Fluent in English and Persian, Dr Kazemi is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland in the Faculty of Engineering and Design, and a Pūtahi Manawa Member since July 2025.
1. Why is enhancing equity in health outcomes for Māori, for Pacific Peoples and for women important to you?
Enhancing equity in health outcomes for Māori, Pacific Peoples, and women matters to me because everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to live a healthy life. These groups have often been underrepresented in research and face unique challenges in heart health. In my own work, I’m developing ECG-based models that adapt to individual patients, aiming to improve early detection and personalisation of care. By making these technologies more inclusive and reflective of diverse populations, we can help ensure they benefit those who need them most.
2. What are the areas of interest, work, research, skills and experience that you bring to Pūtahi Manawa as a member?
As a researcher in biomedical engineering, I bring experience in signal processing, modelling, and human-centered design, with a particular focus on ECG analysis and cardiac diagnostics. My work also includes developing soft robotic systems for medical applications, where I explore how gentle, adaptive technologies can better interact with the human body. I have experience working in interdisciplinary teams and supporting the development of technologies that are both clinically relevant and accessible. I’m passionate about applying engineering tools to real-world health challenges and contributing to research that is inclusive, community-informed, and impactful.
3. How have you been involved with Pūtahi Manawa so far?
I’m so excited to be a member of Pūtahi Manawa. I’ve been following the Centre’s work in strengthening research that supports heart health equity for Māori, Pacific peoples, and women, particularly the community-led, kaupapa-driven research funding, scholarships, and collaborative research network that the Centre champions.
Initially, I hoped to apply for grants through Pūtahi Manawa to support a Summer School Scholarship so that I could supervise students on projects aligned with the Pūtahi Manawa community and its values. At the time, I wasn’t able to apply due to time constraints, but I’m looking forward to applying for more funding opportunities to kick-start new projects that contribute to heart health equity and community-centred research.