Doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering competes at SEC Student Pitch Competition

Parvin Fathi-Hafshejani, who is pursuing a PhD in electrical and computer engineering, is one of 14 students competing Monday, Oct. 23, at the SEC Student Pitch Competition in Athens, Georgia.

Fathi-Hafshejani, who won last spring’s Tiger Cage Student Business Idea Competition, is pitching her business idea, Dropllel, a rapid diagnostic tool that uses an electronic biosensor to detect pathogens such as viruses, and can diagnose pregnancy, COVID, influenza, and more.

“I’m so excited, humbled, and thankful to the university’s entrepreneurship program for developing my business plan, to the electrical and computer engineering department and my supervisor, Dr. Masoud Mahjouri-Samani, for providing me with the resources to produce a device that addresses a significant unmet need in the healthcare industry,” Fathi-Hafshejani said.

“Auburn Engineering provided me with a solid foundation in technical skills and problem-solving abilities. These skills are essential for developing innovative ideas and creating practical solutions to real-world problems. Additionally, the program may have offered resources focused on entrepreneurship and innovation, which would have given me exposure to the business side of engineering. This combination of technical expertise and business knowledge that new venture accelerator provided me, have equipped me with the necessary skills to turn my idea into a viable and tangible business product.”

Auburn Engineering is no stranger to success at the SEC Student Pitch Competition. Zac Young — who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2021 — won the 2020 event with his startup, Vulcan Line Tools.