei. He previously graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Babol Norshirvani University and master’s degree from Tehran Polytechnic.

His doctoral dissertation on intracranial volume estimation and brain connectivity networks combines knowledge of neuroscience, mathematics and statistics, and carries significant practical implications. Saman’s research under the mentorship of Professor Malek Adjouadi has significantly impacted diagnosis and treatment procedures for pediatric epilepsy. Saman and Adjouadi’s research through the Center for Advanced Technology and Education (CATE), in collaboration with Baptist Hospital, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Mount Sinai Medical Center, has improved guidelines for accurately gauging brain atrophy and other structural changes. His research appeared in five highly ranked journals and peer reviewed international conferences sponsored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Saman, who has a 4.0 GPA, also has stood out as a student leader. He has been a graduate assistant, participated in the Student Government Association and served on various student committees and boards. He was recently honored as the FIU 2015 Outstanding Graduate Student Leader of the Year.

Saman calls his parents, Setareh Sargolzaei and Masoud Sargolzaei, and Adjouadi his biggest inspirations.