The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery welcomes Hamidreza Abbaspour, Ph.D., Britt Biesinger and Mary Susmitha Kataru (pictured left to right).
Britt Biesinger, Clinical Research Coordinator II
Biesinger joins the department as a clinical research coordinator II. He previously worked as a research coordinator at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he advanced his skills in project management and contributed to advancing health science research.
Outside of his professional work, Biesinger is passionate about health and fitness, leading an active lifestyle. To incorporate his love for the culinary arts, he explores creative ways to prepare nutritious meals. In his free time, he enjoys working out, playing video games and spending quality time with his family and friends, as well as his beloved Bernedoodle, Ash.
Hamidreza Abbaspour, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Researcher
Abbaspour joins the department as a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Zachary Irwin, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery. He holds a doctorate in electrical engineering, with a specialty in neuro-engineering and artificial intelligence.
Abbaspour is passionate about using technology to develop impactful solutions for biomedical challenges, particularly in neurological disorders. He has gained valuable international research experience, contributing to projects focused on computational neuroscience and brain-computer interfaces.
Outside of his research, Abbaspour enjoys reading, exploring nature and learning about different cultures.
Mary Susmitha Kataru, Student Assistant
Kataru joins the department as a student assistant in the research laboratory of Assistant Professor Gao Guo, DDS, MSD, Ph.D. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Biotechnology at UAB and expects to graduate in May 2025.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Abhyudaya Mahila Degree College in India, where she graduated in the top 1% of her class.
She is passionate about molecular biology, cancer research and immunotherapy, areas she has explored through hands-on research projects and professional experiences as a laboratory technician and junior medical coder.These roles sharpened her technical and analytical skills while fostering a strong dedication to precision and collaboration.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Kataru enjoys exploring the practical applications of science and engaging in creative hobbies.