Sophia Hessami lights the future

Biological engineering major Sophia Hessami has spent the past four years conducting innovative research and experiments as part of USU’s tissue engineering lab, where students and faculty use light and nanotechnology to detect diseases and perform other laser-based experiments. 

“What made my experience at USU was undergraduate research,” Hessami said. “The Undergraduate Research Fellowship program allowed me to have so much hands-on experience applying the things that I’ve learned in the classroom and have the opportunity to get my hands dirty.”

Associate professor of biological engineering Elizabeth Vargis is head of the tissue engineering lab. Vargis’ lab focuses on understanding the causes, factors and progression of diseases such as muscular atrophy and macular degeneration. 

Hessami began her journey into the realm of research and biological science as a senior in high school, applying to USU as an Undergraduate Research Fellow. 

“When I read Sophia’s application, it was just so well-thought-out. She talked about what she did during the pandemic and her tutoring business,” Vargis said. “At the end, she says she would love to be a research fellow in my lab because she’s interested in understanding disease and doing disease modeling.” 

Even prior to starting at USU, Vargis said Hessami showed promise and enthusiasm. 

“She’s just about graduated high school — she has not started Utah State — and we start emailing,” Vargis said. “Even through email, it was clear how excited she was to do research and be involved.” 

Upon acceptance to USU, Hessami began attending lab meetings and engaging with Vargis’ research alongside other undergraduate and graduate students.   

“I started by helping a master’s student with his project, and as I’ve grown as a researcher, I’ve had the ability to lead my own project,” Hessami said.

Hessami’s research currently focuses on age-related macular degeneration. This disease is characterized by damage to the retina, resulting in central vision loss.

“I’m looking at how UV affects the cells that are affected by this disease — those are your retinal pigment epithelial cells,” Hessami said. “I’m looking at how different exposure levels of UV could potentially result in early stages of the disease.” 

In March, Hessami was named a 2024 Goldwater Scholar, a prestigious award that recognizes over 200 exemplary students in STEM from across the country.

“At Utah State, we go through the cohort that applied and pick three to five students. We have a committee of other faculty in STEM formed to decide who’s the best,” Vargis said. “What happened last year with Sophia — there was no, ‘Let’s think about her,’ — she was the top.” 

The Goldwater Scholarship, founded in 1986 and named after former senator Barry Goldwater, is open to sophomores and juniors and awards $7,500 for every year left in a student’s degree. Applying is a rigorous process, asking applicants to meet eligibility criteria, submit a research essay and provide three letters of recommendation.

Vargis played an influential role in Hessami’s application, helping to convey Hessami’s ability as a scientist and capabilities as a student. 

“I think this is one of the biggest indicators of a successful scientist. It’s not that you dreamt up this perfect experiment that works perfectly the first time but that you know it’s going to fail and you’re ready for it — you have these backup plans,” Vargis said. “I helped her refine her essays and make it clear that she has the plans.” 

Hessami was also named USU’s 2025 Scholar of the Year at the 67th Robins Awards for her academic prowess. 

“From a researcher and supervisor point of view, she’s really resilient,” Vargis said. “She’s had research and personal setbacks which have affected her physically, mentally and emotionally. She’s very clear about setting boundaries but coming back. She uses time away to regroup, refocus and come up with the plan for the next week, month and whole semester.”

In their work together, Vargis and Hessami have also forged a strong friendship. 

“She’ll chat with me for an hour after lab meetings, and it’s just enjoyable,” Vargis said. “I leave these meetings, and I’m not thinking about failures or what budget cuts we’re having — I’m thinking, ‘That was a really fun last hour I spent.’ She’s fun to be around, and that permeates to everybody she talks to.”   

Life can often get overwhelming for students juggling jobs, internships and classes. For Hessami, Vargis’ understanding of the busy lives of students has been a great help in her academic journey. 

“One thing that can be lost with professors is that they fail to realize that you aren’t just a student — you’re busy, and you have your own stuff going on,” Hessami said. “Dr. Vargis has always been very conscious of this, and it’s helped me as I’ve progressed through this degree — having that grace to step back when I need to.” 

Hessami plans to pursue a master’s at USU and continue her research in Vargis’ lab. Vargis hopes a master’s program will give Hessami the time needed to delve deep into her research. 

“She’s on the cusp of something really interesting — we’re getting results that are weird,” Vargis said. “The scientist who is feeding off of curiosity isn’t thinking ‘What’s the fastest way to finish this’ but ‘What is happening behind this? What am I seeing?’” 

As Hessami prepares to enter an ever-changing job market and academic climate, she urges other graduates to be open to all experiences. 

“I would encourage people to keep pursuing whatever they want to pursue,” Hessami said. “Whether it’s grad school, whether it’s jobs — cast a wide net and be open to whatever opportunities come your way because it might transform into something really great.”