Morehouse School of Med PhD Hacks Cancer, Fuel, Prosthetics | Aims to Build Biotech Lab

Sharif Morsalin is a master of biology and is working on multiple projects to help people everywhere, from cancer research to prosthetic devices. He also has a background working with startups and is even working on starting his own biotechnology laboratory. Check him out and see how he’s making waves in the bio world.

What are you currently working on outside of class?
I have received my Bachelors of Science in Biology as well as my Masters of Science in Biology. Currently, I am working towards obtaining a PhD in the field of Biomedical Sciences. Outside of my research, there are several independent projects I am engaged in. These include ferrite drug delivery in certain cancers, and upper limb prosthetic designed for amputees. In the field of cancer, there are many techniques of targeted drug delivery. Using nano-ferrite materials may be one such a way to target tumors in specific cancers. This type of targeting will allow for decreased drug usage, which will lessen overall side effects on the whole body. As for the upper limb prosthetic, many individuals have upper limb amputation for various reasons from accidents to wars. My invention, Pneumatic Upper-Extremity Prosthetic Device, will allow an individual to manipulate a wide range of daily use objects with ease while being economical and easy to use by the individual.

What startup/tech projects have you worked on?
Previously, a startup I have worked on was for a fuel enhancing additive for gas and diesel engines (Morsa Industries/CEO). About couple of years ago, when the gas prices sky rocketed, I set upon a direction to try to help the situation. After looking at the combustion properties of a car engine, I discovered how wasteful the common engine is at burning fuel. Therefore, using my background in chemistry, I developed a product that increased vaporization rate of the fuel. My product also increased the levels of oxygen available chemically to burn the gasoline more efficiently. Other previous projects of mine include cost-effective hydrophobic coatings, and fire resistant foam coatings.

What tech/tools are essential to you?
In order to perform at my best, essential tools consist of a sketchpad, a laptop, and my phone.

What are your best technical or creative skills?
My skills are in the field of molecular biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, and electrical engineering. I enjoy modifying current technology to develop new ideas using theories from biology, chemistry, and physics.

What’s next on your list to learn?
My next mission of interest it is to learn Android programming. Then I can attach some of my current technologies with mobile applications.

Interested in working for a startup, mid-sized company, or a corporate giant?
I am interested in finding a company where I can utilize my current knowledge to help others, while continuing to learn and gain new skills.

Post graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to start my own biotechnology laboratory that will appropriately suit the agility of my passions.