Hashemi Lab

We are an inter-disciplinary research team who develop smart sensor technology to probe the brain. At the interface of engineering, chemistry, medicine and mathematics, we pioneer new tools and use them to study mental health. The Hashemi Lab is a safe and inclusive space; we are passionate about improving representation in STEM and welcome all people and ideas to help us.

Parastoo Hashemi MSci, PhD

What if a simple skin test could help diagnose and treat depression? | Parry Hashemi | TEDxUofSC

One in five Americans is prescribed anti-depressants, but the medications are ineffective most of the time. Professor and researcher Parastoo (Parry) Hashemi is working to change that by seeking to better understand and analyze chemical reactions in the brain. Her lab is searching for new treatments for depression by exploring indicators of the illness found in stem cells that can be collected from human skin. Parastoo (Parry) Hashemi is an analytical chemist interested in serotonin and histamine dysfunction, which is thought to underlie a variety of diseases including mood and emotional disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Our Work

In Vivo Neurotransmitter Measurements

We study neurotransmitters that are involved in mood and emotional processes, in particular serotonin, histamine, glutamate and metal ions.

Depression Diagnostics and Drug Screening

By measuring neurotransmitters in the brain and in model systems outside the brain, we are searching for biomarkers to tell us the etiology and prevalence of depression.