The 2024 Senior Capstone course in biomedical engineering was taught by Yantao Shen. To learn more about the biomedical engineering projects, please email Yantao Shen.
From electromagnetics to biosensors to smart grids, we're on the cutting-edge of electrical and biomedical engineering research and training our students to be successful leaders in the field. Visit the Department of Electrical & Biomedical Engineering.
Explore biomedical engineering projects.
Students: Dillon Hughes, Anjalee Gitthens, Godwin Igbeyoki, Erica Nichols, Kemma Kolstrup
HealingHand aims to help osteoarthritis and stroke patients regain hand mobility and grip strength through engaging physical therapy exercises. The device employs flex sensors and force sensors to assess patient capability, then leads them through a game which they must perform therapeutic exercises to control.
Students: Victory Stewart, Benjamin Miller, Raphael Luy
We are creating a prototype for a type of bandage used specifically for burns. We aim for the prototype to circulate an antibacterial solution over the burned area to prevent dehydration and infection of the burned area. We also aim for the prototype to include a feedback system based on temperature, pH, and flow rate sensors to inform the user when the solution needs to be changed.
Students: Dede Mendoza, Jacob Masterson, Peter Ressel, Thomas Rucinski
Many individuals eager to begin their fitness journey often feel intimidated to start or struggle to stay consistent due to the overwhelming amount of exercise information available. This information overload complicates the gym experience, creating uncertainty about the quality and effectiveness of their workouts. For example, many beginners' express concerns like "I can't feel my muscles" during exercises designed for specific muscle groups, while others may even feel too self-conscious to attempt certain movements at all. These challenges can lead to frustration, hinder expected results, and cause individuals to lose motivation and abandon their fitness goals prematurely. MYOwn-Electric seeks to address this issue by using advanced EMG technology to track muscle activation and provide users with personalized, data-driven insights. By leveraging sophisticated signal processing techniques, we convert complex bioelectrical data into clear, user-friendly feedback, allowing individuals to understand their body mechanics and optimize their workouts. Our solution has the potential to transform fitness by offering a personalized approach to training and promoting better health. Beyond physical performance, MYOwn-Electric boosts self-confidence by offering a clear path to progress, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive fitness culture where individuals of all levels can pursue their goals with greater assurance and clarity.
Students: Daniel Gordon, Ashwin Rajagopalan, Jordan Nattenberg
The cast monitoring system detects volatile organic compounds associated with wound infections, offering a non-invasive and efficient method for early detection. By continuously analyzing air composition near a wound, it identifies changes that may indicate infection, enabling timely medical intervention. Designed for ease of use and reliability, it provides an additional layer of monitoring to support better patient care and recovery.
Students: Ashley Yakish, Ankeet Singh, Jada Okaikoi, Brendan Smith
Our Ketoacidosis Breathalyzer project aims to provide a non-invasive and efficient solution for detecting diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) through the analysis of acetone levels in exhaled breath. By using a combination of specialized sensors and an Arduino microcontroller, the device offers a real-time, cost-effective method for monitoring DKA risk. The breathalyzer detects acetone, a key biomarker produced when the body switches to fat metabolism in the absence of sufficient insulin, a hallmark of ketoacidosis. This innovative device is designed to be portable, user-friendly, and reliable, with the potential to improve early detection and intervention, especially for individuals with diabetes. With easy integration into daily life, this project is not only a technological breakthrough but also an important step toward making medical monitoring more accessible. Our team has focused on developing a low-cost, practical tool that can be used both in healthcare settings and at home, empowering individuals to monitor their health proactively. By enhancing the speed and accuracy of DKA detection, this breathalyzer could help prevent severe complications, improving patient outcomes and promoting better diabetes management.
Students: Natalie Bowman, Tatianna Beck, Harely Guerrero, Laiba Suhail
The human knee is a vital weight bearing joint in the body that is responsible for a variety of movements and is susceptible to injuries to the muscles, ligaments, bones, etc. which in turn causes the joint to swell. One of the most common at home remedies for orthopedic injuries include rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the joint to combat swelling. Using the concept of cold therapy to treat swelling, the Therapeutic Knee Brace with Sensors to Detect and Predict Swelling will provide support and be lined with several strain gauge sensors to measure any changes in the knee shape and size that indicate swelling as well as a temperature sensor to detect increases in the knee temperature. If the knee brace detects swelling from these two sensors it will turn on ceramic plates that will cool the knee down aiding in treating the swelling automatically.
Students: Jacob Gellman, John Clauson, Vanessa Kalenits, Canon Rank
PULSE is a modular system designed to enhance battlefield awareness and troop safety by integrating drone detection and real-time health monitoring. Utilizing radar detection and audio verification, the system identifies and tracks small aerial threats, helping troops respond more effectively to potential dangers. A detachable life-support module continuously monitors vital signs and GPS location, providing critical health data for quick medical intervention. Designed for portability, reliability, and adaptability, PULSE offers a scalable solution for evolving combat environments. By integrating multiple sensing technologies, PULSE provides a comprehensive approach to threat detection and soldier safety.
