Dr. Mahmood (Mike) Kassam

Over the past three decades, Mike Kassam has been deeply involved in the design and development of numerous medical devices, specializing in non-invasive medical diagnostic and monitoring techniques and integrated biomedical sensors and transducers. He was first introduced to this specialty during his fourth-year capstone project, when a professor recruited him to help develop an automated portable blood pressure measuring system, a device that was almost non-existent at the time. Although Kassam initially struggled to overcome the design challenges, he eventually developed a successful working prototype – an experience that “paved my pathway,” he says.

Kassam’s undergraduate studies also inspired his passion for teaching. “Two professors changed my life,” says Kassam. “They taught in a way where you could feel the passion. Looking back at my career, the areas I am most interested in are directly related to what they taught.” Now as a professor, Kassam tries to emulate his former professors’ style. He routinely evolves his courses and readily adapts his lectures on the fly to keep students engaged. “I always want my students to be hungry to learn and striving for excellence,” says Kassam.