Engineering Impact
By Victor Romao
Dr. Arezoo Emadi, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, looks on as Dr. Haleh Nazemi examines the novel micromachined (MEMS) sensor she fabricated using advanced micro- and nano-fabrication techniques for cancer detection research. | Photo by John-Paul Bonadonna.
With support from the Liburdi Engineering Doctoral Fellowship, Haleh Nazemi transformed groundbreaking research in biomedical sensors into real-world impact — and is now mentoring the next generation of engineers.
When Haleh Nazemi began her PhD in electrical engineering at the University of Windsor, she wasn’t just pursuing academic excellence — she was determined to make a difference.
Her drive to create meaningful change led her to focus her doctoral research on developing advanced microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor technologies — specifically, capacitive-based gas sensors designed for biomedical applications such as early lung cancer detection.
This innovative work was made possible through the Liburdi Engineering Doctoral Fellowship.
“The Liburdi Fellowship provided foundational support throughout my PhD,” said Dr. Nazemi.
“It gave me the freedom to dedicate time to advancing my ideas in medical sensor technology and to pursue complementary training that supports my future role in mentoring and teaching.”
Since completing her PhD in electrical engineering at the University of Windsor in 2025, Nazemi has co-founded Anthea Technologies, a startup specializing in pest detection sensors for greenhouse environments.
She also leads lab operations for core undergraduate engineering courses at the University, mentoring the next generation of engineers.
“As a woman in engineering, receiving the fellowship showed that diverse contributions are valued,” said Nazemi. “It has been truly invaluable for both me and my family, giving me the confidence and encouragement to keep going. It’s an opportunity to contribute to society through my research.”
Nazemi’s journey reflects the essence of the Liburdi Fellowship: empowering students not just to succeed academically, but to innovate, lead and give back.
The fellowship was established by Joe Liburdi (BASc ’67), whose own student experience at the University of Windsor laid the foundation for a career defined by technical innovation and entrepreneurial success. As president of Liburdi Engineering Limited, Liburdi filed 12 patents in five years and built a global reputation for excellence.
His commitment to supporting future engineers began in 1997 with the Carlo and Domenica Liburdi Memorial Award, named in honour of his parents. Over the years, his generosity expanded to include investments in teaching labs and the creation of the Liburdi Engineering Doctoral Fellowship.
"As a woman in engineering, receiving the fellowship showed that diverse contributions are valued."
Haleh Nazemi
Haleh Nazemi instructs students during her time as a graduate assistant. | Photo by Peter Marval.
Recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the dean of the Faculty of Engineering, based on academic excellence and the potential to drive meaningful change through research in materials or biomedical engineering — fields that align with the innovative mission of the Liburdi Group of Companies.
“This fellowship carries forward the vision and generosity of Mr. Liburdi,” Nazemi said. “It empowered me to achieve significant milestones in my work and now I hope to provide the same kind of encouragement to other students and young innovators.”
As she continues to refine her sensor technology and expand its applications in healthcare and beyond, Nazemi embodies the future Liburdi hoped to build — a future where engineers are equipped not only with knowledge, but with the support to turn ideas into impact.