Portrait of Sophia Hessami. Sophia Hessami earned her bachelor’s degree in biological engineering with a minor in chemistry and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in biological engineering at Utah State University. Her undergraduate experience was marked by several achievements, including being named a Goldwater Scholar, an honor awarded to top student researchers nationwide who demonstrate exceptional potential for leadership in their fields. She also received the 2025 Scholar of the Year Award from USU’s Robin Awards and was asked to speak at the College of Engineering Commencement. Hessami’s most recent research focuses on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease in which the tissue supporting the retina deteriorates and damages photoreceptors—cells responsible for capturing light and enabling visual processing—ultimately leading to vision loss. Her work studies how ultraviolet (UV) light impacts retinal support cells, providing insight into early changes linked to age-related macular degeneration. Through her research, Hessami has developed strong skills in experimental design, documentation, troubleshooting, and laboratory leadership, as well as experience using advanced technologies. One example is her work with microfluidic devices, which are widely used in disease modeling and pharmaceutical development. On a personal level, she notes that perseverance has been one of the most valuable lessons she has learned. “Failure is a critical stepping stone to success,” she shared. “Without it, groundbreaking scientific discoveries would not be possible.” Now a master’s student at Utah State University, Hessami plans to continue her research on AMD and, upon graduating, intends to pursue a career in medicine that bridges engineering-driven research and patient-centered care.
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