Spring 2025

Smart Insoles for Detecting Fatigue and Injury through Weight Distribution and Gait Analysis

This project explores whether pressure sensor data from the heel-to-toe transition can be used to classify fatigue. Six participants wore LAAF smart insoles, and walking data was collected before and after a fatiguing exercise. Machine learning models were trained on extracted features to distinguish between fatigued and non-fatigued walking. Video Research poster View the poster…

Development and Characterization of Methacrylated Silk Fibroin (Sil-MA) for Biomedical Applications

Silk fibroin (SF) from Bombyx mori cocoons shows strong potential for biomedical use, especially in bone tissue engineering, due to its biocompatibility and mechanical properties. This study focused on synthesizing SF and modifying it with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) to create methacrylated SF (Sil-MA), which improves printability for 3D bioprinting. Adjusting the pH to basic conditions…

Automating Processes for Reagent Storage in Microfluidic Chips

This project aimed to automate part of the lyophilization process for point-of-care diagnostic devices using a customizable 3D-printed device. The rig effectively reduces reagent handling time while maintaining structural integrity comparable to traditional manual methods. By improving efficiency and reproducibility of reagent production, fabrication of diagnostic devices can become scalable and more accessible. Video Research…

Effects of Physiological Glucose and Oxygen Conditions on Human Neural Organoid Development

Standard culture conditions use non-physiological glucose (20-25mM) and oxygen (20%) levels that may alter neural development. This project investigated how aligning culture conditions with physiological levels (5mM glucose, 8% oxygen) affects neural organoid development. We found that physiological conditions promote human specific features of cortical development, including outer radial glia expansion and upper-layer neuron production,…

Delivery of Alpha-Ketoglutarate from Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels for Bone Repair Applications

Immunomodulatory alpha-ketoglutarate (aKG) has been shown to enhance the bone repair process and can be used to supplement the 2.2 million bone grafts implanted globally every year. To control its release, aKG is converted into degradable polyester of aKG microparticles (paKG), allowing for sustained delivery over time. These microparticles are incorporated into a modified hyaluronic…

Impact of Trophoblast Extracellular Vesicles on Macrophage Phenotype

This study employs THP-1 derived models to examine the effect of Extracellular vesicles on immune modulation. Confocal Microscopy and fluorescence-based markers were utilized to investigate the effect of Extracellular vesicles on the polarization of macrophages into Pro-inflammatory(M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. The results aim to emphasize the potential of EVs in immune regulation particularly in…

Evolution of Drug Encapsulation Methods in PDMS films for RAC2 Signaling Inhibition

This project explores novel formulations of PDMS-based films incorporating various encapsulation agents to enable controlled and sustained drug release. By comparing the effects of water, DCM, and an Ionic liquid on drug loading efficiency and release kinetics, the study aims to optimize polymer-drug interactions for biomedical use. Future applications include tuning these formulations for specific…

Developing a Therapeutic Video Integrating Gamma Therapy and Heart-Coherent Breathing

This project aims to develop and evaluate an open-source therapeutic video as a noninvasive intervention for individuals at risk of or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The video integrates heart-coherent breathing exercises, 40 Hz gamma frequency stimulation, and imagery—three nonpharmacological techniques associated with cognitive engagement and amyloid-beta plaque reduction. Currently in the data collection and development…

The Impact of a Soft Back Exosuit on Various Movement Tasks: Standing with Perturbation

In partnership with ASU’s Neuromuscular Control and Human Robotics Lab, this project focuses on the design validation testing of a soft-back exosuit. The device is primarily composed of adjustable, elastic components with a small, active, pneumatic jamming system incorporated for additional support. This particular project is a motion capture study focused on testing the device…

Time-Based Analysis of Haptic Feedback and Collaboration in Human Dyads Using the KINARM

This project investigates human-human physical cooperation using the KINARM robotic manipulandum to analyze haptic interactions in dyadic motor tasks. Specifically, I aim to determine whether the 0-400ms or 400-800 ms time window better captures key indicators of cooperation by examining how individuals adapt to disruptions such as target uncertainty and task effort. Data will be…