MEMS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Masters Student ( ECE ) Research Area
: Afroza's research focuses on developing an automated system by designing a large-scale component to improve the software for the future to design microfluidics. Her Prior work was focused on advancing Agglutination Categorization in Medical Images Using SVM and Multilevel Classification Techniques. She is also interested in the application of 3D printing for fabricating microfluidic devices.
Job Titles:
- Student ( Biomedical Engineering )
Research Area: Ata focuses on the fabrication of microfluidic devices for motile sperm sorting, which can potentially answer questions related to human evolution and infertility. He is also working on in-vitro spermatogenesis to address male infertility.
Job Titles:
- Student ( Mechanical Engineering )
Research Area: Bahar's research focuses on the development of cost-effective microfluidic devices as alternatives to conventional large liquid handling systems. These devices are specifically designed for the metatranscriptomic (RNA) analysis of clinical specimens, showcasing their potential utility in enhancing precision and efficiency in clinical research.
David A. Chang-Yen was born in Trinidad , W. I. on August 30 th 1977 . He received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in biomedical engineering from Louisiana Tech University , Ruston , Louisiana in May 2000 and August 2002 respectively. He completed his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City , Utah in May 2005, and is currently a post-doctoral associate with the Utah State Center of Excellence for Biomedical Microfluidics. He is also one of the co-founders and current Vice President of Research and Development of Wasatch Microfluidics Inc., a Salt Lake City-based company dedicated to the field of microfluidic solutions for biotechnology applications. He is the author of six journal articles on polymeric-based sensors, nanotechnology, and microfluidic applications, and is the co-applicant on five related patents.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Principal Investigator
- Professor & Chair Mechanical Engineering / Merit Medical
Automated Stem Cell Separation: The Automated Stem Cell Separator group developed a mechanical device for separating stem cell from human adipose (fat) cells so that the stem cells can then be used for medical treatment and reintroduced to the same patient. A mechanical approach was used to meet FDA regulations. Specifically, a fluid cavitation process, which creates small shockwaves resulting from a swift change in pressure within the device, was used to break apart the adipose tissue and detach the cells from the surrounding fat. Multiple designs of the device were fabricated and tested to determine an optimal design that could be incorporated into a full system that separates the stem cells for subsequent reintroduction into the patient. (Automated Stem Cell Separation Poster)
Automated Stem Cell Separation: The function of the Automated Stem Cell Separator(ASCS) is to remove the Stromal Vascular Fraction(SVF) from harvested adipose tissue. The ASCS is a completely mechanical device that creates a pressure drop to induce hydrodynamic cavitation which breaks down the adipose tissue structure allowing for the separation of the SVF. (Automated Stem Cell Separation poster)
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- Research Associate Professor
Inflatable Shorts: For many quadriplegics and paraplegics bedsores, also known as pressure sores are a serious threat to overall health and quality of life. Bedsores are the breakdown of skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure on a concentrated point. Bedsores are most often developed around Ischial and hip bones. In current hospital settings solutions to mitigating the development of bed sores are limited to specialty beds that alternate inflatable sections to increase surface area and reduce overall pressure experienced by the individual. For those in wheel chairs there are some fairly effectively bedsore mitigation devices, however, they are limited to a sit-in cushion design and are extremely costly. The inflatable shorts team goal is to develop a wearable pair of shorts that will mitigate the development of bedsores wherever the patient is sitting. (Inflatable Shorts poster)
Rising Toilet Seat: Many elderly and persons with disabilities struggle to get on and off the toilet by themselves forcing them to give up their independence and move to care facilities. There are currently passive devices such as toilet seat boosters and handrails that provide assistance with this task, but they are often inadequate. Several active lifting devices are available, but these devices are electric powered, which requires the user to run a power cord through the bathroom, because outlets are typically not located near the toilet. Another drawback is that these devices are too wide for many residential bathrooms therefore requiring renovation to install. The Rising Toilet Seat Team is addressing these problems by creating a hydraulic powered lift device. The device mounts in place of the toilet seat and uses the existing toilet water supply line for power. The water usage is small and the water is drained into the toilet tank so that it can be later used for flushing. No power outlet is required and the device is small enough to fit in the majority of bathrooms without any renovation. (Rising Toilet Seat poster)
Job Titles:
- Alum Josh Eckman Named Entrepreneur of the Year
- Student ( Mechanical Engineering )
Research Area: Munawar's primary research areas include Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices and 3D printing. His prior work focuses on developing an automated microfluidic instrument that can perform on-chip RNA extraction, which is then used for sequencing. Currently, Munawar is working on developing a self-powered, point-of-care (PoC) device for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in user blood.