Dr. Bahar Aliakbarian, a distinguished academic and project leader, earned her Ph.D. in Chemical, Material, and Process Engineering from the University of Genoa. With a diverse academic background, she has held notable positions at leading institutions before her current role at Michigan State University's Axia Institute. Bahar's groundbreaking research focuses on integrating innovative engineering technologies for new products in food and biomedicine, particularly in active and smart packaging for the pharmaceutical and food industries. As the head of the Axia RFID Lab, she oversees comprehensive testing services and consultations for industries globally. An influential figure in RFID, Bahar actively contributes to healthcare advancements, chairing the Tagged Item Performance Protocol (TIPP) Workgroup within RAIN Healthcare. She served as an Ad Hoc member of the GS1 Healthcare US ELC since 2023, leading to the submission of new pharmaceutical grades. Beyond her roles, Dr. Aliakbarian is an engaged member of industry workgroups and discussion groups, recognized for her expertise with over 90 peer-reviewed articles, four book chapters, and four patents. She is a sought-after speaker at industry and academic events, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader bridging academia and industry innovation.