Research Projects
Multiscale Computational Modeling of Concussive Injury
We are creating biofidelic computational models of concussive injury that accurately account for the structural and functional damage that occurs across length scales - from the tissue level down to the subcellular level. These models can be applied to study how mechanical loads to the head at the macroscale translate to damage at the cellular and subcellular level, which can ultimately lead to neurodegeneration and loss of cogntiive and motor function.
Experimental Platform for Simultaneous Mechanical Testing and Imaging
We are developing experimental testing platforms that enable tissue samples to be mechanically loaded while being imaged at the same time. These testing platforms will allow us to study the evolution of structural damage that occurs in biological tissue during mechanical loading.
Cumulative Damage Model of Neural Injury
We are developing a mechanistic computational model to gain insight into the key structural failure mechanisms that occur within biological cells as a result of repetitive mechanical loads.
Adopting Additive Manufacturing Technologies for Orthotics and Prosthetics
We are collaborating with a local prosthetics & orthotics company to explore the use of additive manufacturing for patient-specific medical devices. This project is supported by a grant from the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program by PA Department of Community and Economic Development.
Student Design Projects
Low-Cost Vein Finder Device
The vein finder device project was established through a collaborative effort between our engineering program and School of Nursing and Health Sciences. The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost vein finder device for clinical simulation training of nursing students.
Honors Thesis Projects
2018 - Kendall Noel
Thesis Title: "The Increasing Rate and Unreported Cases of Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries in Men’s Collegiate Soccer Athletes with an Emphasis on Sensors for Testing Impacts"
2021 - Maria Alfano
Thesis Title: "Analyzing Brain Matter Microstructure in Pediatric and Adult Head Scans"