Biography:

 

Melody Salehzadeh, Ph.D., is a Research Manager at the University of British Columbia’s School of Biomedical Engineering, where she leads initiatives that strengthen interdisciplinary research and collaboration. In her current role, she designs and delivers student research programs, coordinates major national research chair nominations including Canada Research Chairs and Canada Impact+ Research Chairs, and builds partnerships with leading institutions such as the National Research Council Canada, the University of Exeter Living Systems Institute, and the BC Cancer Research Institute. Through this work, she supports the development of innovative, cross institutional research programs, with a focus on advancing priorities in women’s health.

Melody brings a strong foundation in research development, project management, and stakeholder engagement, with experience spanning academia, international collaborations, and research administration. Prior to her current role, she supported faculty in securing competitive funding through strategic grant coordination, providing end to end support for complex applications across Canadian and international agencies.

She holds a Ph.D. in developmental biology and neuroscience from UBC, where she managed multiple research projects, published peer reviewed work, presented internationally, and mentored undergraduate researchers. Her background as both a research scientist and educator informs her approach to fostering inclusive, collaborative, and high impact research environments.

Melody is passionate about advancing women’s health, enabling research excellence, and creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists.