Laleh Golshahi

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT LALEH GOLSHAHI

I am a tenured professor of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University, where my research focuses on respiratory drug delivery and aerosol transport, and I teach primarily in the areas of thermofluidic systems. I have always been driven by a desire to understand how systems work and to translate that understanding into practical solutions that make a real impact. Learning and facilitating understanding are central to my identity, and I find deep purpose in helping others develop the insight and confidence that come from thoughtful problem solving. Outside of my academic and entrepreneurial work, I draw inspiration from distance running, which teaches me resilience, patience, and the importance of steady progress.I recently founded 3DInhale with a passion for creating respiratory drug solutions for everyone. 3DInhale transforms the development landscape with data driven approaches that account for intersubject variability, reduce regulatory risk, and support safer, more effective products. By using anatomically accurate 3D models of the human upper airway, we predict and control aerosol deposition, helping manufacturers develop more reliable and consistent drug products. We work with pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and generic manufacturers at any stage of respiratory drug development. Our assessments support early stage feasibility, refine device and formulation interactions, and strengthen regulatory engagement with evidence grounded in real patient anatomy.I’ve been innovating in the space of nasal airways as a drug delivery pathway since 2009. Through subsequent projects with pharmaceutical partners and the U.S. FDA, my understanding of patient needs and strategies to ensure accessibility for all users, regardless of age, gender, race, or dexterity, has continuously evolved. These experiences continue to shape my understanding of variability, accessibility, and the factors that determine whether a therapy truly serves patients. Recognized as ISAM’s 2019 Young Investigator, I remain committed to serving the drug delivery community while continuing as a lifelong learner to advance the field as a researcher, educator, and founder.If you are developing a respiratory therapy and need clearer insights, stronger predictability, or guidance in navigating variability, I would be glad to connect so we can collaborate and drive meaningful progress in this field.