Soroosh Sanatkhani, PhD

I am a Quantitative Researcher and Postdoctoral Research Scientist at Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute, specializing in high-dimensional data analysis and predictive computational modeling. My research focuses on extracting high-fidelity insights from high-dimensional, noisy datasets and developing complex numerical simulations for focused ultrasound dynamics. By leveraging advanced statistical inference and machine learning, I design scalable, quantitative algorithms from scratch to solve complex physical and computational problems.

As the team lead in the Columbia University BiomedX Technology Accelerator, I successfully bridged computational architecture with commercial strategy, steering a multidisciplinary team to develop a predictive Algorithmic Planning System. I defended our quantitative risk metrics and system viability to a panel of venture investors, demonstrating my ability to translate complex mathematics into actionable financial and strategic value. Furthermore, I have actively expanded my financial acumen by auditing advanced coursework in Continuous Time Finance and Derivatives at Columbia Business School.

I earned my Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on Quantitative Methods and Computational Modeling. During my doctoral studies, I secured highly competitive independent funding to develop probabilistic risk models, analyzing complex fluid dynamics through rigorous mathematical and statistical frameworks.

My foundational expertise is rooted in rigorous mechanical engineering and advanced fluid mechanics. This trajectory began with my selection into the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET), where I completed an intensive curriculum focused on competitive mathematics and physics. For over a decade, I have continuously built upon this quantitative base, transitioning from foundational aerodynamics to highly complex, data-driven stochastic modeling.

Research Interests

• Quantitative Research
• Predictive Modeling and Signal Extraction
• High-Dimensional Data Analysis
• Stochastic Calculus and Time-Series Forecasting
• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Numerical Methods
• Algorithm Development (C++, Python)

Education

• Post doctorate, Neuroscience – Neuroimaging, Columbia University, 2021 - present
• Ph.D., Bioengineering – Bioimaging & Signals, University of Pittsburgh, 2017-2021
• M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering – Energy Conversion, Sharif University of Technology, 2013 - 2016
• B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering – Automotive, Iran University of Science & Technology, 2009 - 2013

Awards and Honors

• (2025 - 2027) Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) NARSAD Young Investigator Grant
• (2020 - 2021) American Heart Association (AHA) Predoctoral Fellowship
• (2019 - 2020) 2019 Leonard H. Berenfield Fellow in Cardiovascular Bioengineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
• (2018 - 2019) 2018 Wes Pickard Fellow, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
• (2018) BMES/EGSO University of Pittsburgh Travel Grant, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
• (2017 - 2018) 2017 Leonard H. Berenfield Fellow in Cardiovascular Bioengineering, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
• (2017 - 2018) University of Pittsburgh Scholarship, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
• (2016) 3rd best paper in ICBME, Tehran, Iran
• (2013) Graduated second in undergraduate class, Iran University of Science & Technology, Tehran, Iran

Publications and Presentations

• Liu, D., Munoz, F., Sanatkhani, S., Pouliopoulos, A.N., Konofagou, E.E., Grinband, J., Ferrera, V.P., Alteration of functional connectivity in the cortex and major brain networks of non-human primates following focused ultrasound exposure in the dorsal striatum Brain Stimulation 16, (2023). doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.08.003
• Sanatkhani, S., Nedios, S., Menon, P., Saba, S., Jain, S.K., Federspiel, W.J., Shroff, S.G., Subject-Specific Factors Affecting Particle Residence Time Distribution of Left Atrial Appendage in Atrial Fibrillation: A Computational Model-Based Study Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 10, (2023). doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1070498
• Nedios, S., Sanatkhani, S., Oladosu, M., Seewöster, T., Richter, S. Arya, A. et al., Association of Low-Voltage Areas with the Regional Wall Deformation and the Left Atrial Shape in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Proof of Concept Study IJC Heart & Vasculature 33, (2021). doi: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2021.100730
• Sanatkhani, S., Nedios, S., Menon, P.G., Bollmann, A., Hindricks, G., & Shroff, S.G., Subject-Specific Calculation of Left Atrial Appendage Blood-Borne Particle Residence Time Distribution in Atrial Fibrillation Frontiers in Physiology 12, (2021). doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.633135
• Sanatkhani, S., Nedios, S., Jain, S.K., Saba, S., Menon, P.G., & Shroff, S.G., Abstract 16439: Is Pulmonary Venous Flow Pulsatility a Critical Determinant of Left Atrial Appendage Blood Stasis Risk? Circulation 142, A16439 (2020). doi: 10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.16439
• Sanatkhani, S. & Menon, P.G., Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Analysis Using Computed Tomographic Imaging. ASME 2018 IMECE 3, V003T004A043 (2018). doi: 10.1115/IMECE2018-88259
• Sanatkhani, S., Menon, P.G., Shroff, S.G. & Nedios, S., Abstract 11255: Thrombus Risk Prediction in Atrial Fibrillation: Hemodynamic Model of Left Atrial Appendage. Circulation 138, A11255-A11255 (2018). doi: 10.1161/circ.138.suppl_1.11255
• Sanatkhani, S., Oladosu, M., Chera, K., Nedios, S. & Menon, P.G., Relating regional characteristics of left atrial shape to presence of scar in patients with atrial fibrillation. SPIE Medical Imaging 10574, 105742N.105741-105742N.105741(2018). doi: 10.1117/12.2293947
• Sanatkhani, S. & Menon, P.G., Generative statistical modeling of left atrial appendage appearance to substantiate clinical paradigms for stroke risk stratification. SPIE Medical Imaging 10574, 105742L.105741-105742L.105747(2018). doi: 10.1117/12.2291568
• Sanatkhani, S. & Menon, P.G., Imaging based Left Atrial Appendage Shape Classification for Stasis Risk Stratification. BMES Annual Meeting (2017).
• Sanatkhani, S. & Menon, P.G., Relating Atrial Appendage Flow Stasis Risk from Computational Fluid Dynamics to Imaging Based Appearance Paradigms for Cardioembolic Risk in Imaging for Patient-Customized Simulations and Systems for Point-of-Care Ultrasound. MICCAI. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Vol. 10549. (eds. M.J. Cardoso et al.) 86-93 (Springer International Publishing, Cham; 2017). doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-67552-7_11
• Sanatkhani, S., Finoli, M., Shroff, S.G. & Menon, P.G., Visualization of Patient-specific Hemodynamics in Atrial Fibrillation Using Computational and Experimental Models. 5th International Conference on Computational & Mathematical Biomedical Engineering 1, 432-435 (2017).
• Sanatkhani, S., Shroff, S.G. & Menon, P.G., Personalized design and virtual evaluation of physician-modified stent grafts for juxta-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms. SPIE Medical Imaging 10133, 101332C.101331-101332C.101339(2017). doi: 10.1117/12.2254404
• Sanatkhani, S., Saidi, M.S. & Banazadeh, M.H., Urine concentrating mechanism modelling in rat kidney inner medulla. International Iranian Conference on Biomedical Engineering (ICBME), 111-116 (2016). doi: 10.1109/ICBME.2016.7890940