Dr. Erica Forzani stands at the intersection of chemistry, engineering, and human well-being, where cutting-edge science meets compassionate care. As a pioneering researcher, educator, and entrepreneur, she has dedicated her career to translating complex scientific ideas into real-world medical solutions that can improve, and in some cases, save lives.
Her path is anything but conventional. Born with a natural curiosity and nurtured by a childhood filled with science experiments, mechanical tinkering, and late-night hospital visits to see her cousin in a clinical lab, Erica’s journey has been deeply personal. It’s a story rooted in inspiration, driven by empathy, and powered by an unrelenting desire to make a difference. What began with a simple chemistry kit gifted by her father has evolved into a lifelong mission to develop breakthrough biosensing technologies for some of healthcare’s most urgent challenges.
Today, with over two decades of experience, more than 50 scientific publications, multiple patents, and the successful commercialization of her innovations, Dr. Forzani is leading a new generation of interdisciplinary thinkers. Her work bridges academia and entrepreneurship, theory and application, lab research and patient outcomes.
As she embarks on a new chapter with the Phoenix Children’s Research Institute at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine, Dr. Forzani is coming full circle, bringing her skills back to the pediatric healthcare space where her passion first took root. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on her career, the lessons she’s learned, and why the future of engineering isn’t just about data and devices, it’s about people.
Q: Your work bridges chemistry, engineering, and health sciences. What inspired your path into such an interdisciplinary space?
Erica Forzani: My first inspiration was my father. When I was 11, he gave me my first chemistry kit and microscope. We spent countless hours doing experiments together. He also invited me to work with him in his workshop and to help fix his car on weekends. I loved how he involved me in what were traditionally seen as “man’s chores.” That bond and those shared experiences sparked my love for science and engineering.
Later, my cousin Laura, who worked night shifts in a clinical chemistry lab, inspired me to pursue medical laboratory science. I remember how much I loved visiting “her” lab at the hospital. I was fascinated by the clinical environment and the role diagnostics played in patient care.
During my residency at a children’s hospital in Córdoba, Argentina, I especially loved the night shifts. They allowed me to collaborate directly with emergency doctors and contribute to urgent diagnostic cases. What truly moved me was seeing the anxious parents waiting for lab results. That experience made me realize I wanted to do more—and do it faster. That’s what led me to pursue a Ph.D. and shift my focus to engineering new diagnostic tools.
In 2003, I joined Arizona State University to develop my engineering skills and work on sensor technologies. Now, 22 years later, I’ve come full circle—returning to pediatric healthcare at Phoenix Children’s Hospital through the Phoenix Children’s Research Institute at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine (starting July 2025). I’m beyond excited. It feels incredibly meaningful to dedicate this next chapter of my life to improving children’s health through technology.
Q: As a professor and researcher, how do you nurture creativity and innovation in your students while maintaining scientific rigor?
Erica Forzani: It’s all about balance. I provide timely guidance and constructive feedback without micromanaging. I align students with projects that match their personal goals, give credit where it’s due, and encourage collaboration both within our team and with external partners. When students feel ownership and connection, innovation comes naturally—and future leaders are born.
Q: What do you find most fulfilling about your role as an educator in the field of engineering and biosensing technology
Erica Forzani: Translating clinical needs into real-world solutions. It’s powerful to see a problem faced by doctors or patients and know that we, as engineers and scientists, can help solve it.
Q: How has your background in both science and entrepreneurship shaped your approach to teaching and mentoring?
Erica Forzani: Entrepreneurship keeps me grounded in the real world. It pushes me to think creatively about how scientific breakthroughs can actually reach people and make a difference. It has also taught me resilience, which I pass on to my students.
I’m particularly grateful for support from U.S. federal SBIR programs like those from NIH and NSF. Arizona’s innovation ecosystem has also been a vital part of this journey, especially through collaborations with the Partnership for Economic Innovation’s WearTech Applied Research Centers and the Flinn Foundation.
When someone uses Breezing—one of the products I helped develop—I feel proud. It empowers professionals to understand patients’ metabolism better and helps improve care through smarter, more personalized guidance.
Q: In your experience, what is the biggest misconception students have about chemical and biosensor research?
Erica Forzani: Honestly, today’s students are incredibly sharp and well-informed. They often arrive with a solid understanding of what chemical and biosensor development involves. Their curiosity and drive are a huge part of what fuels my work. Without them, I’d be halfway in my efforts.
With over 50 publications, multiple patents, and transferred IPs, how do you personally define impact in your career
Erica Forzani: I define impact in two ways:
- Student Success – Helping my students land their dream jobs and watching them thrive is one of the greatest joys in my career.
- Societal Impact – Creating technologies that improve people’s lives. Publications and patents are milestones, but the real success is when a product is used in the real world and makes a meaningful difference.
Q: As a woman in STEM leading in highly technical fields, what advice would you give to young women entering engineering or chemistry today?
Erica Forzani: Balancing personal and professional life—especially around motherhood—can be challenging. Pregnancy and parenting can impact the pace of your career. My advice is to establish your career first if possible. And if you do decide to have children, make sure you have a reliable support system—ideally, a partner who shares the load during demanding times. With smart planning and a strong support network, it’s absolutely possible to thrive in both.
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