Shalini Prasad

Dr. Shalini Prasad is the Cecil H. and Ida Green Professor in Systems Biology Science and Associate Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. She also holds an adjunct professorship in Physics at Portland State University. Her research focuses on developing nanomaterial-based biosensors for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and public health applications. She leads the Biomedical Microdevices and Nanotechnology Lab, which has supported over 50 researchers across graduate and undergraduate levels.

Dr. Prasad earned her PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Riverside (2004) and B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the University of Madras (2000). Her career includes roles at Portland State University, Arizona State University, and Wichita State University. She has received prestigious awards, including the Bomhoff Distinguished Professorship and the Cecil Green Professorship, and holds over 30 peer-reviewed publications.

Her research interests emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to create affordable, portable diagnostic tools for diseases like cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disorders, as well as environmental sensors for soil health and water quality. Recent work includes wearable devices for monitoring inflammatory bowel disease and asthma, saliva-based THC detection, and low-cost CO₂/humidity sensors.

Awards:

• Graduate Student Research Award (2004)
• Bomhoff Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering
• Cecil H. and Ida Green Professorship

Advising & Grants: Dr. Prasad’s lab has secured funding from federal agencies and corporate partners, supporting projects like the SWEAT wearable for chronic inflammation tracking and soil health sensors. Her work bridges engineering, biology, and clinical applications, with a focus on translational technologies.

Labs/Teams: Director of the Biomedical Microdevices and Nanotechnology Lab, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects with industry and academic partners.