M. Rashed Khan

M. Rashed Khan is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno's Institute of Neuroscience, specializing in environmental sensor development and neuroengineering. His research bridges materials science and biomedical applications through innovative liquid metal technologies and computational modeling.

Dr. Khan's primary research focuses on Environmental Sensing and Neuroengineering. In environmental work, he pioneers liquid metal thin films and ionogels for real-time PFAS detection in water, with patent-pending technologies enabling on-site monitoring in Northern Nevada. His neuroengineering research develops patient-specific computational models using medical imaging and finite element analysis to optimize drug diffusion in heterogeneous brain tissue, advancing convection-enhanced delivery for neurological therapies.

Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal a strategic shift toward field-deployable environmental sensors and clinically translatable brain models. His PFAS detection systems integrate microfluidics and quartz sensors for rapid water testing, while neuroengineering work combines MRI data with in vitro validation to address tissue heterogeneity—demonstrating convergence of environmental health and neurological therapeutics through soft materials innovation.

Dr. Khan directs the Khan Lab, which develops soft materials for health and water technologies. Current projects include engineering low-cost PFAS sensors for community water systems and creating 3D synthetic brain platforms to study molecular dispersal. The lab's interdisciplinary approach merges liquid metal fluidics, hydrogel engineering, and computational modeling to solve critical challenges in environmental safety and neurological treatment.