Have you met… Seyed Amirhossein (Amir) Tabatabaei Dakhili?

Image of Seyed Amirhossein (Amir) Tabatabaei Dakhili

Seyed Amirhossein (Amir) Tabatabaei Dakhili has recently joined the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta as an assistant professor. With a strong academic foundation in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry and a background as a practicing pharmacist, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to his research and teaching.

Passionate about pushing the boundaries of research and education in drug discovery, Tabatabaei is excited to contribute to the U of A's thriving research community while inspiring the next generation of pharmacy professionals.

You finished your PhD and postdoctoral research here at the U of A. What does it mean to you to now be an assistant professor in the faculty?

Being appointed as an assistant professor here at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences truly feels like a lifelong dream come true. Having completed both my PhD and postdoctoral research here, I’ve developed a deep connection with the faculty and the community. This place has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey. Now, stepping into a faculty role, I see it as an opportunity to give back and contribute to the vibrant intellectual environment that has given so much to me. I'm excited to push the boundaries of research and education in drug discovery and hope to inspire a new generation of scientists just as I was inspired here.

What can you tell us about your relevant non-academic work (for example, have you worked as a pharmacist?)

That's a great question. I actually started out as a pharmacist back in my home country. Working directly with patients there gave me a real sense of what they need and how I could help, which really shaped my approach to healthcare. However, over the years, as I was doing my master's, PhD, and later postdoctoral studies, my career path shifted more toward research and academia. Even though I'm not practicing anymore, the hands-on experiences and patient interactions from my early days are still very precious to me. And now that I'm establishing my career here in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, I'm excited to reconnect with my roots by obtaining my Canadian pharmacist license. I plan to practice at least one day a week. This will not only help me stay connected to the practical aspects of pharmacy but also ensure that I bring real-world experiences to my classroom and research.

What are some of the strengths you bring that will help your students find success in their classes and graduate studies?

I might not consider it a strength per se, but as a teacher and mentor, I strongly emphasize helping students discover answers on their own. I believe the process of discovery is a critical part of learning, so I focus on guiding them: whether through asking thought-provoking questions, suggesting resources or encouraging them to explore different approaches. This method not only boosts their confidence but also sharpens their problem-solving skills.

As a digital painting artist, I also encourage my students to present their work in visually appealing and creative ways. Whether they're putting together slides for a presentation or crafting figures for a manuscript, I push for that extra touch of style and am there to help them achieve it. I also try to create a supportive and engaging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring ideas. Ultimately, my goal is to help students to reach their full potential while supporting them every step of the way.

How have your mentors influenced your academic and professional journey?

Carlos Velázquez, my PhD supervisor, had a remarkable way of making complex topics both fun and memorable. His dynamic teaching style brought medicinal chemistry to life, making it not just understandable but genuinely exciting. His enthusiasm and unique approach to explaining concepts left a lasting impression on me shaping the way I think about and engage with science.

John Ussher, my postdoctoral supervisor and mentor, is someone I owe a lifetime of gratitude. Wherever I am standing today is because of him. He wasn’t just a mentor; he was a true source of inspiration. John believed in me at times when I doubted myself and encouraged me to take on ambitious projects that helped me grow both as a scientist and as a person. He taught me that success isn’t just about achievements in the lab but also about the relationships and values we build along the way. His impact is something I carry with me every day, and I try to honor his legacy in the way I teach and mentor my own students in the future.

What is your area of research?

During my postdoctoral fellowship, I investigated how type 2 diabetes affects the body's energy utilization and developed a new drug that could pioneer a novel class of medications by restoring metabolic balance.  Building on that success, in my new role I've shifted my focus. Instead of correcting energy imbalances as I did in my diabetes research, I'm now looking to disrupt the energy balance in bacteria and parasites. These organisms depend heavily on their energy processes to survive and grow. By employing computer modeling and artificial intelligence, we are designing drugs that specifically interfere with these processes, effectively cutting off their power supply and offering a new way to tackle drug-resistant infections.