Waseem Asghar

Dr. Waseem Asghar serves as Associate Chair and Professor in both the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Department of Biomedical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University. Leading the Micro and Nanotechnology in Medicine Lab, his research develops revolutionary point-of-care diagnostic platforms for HIV, Zika, Ebola, cancer, and fertility applications. His work bridges engineering innovation with clinical impact, focusing on disposable, refrigeration-free technologies deployable in resource-limited settings worldwide.

Dr. Asghar earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Arlington and previously held a position at Harvard University before joining FAU. His educational background underpins his interdisciplinary approach to biomedical device development.

His research program centers on microfluidics and biosensors for decentralized diagnostics. Key projects include NIH-funded CD4+ T cell counters for HIV monitoring, smartphone-integrated Zika detectors for airport screening, and self-regulating CSF shunt devices developed with Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The lab specializes in paper-based microfluidics and flexible substrates that enable multiplexed biotarget detection without complex instrumentation. Recent work emphasizes eliminating cold-chain requirements for viral load testing and creating home-based semen analysis tools.

Dr. Asghar's publication portfolio demonstrates consistent high-impact contributions in point-of-care diagnostics. His work spans infectious disease detection (Ebola, HIV, Zika), cancer diagnostics (circulating tumor cells), and reproductive health (sperm analysis), frequently appearing in journals like Nature Scientific Reports, Biotechnology Advances, and ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. The research shows a clear trajectory toward field-deployable, low-cost solutions validated in clinical environments.

His scientific recognition includes:

• NSF CAREER Award (2020)
• FAU Researcher of the Year (2020, 2023)
• ASEE SE New Faculty Researcher Award (2020)
• Engineers’ Council Outstanding STEM Educator Award (2018)
• Humanity in Science Award (2016)
• FAU Mentoring Award (2015)

Dr. Asghar actively mentors PhD and Master's students, with recent graduates including Amy Makler (2023), Kabir and Bob (2021), and Mazhar Sher (2020). His NIH-funded projects provide robust research support, while industry collaborations ensure real-world relevance. Students regularly win awards for poster presentations and leadership, reflecting the lab's emphasis on professional development alongside technical excellence.

The Micro and Nanotechnology in Medicine Lab operates as a dynamic interdisciplinary hub where electrical engineers, biomedical researchers, and computer scientists collaborate. The team focuses on translating lab innovations into deployable solutions, evidenced by media coverage from ABC, NPR, and Cheddar News. Current efforts target commercialization of Zika detection devices and HIV viral load assays, with strong emphasis on global health equity through accessible diagnostics.