Our Team
Principal Investigator
Graduate Investigators
doctoral student IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Nima is a doctoral student in the Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. program at Safa Lab. He has extensive expertise in computer simulations and numerical research methods. In his research, Nima leverages his knowledge of the finite element method to investigate the pathophysiology of angle-closure glaucoma. While working as a research and development engineer in the German automotive industry for multiple years, Nima developed a solid foundation in research-oriented problem-solving as well as strong communication skills. He earned a master’s degree in Computational Mechanics from the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany and a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Tabriz Azad University.
Nima is a flamenco music enthusiast. In his free time, he is dedicated to playing guitar and reading books.
doctoral student IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Krishna Chinmai is a doctoral student in the Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Program at Safa Lab, University of South Florida. Her current research focuses investigating primary angle-closure glaucoma using mechanical testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and finite element modeling in both humans and animals. Prior to joining USF, Krishna received her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut with a strong background in electronics and systems, mechanical design, and medical device development. Her technical proficiency includes 3D modeling, finite element analysis and experience working in regulatory environments. From her previous internship and academic experiences, she brings in strong research and problem-solving skills.
Krishna is a professional Carnatic Vocalist. She enjoys music and passionately spreads her enthusiasm for music to the next generations.
Undergraduate Investigators
I am a junior enrolled in the undergraduate Biomedical Engineering program. My project is to image histological sections of ocular tissues using various microscopy techniques, including the development and testing of polarized light microscopy (PLM) adapters for enhanced visualization, as well as use literature survey to understand and further explore the study of ocular biomechanics with an emphasis on the structure of the ciliary body. Fun fact: I love music! My favorite genre of music is fusion jazz, and I have played the flute for 9 years.
Special Roles

Chief morale officeR
Sevil Safa, RCR
Meet Sevil, our Chief Morale Officer! Once a lightning-fast national sprinter from the great state of Alabama, she gracefully retired in 2020 with her hard-earned RCR (Retired Canine Runner) status. Now, she's embraced her true calling as the ultimate couch potato, offering unmatched expertise in relaxation and spreading kindness. Sevil’s free spirit radiates through the lab, bringing joy and balance to our scientific hustle. Every now and then, she takes on the role of a wise consultant, suggesting to lab members that maybe, just maybe, science could be simplified—preferably while curled up on a comfy pillow!
Former Members
Gabriel Mozombite Gallegos
Program: BME Undergraduate student (2025)
Activity immediately after leaving the lab:
Brian Wilkes
Program: BME Undergraduate student (2025)
Activity immediately after leaving the lab: Upper-level BME UG
Sunaya Amrin Rahman
Program: BME Undergraduate student (2024-2025)
Activity immediately after leaving the lab: Upper-level BME UG
Abdal Aziez Alogaidi
Program: BME Graduate student (2024)
Activity immediately after leaving the lab: Design Transfer Engineer at Evergen