UCL Mechanical Engineering Researcher Hamta Majd Wins Maryam Mirzakhani Persia Scholarship

UCL Mechanical Engineering PhD student Hamta Majd has won the Maryam Mirzakhani Persia Scholarship for Women.

Hamta Majd, a doctoral researcher at UCL Mechanical Engineering has been recognised for her academic excellence with a Maryam Mirzakhani Persia Scholarship, awarded to her this month. Hamta is the sixth recipient of the prize, which was established in remembrance of the first woman to win the Fields Medal in mathematics, Dr Maryam Mirzakhani, and aims to provide empowerment to women of Iranian descent studying STEM subjects.

Specialising in biomedical engineering, Hamta has undertaken a range of multidisciplinary research during her time at the Edirisinghe Biomaterials Processing Laboratory, including collaborations with academics from the University of Sheffield, Hacettepe University, as well as other UCL departments such as the School of Pharmacy. She has also worked as a volunteer serving individuals with special needs and taught as a Senior Postgraduate Teaching Assistant. Hamta is also a supervisor for student projects, providing undergraduates academic guidance and technical support to their research projects.

Hamta’s current research involves the study of core-sheath fibres, especially in the production of wound healing bandages and drug delivery. Most recently, she has been featured in the Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology for her paper titled “Optimised release of tetracycline hydrochloride from core-sheath fibres produced by pressurised gyration”.

On winning the scholarship, Hamta said: “This is an incredible achievement that I am truly grateful for. I feel honoured to be recognised with such a prestigious award that not only supports my academic pursuits but also celebrates the accomplishments of women in engineering.”

“Maryam Mirzakhani's legacy is an inspiration to me, and I am humbled to be associated with her name. I would like to thank the Persia Educational Foundation committee for this fantastic opportunity. My sincere appreciation also goes to my supervisor, Professor Mohan Edirisinghe, whose unwavering support and guidance has been invaluable during my PhD.”

Hamta's achievement marked another year of success for our PhD students, after Dr Ayda Afshar's first win in 2022.