I earned my Pharm.D. from Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 1989 and obtained my Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Alberta, Canada, in 1997. My postdoctoral research spanned solid-phase organic synthesis at the Department of Chemistry, followed by bioorganic chemistry and pharmacology studies at Rockefeller University and Johns Hopkins University. The primary focus of my research lies at the intersection of chemistry and biology, with a particular emphasis on peptide-based biomaterials, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, nanomedicine, and drug delivery. My research endeavors revolve around the application of synthetic organic chemistry to address biological challenges. My research focuses on specific areas of interest, including peptides against bacterial and fungal infections, peptide nanomaterials for drug delivery, inhibitors for protein tyrosine kinases, and multifunctional antiviral agents. In October 2000, I joined the University of Rhode Island (URI), where I later achieved the position of full professor in July 2008. I continued my career at the Chapman University School of Pharmacy in 2013. First, I served as an Associate Dean of Research, Graduate Program, and Global Affairs from 2013 to 2020. Later on, my role transitioned to Associate Dean of Research, Innovation, and Global Affairs (2020 to 2022). Currently, I am serving as a Full Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology at the Chapman University School of Pharmacy, located in Irvine, California. I also have a joint appointment as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Schmid College of Science and Technology, also at Chapman University. I have been recognized as one of the world's top 2% of scientists within a single year, affirming the significant contributions made throughout my career. Over the course of my research journey, I have authored 244 peer-reviewed publications, demonstrating the breadth and depth of my contributions to the fields of organic/medicinal and peptide chemistry. My current H-index is 49 with 9212 citations. I hold or have held editorial roles in fourteen esteemed journals, including Current Pharmaceutical Design (Guest Editor, 2001), Current Medicinal Chemistry, Central Nervous System Agents (Editorial Advisory Board, 2004-2023), Chemical Biology Letters (Editor, 2015-present), Molecules (Editorial Board Member, 2018-present), and Frontiers in Nanotechnology (Editorial Board Member, 2022-present). These positions have allowed me to contribute to the editorial process and provide guidance as a member of the editorial advisory boards. We are currently investigating several specific areas: Firstly, we are engaged in designing peptide-based protein kinase inhibitors, aiming to develop molecules that can modulate the activity of these important enzymes. Additionally, we are exploring the utilization of peptides as cell-penetrating molecular transporters in drug delivery, with the goal of enhancing the delivery of therapeutic agents to target cells. Our laboratory pioneered a specific class of cyclic peptides for the nuclear delivery of compounds independently of endocytosis and the expression of multi-drug resistance membrane proteins. We have also designed cyclic and hybrid cyclic-linear peptides for the efficient targeted delivery of anticancer agents. We are also designing novel amphiphilic cyclic peptides with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, our research encompasses the design of small molecules and peptides for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, we are actively involved in the development of multifunctional agents with anti-HIV, anticancer, and antibacterial properties, addressing the urgent need for new treatments in these areas. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supervising a remarkable group of students and fellows. Specifically, I have mentored 31 graduate students, including 14 Ph.D. students and 17 M.S. students. In addition, I have guided the research of 61 undergraduate students and provided mentorship to 28 postdoctoral fellows. Notably, 10 of my postdoctoral fellows have gone on to become assistant, associate, or full professors at various universities, and many others were recruited by pharmaceutical companies, which is a testament to their exceptional abilities and the training they received in my laboratory. I enjoy traveling, swimming, and watching movies.