Mina Yazdi

• Developed and optimized non-viral delivery systems (polyplexes, LNPs, conjugates) for therapeutic RNAs (siRNA, mRNA, poly IC, RIG-I, foldamer), proteins, and small molecules (methotrexate, doxorubicin, pretubulysin, phyllobilins) • Performed physicochemical characterization and functional evaluation of nanoparticles • Designed and performed animal experiments • Optimized formulation efficacy by improving stability, using targeting strategy, and combination therapeutic approaches • Established and validated novel protocol for endosomal escape quantification • Collaborated with external research groups on NK cell-mediated immunity, CAR T/NK cell therapy, RNA delivery, and endothelial cell targeting projects • Analyzed data and independently wrote manuscripts, reviews, and reports for publication and joint projects • Published 12 peer-reviewed papers, including five first-author (one also corresponding) and one corresponding-author publications • Supervised bachelor (#1) and master students (#2); contributed to theoretical and practical teaching activities

• Conducted molecular & cell biology techniques for gene expression analysis related to inflammatory response and tumor cell growth • Interpreted experimental data and prepared scientific reports and manuscripts

• Contributed to the development and production of nucleic acid extraction kits for diverse biological samples (human, animal, bacterial, and viral) • Optimized DNA/RNA isolation workflows and validated product performance for research and diagnostic use

• Conducted molecular & cell biology techniques • Supported data analysis, experimental design, and report preparation for preclinical toxicology/pharmacology studies

Thesis: Dynamic nanosystems tailored for therapeutic RNA or protein delivery; supervised by Prof. Ernst Wagner

Thesis: Evaluation of the effect of curcumin on the expression level of CD44 as a marker of cancer stem cells in human colon and lung cancer cell lines; supervised by Prof. Parviz Shayan