Biomedical Engineering bridges engineering and medicine with cutting-edge research, expert faculty, and hands-on innovation.
Marshall Elkins, Hanna Elliott and Lexie Leboeuf
Dr. Arden Moore
Many people with quadriplegia or limited upper-limb control struggle with independent
self-feeding, reducing their overall quality of life and mental health while increasing
caregiver burden. This project addresses the need for an affordable assistive device
that enables individuals with limited arm mobility to eat independently during mealtimes.
To meet this need, we designed a forearm mounted utensil-brace system that combines
servo mechanisms and actuator extension/retraction to control utensil orientation
and reach throughout the feeding process. Prototypes were fabricated and refined through
benchtop testing focused on safety, repeatability, and range of motion. Testing demonstrated
reliable user command detection and utensil positioning during simulated feeding trials,
indicating the device can meet the functional needs of the target patient. Future
iterations should prioritize universal design features to increase usability across
a wider population.
Emma Authement, Jude Hebert and Aliya Kattash
Dr. Elisa Castagnola and Dr. Patrick O'Neal
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in dermatologic procedures, such as dermal
microneedling, to enhance tissue regeneration and healing. Current topical PRP application
methods rely on manual dripping and spreading onto skin during treatment. This approach
offers limited control over delivered volume and timing, allowing PRP to migrate away
from treatment zones before microneedling-induced channels can facilitate absorption.
This results in dosing variability, procedural messiness, and reduced clinical efficiency.
This project addressed this gap by designing and validating a fully mechanical microneedling
pen attachment that delivers PRP in a controlled, consistent dose. Rapid prototyping
techniques, primarily iterative 3D printing, were used to refine the design. Experimental
characterization of PRP viscosity and required delivery forces was conducted to validate
literature values and
inform mechanism selection. Mechanical calculations, including force and torsion analyses,
guided component sizing and selection. Controlled dosing performance was evaluated
through experimental trials, and collected data was analyzed using statistical methods.
Results demonstrated successful controlled dosing within a 95% confidence interval,
confirming consistent and repeatable PRP delivery across tests. These findings indicate
that the device can provide clinicians with a cleaner, more controlled and efficient
PRP application method, with future work focused on clinician feedback and design
optimization.
Zachary Cottrell, Nikolai Karpovs, Danielle Kropp and Carl Robbins
Dr. Steven A. Jones
Dr. Brad Anders, OD - Ruston Eye and Vision
Accurate visualization of deeply recessed regions of the eye, particularly the superior
conjunctival fornix (SCF), can be challenging for eye care professionals. Foreign
bodies such as contact lenses, insects, or debris can become lodged in this area and
cause irritation or other complications. This project aimed to improve SCF visibility
and simplify foreign body removal procedures. We designed a mirror-based visualization
system integrating a small rhodium-coated mirror with an adjustable mounting mechanism
compatible with slit lamp headrests to allow precise positioning during examination.
Design requirements included biocompatibility, sterilization compatibility, low cost,
procedural compatibility, improved visualization, and patient comfort. Prototype testing
using the device in conjunction with a slit lamp to demonstrate improved access to
previously obstructed regions while maintaining adequate illumination and image clarity
for clinical assessment. Through testing, we have demonstrated that this device may
streamline ocular examinations and expand diagnostic capability for eye care professionals.