The Tau Beta Pi Association is the national honor society for the engineering profession.  Every year, the association supports graduate education through a nationally competitive Fellowship Program.

Zarei is pursuing a Ph.D. degree, and well as conducting research and collaborating in ophthalmology and neurology.  His research interests include treatment and noninvasive diagnosis of eye diseases and neurological disorders.

During his senior year, he was named the University of Iowa’s 2015–16 student employee of the year and was recipient of the University of Iowa Student Innovator Award.  Graduating in May, Zarei earned four degrees – BSE in biomedical engineering, BS in biochemistry, BS in mathematics and a BA in psychology; minored in chemistry, computer science and biology; earned three certificates – Technological Entrepreneurship; large data analysis and clinical translational science, and was a Grand Challenges Scholar.  He graduated with honors in his major, university honors, and with highest distinction.