Fateme Banihashemi
Fateme Banihashemi is a passionate chemical engineer and educator with a strong background in membrane technology and separation processes. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering in Iran before moving to the United States in 2015. At Arizona State University, she spent five years as a research assistant and completed her Ph.D. in chemical engineering, focusing on membrane technology, thin-film formulation, and molecular separations. Her work has been published in high-impact journals, advancing understanding of zeolite membranes and fire-safe Li-ion battery separators.
Since 2023, Fateme has been teaching engineering courses at multiple community colleges in California, including San Diego City College and the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. She develops curricula aligned with industry demands, mentors students, and fosters inclusive learning environments. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes preparing students for the workforce while supporting them in scholarship and career opportunities, ensuring they gain confidence and practical skills.
Beyond the classroom, Fateme serves as Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers — San Diego, where she leads initiatives to expand access and professional development for women in engineering. She organizes STEM clubs, professional development events, and collaborations with industry partners to create meaningful opportunities for students. Committed to community impact, research, and mentorship, Fateme combines technical expertise with leadership to inspire the next generation of engineers.
• EHS Laboratory safety and information training
• EHS: Compressed under pressure Gas Safety Training
• Information Safety Training
• OSHA Academy Training Certification
• Mandated Reporter and Professional Boundary Training
• HyFlex Technology Training
• Online Faculty Certification Program
• IRB Board Members
• Arizona State University
• Arizona State University- Ph.D.
• Tabriz University of Technology
• Ferdowsi University of Mashhad- Master's
• University of Isfahan- Bachelor's
• First-Ranked Student Scholarship from Ministry of Science and Education
• Society of Women Engineers
• San Diego (Vice President)
• American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
• Society of Women Engineers
• San Diego (Co-Chair of Professional Development
• Then Vice President)
• President of Nanotechnology Association in Iran
• STEM Club Advisor at Community Colleges
What do you attribute your success to?
I define success not just by achievement, but by the impact I have on others and personal growth. When I finished my PhD, it was a really difficult journey, and that felt like success to me. Even becoming an educator here in the U.S. was success. But I think more important than these things is helping my students to be successful, gain confidence, and find their pathway in engineering. This is what I believe is success as well. If I see them growing and believing in themselves, networking, getting connections, and growing in their journey, that is meaningful to me. What makes me really motivated is the impact I can have on people. Through my journey, I saw how support and representation are very important, especially for women. That inspired me to move forward with teaching and leadership, where I can help others to grow and be successful.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is about bravery and staying confident. I had a really long life journey, coming as a girl alone to another country to study for my PhD and then trying to build my life and career. That is a really long journey. So being brave, not leaving, staying confident, not being afraid - everything will come to you in the right time. You have to believe that. I got this advice from others, and then I found it through my life over time.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering engineering is to pursue it boldly, seek out mentors and role models, and build confidence to explore opportunities and grow in the field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A major challenge in engineering education is the underrepresentation of women in U.S. classrooms, which also presents an opportunity to create more inclusive pathways and mentorship programs. Additionally, aligning curriculum with current industry needs offers a chance to better prepare students for the workforce and emerging technologies.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
It is very important to me to care about others. Integrity, empathy, and impact are central to who I am. Being honest and consistent in my actions, treating people with respect, and understanding my students are all critical. They have a lot of challenges, and I need to have empathy for them in my work. I really value creating an inclusive environment for students so every student feels supported and doesn't feel left out. Everyone should have the opportunity to succeed. It's really important to me to make a meaningful impact, especially helping my students to grow.