Grad Student’s Drug Wins Big at International Competition

Sara Sheikhlary, a Ph.D. student in BME, recently won four awards at the Eighth International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN).

Sheikhlary won the Gold Medal, the Best Woman Inventor Award, the Canadian Special Award, and the Norton University Special Award for her invention, an herbal-based, extended-release drug. Herbostroiodine protects the body against cancer-causing radioactive elements.

“This is one of the most important international competitions. Winning the four awards motivates me to try harder and work more to develop my inventions along with my Ph.D. thesis,” said Sheikhlary, who plans to pursue postdoctoral research and patent her inventions after finishing her degree. Her Ph.D. thesis focuses on thrombosis prevention.

Through this path, said Sheikhlary, she hopes to benefit the world: “One of my biggest wishes is to have a role in solving global problems by researching and inventing.” iCAN is organized by the Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills and supported by Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc., International Federation of Inventors' Associations and World Invention Intellectual Property Associations. This year, over 720 inventions were presented from competitors representing 81 countries.