Mona Minkara

Born to Lebanese parents from Tripoli, Lebanon, Dr. Mona Minkara is a blind scientist, bioengineer, and accessibility advocate whose story challenges perceptions about disability in science. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University in Boston. There, she leads the COMBINE Lab, Computational Modeling for Biointerface Engineering.

Mona Minkara lost most of her vision at a young age due to macular degeneration and cone-rod dystrophy, yet she never allowed that to define her limits. After earning a BA in Chemistry and Middle Eastern Studies from Wellesley College, she pursued a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Florida. Her research now focuses on computational biophysics, particularly lung surfactant systems, key to understanding how lungs function and how new therapies can be designed.

Over time, Dr. Minkara’s work has extended beyond the lab. Through her travel-documentary series “Planes, Trains & Canes,” she shares her experiences navigating the world as a blind traveler. She highlights barriers in public transportation and accessibility worldwide. In doing so, she has become a global voice for disability inclusion in STEM and equitable design.

Her groundbreaking research caught the attention of BBC, NPR, MIT Technology Review, and The Guardian. Mona also advises governments, universities, and companies on building more inclusive environments for scientists with disabilities. Beyond her achievements, she remains deeply connected to her Tripoli roots, inspiring students across Lebanon to believe that visibility is not a requirement for vision.

Mona’s story teaches us that science and empathy together can change the world.