Oveis Pourmehran

Dr Oveis Pourmehran

Grant-Funded Researcher (A)

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Dr Oveis Pourmehran is a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, specialising in innovative drug delivery technologies for upper airway diseases from the lense of fluid mechanics. His research journey began during his Master's programme (2013-2015), where he developed computational fluid dynamics models for magnetic drug targeting in human lungs.
 
Dr Pourmehran completed his PhD at the University of Adelaide (2017-2021) with a thesis titled "Understanding the flow behaviour in human maxillary sinuses for drug delivery applications." His groundbreaking research introduced a novel acoustic wave technique for targeted sinus drug delivery, developing a high-fidelity computational aero-acoustic model that demonstrated remarkable efficiency improvements. Building upon this foundational work, he has refined the technology and developed a prototype acoustically enhanced nebuliser (AEN) that is now being tested in an MRFF-funded first-in-human clinical trial of bacteriophage therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis (ANZCTR: ACTRN12623000542695).
 
Currently, Dr Pourmehran leads the Biomechanics Research Node (ENT-BioMech), dedicated to developing innovative drug delivery methods and devices for upper airway diseases. As Chief Investigator, he has secured over $2.1 million in competitive research funding for developing cutting-edge chronic rhinosinusitis treatment technologies. His work has gained significant recognition through various media platforms:
 
SCONA Webinar Series:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHQo9ABcBRA
 
University of Adelaide news features:
https://set.adelaide.edu.au/news/list/2022/02/18/mechanical-engineering-phd-concept-developed-for-use-in-medical-clinical
 
Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research:
https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/AU/Adelaide/321219921227571/Basil-Hetzel-Institute-for-Translational-Health-Research
 
Dr Pourmehran continues to lead transformative research bridging engineering excellence with clinical application, positioning him at the forefront of next-generation therapeutic delivery technologies.

My research focuses on developing cutting-edge drug delivery methods and devices to enhance treatment efficacy for upper airway diseases, bridging the gap between engineering principles and clinical applications in otolaryngology.

Current PhD Research Projects in ENT-BioMech Research Node

  1. Magnetic Drug Targeting Systems

Development of magnetic drug targeting systems to improve drug delivery to paranasal sinuses through targeted delivery approaches. This research employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling to optimise system design, followed by in-vitro experiments to evaluate and refine the concept.

  1. Intranasal Drug Delivery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) Treatment

Investigation of aerosol charged drug delivery systems, ranging from traditional irrigation methods to advanced charged aerosols. This project compares the efficacy of charged aerosol drug delivery with conventional drug delivery methods in the context of sinonasal treatment.

  1. Empty Nose Syndrome Aetiology Investigation

Combining perceptions research with computational modelling to investigate the aetiology of Empty Nose Syndrome. This multidisciplinary approach aims to resolve long-standing debates surrounding ENS syndrome causation.

  1. Nasal Airflow Optimisation

Using CFD modelling and in-vitro studies to analyse the effects of various virtual surgeries on nasal airflow behaviour. This research aims to optimise surgical approaches for treating nasal congestion, CRS management, and improving drug delivery outcomes.

  1. Bio-mimetic Sinonasal Cavity Model

Development of a comprehensive sinonasal cavity model that accurately mimics real-world anatomy and biological features, including mucus and epithelial layer characteristics and infection patterns. This realistic model will enhance drug delivery device design and optimisation processes.

Additional Research Areas

Acoustic and Music-Based Drug Delivery
  • The power of music in sinonasal drug delivery
  • Acoustic drug delivery to paranasal sinuses
  • Development of mesh nebulisers for improved sinus drug delivery
Advanced Surgical Modelling and Drug Delivery
  • Virtual endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) with subsequent airflow analysis and particle tracking
Specialised Delivery System Development
  • Nasal irrigation flow dynamics evaluation with Eustachian tube involvement assessment using CFD approaches (part 1 has been completed through an Honours Project)
  • Sinus drug delivery assessment using 3D models, FITC, and SPECT imaging

Research Methodologies and Technical Capabilities

Our research employs state-of-the-art techniques and methodologies, including:

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for airflow analysis and optimisation
  • Discrete Phase Modelling (DPM-CFD) for particle tracking studies
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural and mechanical analysis
  • Signal Processing for acoustic-based delivery systems
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modelling for device development
  • Medical Imaging Processing using 3D Slicer and advanced reconstruction software
  • Advanced Manufacturing through cutting-edge 3D printing technology, including FUSETEC systems

Research Impact

The ENT-BioMech research node represents a unique intersection of biomedical engineering and clinical ENT practice, with the potential to transform treatment approaches for upper airway diseases through innovative drug delivery solutions and enhanced surgical techniques..

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  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2025 - ongoing Senior Research Fellow (Lecturer) The University of Adelaide
    2021 - 2025 Postdoctoral Research Fellow The University of Adelaide
    2017 - 2021 PhD candidate The University of Adelaide
    2016 - 2017 Lecturer Golestan Institute of Higher Education
    2015 - 2017 Lecturer Islamic Azad University of Gorgan
    2015 - 2017 Researcher Young Researchers and Elites Club

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2025 Award Adelaide Medical School Research Travel Awards The University of Adelaide Australia $1,500
    2024 Award Adelaide Medical School Research Travel Awards The University of Adelaide Australia $1,500
    2023 Scholarship 2023 THRFG BHI Conference and Travel Grant The Hospital Research Foundation Group Australia $750
    2021 Award Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2020 Award ECMS High-Impact publication in the sector of "Health Solutions" The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2020 Award Frank Perry Travelling Scholarship in Engineering The University of Adelaide Australia $1,500
    2017 Scholarship Beacon of Enlightenment PhD Scholarship The University of Adelaide Australia $90,000
    2015 Award Distinguished Graduated Student National Elite Foundation Iran, Islamic Republic of -

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    2017 - 2021 The University of Adelaide Australia PhD
    2013 - 2015 Babol Noshirvani University of Technology Iran M.Sc

  • Certifications
    Date Title Institution name Country
    2019 ANSYS Fluids Academic Training at University of Adelaide LEAP Australia Pty Ltd Leading Engineering Application Providers Australia
    2018 2 Day FEA and CFD ANSYS Academic Training at the University of Adelaide LEAP Australia Pty Ltd Leading Engineering Application Providers Australia

  • Research Interests
    Acoustics Biomechanics Biomedical Engineering Computational Fluid Dynamics Computational Heat Transfer Fluidisation and Fluid Mechanics Heat and Mass Transfer Operations Respiratory System Translational Health Outcomes

 

Grant Title Scheme and Year Chief Investigators Amount Awarded
The AIRSPACE Trial: AntI-MRSA PhAge Cocktail treatment via Acoustic Enhanced Nebulisers

NHMRC Medical Research Future Fund #2014977

(2022-2026)

 Wormald, Vreudge, Psaltis, Morales, Pourmehran, Cazzolato, Arjomandi, Louise, Schubert $1,712,000
Acoustic Drug Delivery for CRS Treatment

Passe & Williams Foundation - Conjoint Grant

(2022-2025)

 Wormald, Pourmehran $375,000
Adelaide Medical School Research Equipment Grants

Equipment Grants

(2024)

 Pourmehran $5,000
DVCR Research Small Equipment Grant

Research Small Equipment Support

(2024)

 Pourmehran $8,590
Total  $2,100,590

 

 

2025, CFD for Engineering Applications_MECH ENG 4111 & 7045 Combined, Guest Lecturer, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide


2025, CFD for Engineering Applications_MECH ENG 4111 & 7045 Combined, Tutorial, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide

2025, Finite Element Analysis of Structures_MECH ENG 4118 & 7059 combined, Tutorial and co-coordination, assessment, veting, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide

2025, Honours Project Part B_MECH ENG 4143B, Co-supervisor, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide

2024, Honours Project Part A_MECH ENG 4143A, Co-supervisor, School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide

2024, Honours Dental Research Project Part 2_DENT 4400B, Co-supervisor, Dental School, The University of Adelaide

2023, Honours Dental Research Project Part 1_DENT 4400A, Co-supervisor, Dental School, The University of Adelaide

2023-25, CFD Applications in Respiratory Biomechanics (HDR training), Lecturer, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide 

2023-25, Virtual Surgery Skills for CFD Simulation (HDR training), Lecturer, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide 

2019-2020, CFD for Engineering Applications_MECH ENG 4111 & 7045 Combined, Teacher Assistant, School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide

2019, Applied Aerodynamics_MECH ENG 3101, Teacher Assistant, School of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Adelaide

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2025 Principal Supervisor Engineering a Biocompatible Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) For Nasal Drug Delivery: Insights from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Models Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Nikzad Abbariki
    2025 Principal Supervisor Core-Silica Coated Mesoporous Nanoparticles for Enhanced Drug Delivery in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Treatment Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Sara Aghili
    2024 Principal Supervisor A comprehensive Study of magnetic drug targeting in human maxillary sinuses for drug delivery applications Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Kavan Zarei
    2024 Principal Supervisor A comprehensive numerical and experimental study of transport phenomena in nebulizer drug delivery targeting paranasal sinuses Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Alireza Meymivand
    2024 Principal Supervisor Applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to understand the flow behavior in patients with Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Jun Xiao

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2024 - ongoing Co-Supervisor Evaluating Nasal Irrigation Flow Dynamics and Eustachian Tube Involvement: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Honours Part Time Syed Ahmed Luqman, Daniel Jungyun Kim, Danielle Zafiropoulos,
    2023 - 2024 Co-Supervisor High-resolution image assessment of the mandibular canal morphology in CT images. The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Dental Surgery Honours Full Time Aaditya Mangla
    2023 - ongoing Principal Supervisor Development of nebuliser device for clinical trial The University of Adelaide Research Assistance, and Internship Other Part Time Uri Hauben

  • Mentoring
    Date Topic Location Name
    2023 - ongoing The effect of functional endoscopic sinus surgery on nasal obstruction using computational fluid dynamics The University of Adelaide Isabella Amy Burdon
  • Position: Grant-Funded Researcher (A)
  • Phone: 0881334003
  • Email: oveis.pourmehran@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: TQEH- Basil Hetzel Institute
  • Org Unit: Surgical Specialities
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