Kiarash Aramesh

Kiarash Aramesh, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and Earth and Environmental Sciences at Pennsylvania Western (PennWest) University, where he also serves as Director of the James F. Drane Bioethics Institute. He holds an MD and a PhD in Healthcare Ethics, combining clinical practice expertise with bioethical scholarship. Previously, he worked as a Visiting Scholar at Duquesne University's Center for Healthcare Ethics (2017-18) and the NIH Department of Bioethics (2013-14), and as faculty at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2005-2017).

His research focuses on bioethics, particularly the intersection of Islamic jurisprudence and medical ethics. Key themes include the science-pseudoscience debate in healthcare, biopolitical influences on public health policies, and ethical challenges in clinical research. His work critically examines issues like abortion regulation, vaccine distribution ethics, and traditional medicine practices through cross-cultural and religious lenses.

Dr. Aramesh has authored over 100 publications, including books and peer-reviewed articles addressing topics such as surrogacy ethics, brain death legislation, and global health governance frameworks. His interdisciplinary approach integrates philosophy, law, and empirical research to address contemporary bioethical dilemmas.

He has advised numerous research initiatives in Iran and the US, focusing on ethical standards in animal research, medical professionalism, and healthcare equity. His current projects explore the ethical implications of emerging technologies in medicine and the role of religious pluralism in bioethical policymaking.