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BME seniors work to unlock electrotherapy's untapped potential

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:16:38 +0000

BME seniors work to unlock electrotherapy's untapped potential Alexander Jame… Thu, 04/17/2025 - 15:16

Alexander Servantez

��ֱ�� Boulder alum Griffin Hale was listening to music one day while treating his pain with an electrotherapy device. Each pulsating, electric shock seemed to mesh so beautifully with the various rhythms and melodies—it was almost as if he could feel the music.

He began to wonder: how can music and electric stimulation combine to create a new electrotherapy device that delivers a more immersive and accessible therapeutic experience than ever before?

Nearly a decade's worth of iterating and design has gone into this vision. But a group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) are helping Hale and his team take the next step on their journey during their senior capstone design course.

The project, sponsored by startup company Full Body Sound, aims to gather biological data by analyzing the relationship between electrotherapy and skin conductance. This term refers to the electrical conductivity of the skin and is a key parameter that the team is looking to explore in order to help Hale and his group realize some of their product’s untapped potential.

A histogram representing the various levels of change the group found in skin conductance during electrotherapy.

“We wanted to know if there was any correlation between perceived sensation of electric stimulation and skin conductance. If so, maybe we can use that indicator to create a feedback loop that guides the electrotherapy device to offer varying levels of electrical stimulation tailored to the individual,” said logistics manager Rachel Haug. “We also wanted to analyze the device’s effect on skin conductance. Since skin conductance is often used as an indicator of stress levels, maybe we can take that data and use it to prove the effectiveness of the device.”

To do this, the group purchased an off-the-shelf testing device equipped with sensors to measure skin conductance. They measured 50 different individuals before and after being hooked up to Full Body Sound’s FBS-01 electrotherapy prototype device.

After comparing the data, the team noticed that almost every test subject’s skin conductivity had undergone a noticeable change. But despite that trend, the group concluded that there was no statistical significance or correlation between electrical sensation and skin conductance.

“Most of the data sits within the range of a 25% increase or decrease in skin conductance. There were some outliers below or beyond that, but for the most part our data resembles that stereotypical ‘bell curve’ that you see in engineering so often,” Haug said. “We anticipated from the beginning that this could be a possibility, but it’s still very useful and interesting data for the future.”

A histogram showing the group's pre-test skin conductance levels compared to post-test levels.

While the systems and test engineers were performing tests and gathering data, the other team members were working on the design element. Using their engineering knowledge and experience with the testing device, they were challenged to design their own sensor that can measure skin conductance just as effectively as the one they had purchased previously.

Not only did the team’s sensor perform just as accurately as the purchased device, they were able to build it at a fraction of the price. It even features an intuitive user interface that is easily accessible for both customers and clients—a stretch goal that the group says took a lot of extra work.

“I completely learned a new technical skill in this program and an entirely new coding language in various softwares to help finish our project,” said quality assurance manager Clare Keeler. “If we were selling this product, we wouldn’t want customers to just see a block of code. A big part of my efforts was just transferring some of the analog data we received from the sensor to a digital output value that everybody can understand.”

With the highly anticipated Engineering Expo event right around the corner, the group is working hard to make sure they have the data and their working sensor ready for everyone to see. But they will also have a surprise.

“Of course, we’re going to showcase our sensor. We’ll have visual representations of our research,” said project manager Chloe Knape. “But we’ll also have an electrotherapy device available so that attendees can have fun and try it for themselves.”

This year’s Engineering Expo is on Friday, April 25 at the ��ֱ�� Boulder Indoor Practice Facility from 2-5 p.m. Make sure to drop by and check out all the exciting projects in action!

A group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) are designing their own sensor that can monitor skin conductance during electrotherapy. The sensor was developed during the group's senior capstone design course, and will be showcased at this year's Engineering Expo on Friday, April 25.

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From left to right: Chloe Knape, Anna Mellizo Kroll, Clare Keeler and Rachel Haug

BME seniors design next-generation surgical tool

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:03:24 +0000

BME seniors design next-generation surgical tool Alexander Jame… Fri, 04/11/2025 - 13:03

Alexander Servantez

Surgeons across the country are asked everyday to perform surgical operations with precision and care. But they need the right tools in order for them to be successful.

A group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) at ��ֱ�� Boulder are working to provide those tools by designing a next-generation Argon Beam Coagulator during their senior capstone design course.

Team 6's next-generation Argon Beam Coagulator being demonstrated using a banana.

The project, sponsored by CONMED, funnels ionized argon gas into a pencil-shaped handheld device that surgeons can use during various procedures. The argon gas, ionized by a high-voltage electrode, produces a plasma beam emitting from the tip of the handheld device allowing surgeons to cut tissue and minimize bleeding at the same time.

“When you suspend a beam of argon and ionize it in a plasma, you can reduce the risk of charring or burning to the tissue,” said design engineer and quality assurance manager Creighton Tisdale. “Let’s take a complete knee joint replacement, for example. Clearing out all of the oxygen is pretty crucial and it ensures that there is no extra damage or major bleeding.”

Their iteration of the device aims to expand functionality by offering surgeons a more customizable and adaptive approach. Instead of developing an all-in-one system, the team was tasked with designing a modular device, addressing key cost and practicality issues.

“The premise of our work is offering versatility,” said project manager Devon Mckeon. “Our goal was to create a device that is accessible, so that operating rooms around the world only need to purchase the components that they need, and they can service only the modules that have failed instead of the entire system.”

But perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the project is the handheld device’s detachable grip extension. After consulting with real doctors early on in the design process, the group realized that some surgeons preferred the pencil grip while others preferred a more vertical grip-style attachment.

Instead of choosing one or the other, the group decided to implement both approaches to ensure all surgeons can have the comfortable, ergonomic support of their preference.

CONMED engineer and BME alum Mia Fox testing the argon beam module on an apple.

“You can use the device like you would a pencil. It’s like having a little lightsaber in your hand,” Mckeon said. “But for surgeons who are working from the side that need to keep their wrist straight to cut through the tissue, they can attach the vertical grip and have that capability.”

Coming to this realization was one key to the success of their project, but the team said it wasn’t always easy. Navigating the results of their human factors testing or the thoughts of real-world surgeons made it difficult to settle on specific design specifications.

“One of the surgeons looked at us during one of our meetings and told us ‘you can have 10 surgeons in a room and 11 different opinions,’” said Tisdale with a sneaky smile on his face. “It’s funny, but it’s true.”

Understanding how to work alongside physicians and provide health professionals with tangible solutions is one of the many lessons that the BME program provides students during their senior capstone experience. Whether it was solving device communication issues or making several long drives up to CONMED’s facility in the Denver Tech Center, the group learned a lot about how to manage the design process from beginning to end.

But their sights are no longer in the past. The team says they are excited to show the campus community what they’ve been working on at this year’s Engineering Expo event.

“We are definitely leaning into the showmanship aspect of our project, especially because it’s a really cool end result that we are all proud of,” Mckeon said. “Our biggest goal is to have expo attendees stop by our booth, put on a pair of gloves and try out the different ergonomic attachments. And then we’ll get to demonstrate the argon beam by cutting a steak.”

This year’s Engineering Expo is on Friday, April 25 at the ��ֱ�� Boulder Indoor Practice Facility from 2-5 p.m. Make sure to drop by and check out all the exciting projects in action!

A group of biomedical engineering seniors are designing a next-generation Argon Beam Coagulator during their senior capstone design course. The project, sponsored by CONMED, is a pencil-shaped handheld device that ionizes argon gas to produce a plasma beam that emits from the tip of the device, allowing surgeons to cut tissue and minimize bleeding at the same time.

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From left to right: Creighton Tisdale, Andrew Swanson, Elizabeth Root, Devon Mckeon and David Katilius

Aerospace engineers to study motion sickness in space

Radhika Patel — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:57:23 +0000

Aerospace engineers to study motion sickness in space Radhika Patel Mon, 04/07/2025 - 12:57

In a new experiment, aerospace engineers at the University of ��ֱ�� Boulder will work with astronauts to study how people experience motion sickness when they travel to space—with an eye toward reducing these sometimes debilitating symptoms. Torin Clark, BME Faculty at ��ֱ�� Boulder, explained that motion sickness in space is a common problem—athough not necessarily one that many early astronauts talked about.

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Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:13:09 +0000

Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/31/2025 - 10:13

Alexander Servantez

Two faculty members in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at ��ֱ�� Boulder have etched their names amongst some of the most successful medical and biological engineers in the world.

Professors Mark Borden and Mark Rentschler have been inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. The program is among the highest professional distinctions given to medical and biological engineers, representing the top 2% of these engineers around the world.

Professor Mark Borden (right) talking to a student in his lab.

“I am honored to be selected into the AIMBE College of Fellows,” said Borden, also a faculty member in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. “It’s an exciting achievement and a great opportunity to promote the important research we do here at the university.”

AIMBE College of Fellows membership honors engineers who have made significant advancements in the field of medical and biological engineering. But it also recognizes engineers who have made outstanding contributions to the future of bioengineering education.

Borden has done both. His novel research focuses on developing microbubbles and nano droplets for use in ultrasound imaging.

These little particles are safe to inject into the body and can be used as contrast agents to indicate or predict diseases. They can also be used as a non-invasive technique for drug or oxygen delivery, targeting rare pediatric brain tumors and helping hypoxemic patients struggling to get oxygen through normal respiration.

“It’s quite an interdisciplinary field,” Borden said. “We have to pull knowledge from many different domains—acoustics, ultrasonics, biology. But the main core of our research is the development of new microbubbles and nano droplets. That’s what we are known for.”

Borden has also left his mark in the classroom. He played a key role in the creation of ��ֱ�� Boulder’s BME program, even serving as its inaugural director in 2018. He stayed in the position for five years, during which time the undergraduate program grew significantly and earned ABET accreditation.

Rentschler’s impact transcends both research and education, as well. In 2018, he helped launch Aspero Medical, a startup company that develops micro-textured balloon overtubes used to enable more efficient and less invasive surgical procedures in the small bowel region.

Professor Mark Rentschler showcasing current and upcoming Aspero Medical devices.

These devices have proven to be successful, receiving clearance from the Food and Drug Administration in 2023. Since then, Rentscher and his team have been working to expand on their vision, announcing the development of two new surgical products powerful enough to transform endoscopy procedures even further.

“The first product was an improvement to the tools currently available to physicians,” said Rentschler, who is also a faculty member in mechanical engineering. “The next generation of devices we’re introducing are poised to make significant contributions to physicians and completely shift how they can treat aggressive cancers and precancerous lesions within the gastrointestinal tract.”

Rentschler also helped kickstart a mechanical engineering graduate design program back in 2010. Under his guidance, the program led to dozens of patents on graduate students’ design projects—some of them later going on to be used on patients or implemented by companies across the nation.

AIMBE inductees are also expected to serve as advocates for research by engaging with legislators and promoting public policies that foster continued advancement in medical and biological engineering fields.

It’s a hallmark of the AIMBE College of Fellows program, and both Borden and Rentschler believe they have the experience and expertise to be strong advocates for the future.

“I think we bring some interesting perspectives to these conversations, considering we’ve been in the academic research arena as well as the industry side of things,” Rentschler said. “I am honored to receive this distinction, and I am excited for these new opportunities to make a strong impact going forward.”

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Mukherjee selected into class of 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 22:20:46 +0000

Mukherjee selected into class of 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows Alexander Jame… Wed, 03/19/2025 - 16:20

Assistant Professor Debanjan Mukherjee has been named a member of the 2025 RIO Faculty Fellows. The program supports faculty in achieving their research and innovation goals and promotes collaboration through tailored training, experiential learning and leadership development opportunities.

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Student Spotlight: Sam Lowe

Mallory Phillips — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 14:01:01 +0000

Student Spotlight: Sam Lowe Mallory Phillips Mon, 03/17/2025 - 08:01

What brought you to the University of ��ֱ�� Boulder and attracted you to the BME program?

I chose ��ֱ�� Boulder for its innovative, interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering program that bridges engineering and medicine. The hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and strong collaborative environment drew me in, offering the perfect place to explore my passion for biomedical solutions.

Tell us about your research. What is it that you study?

I am studying the intricate neural mechanisms that regulate bladder function, focusing on the interactions between neurons and glial cells in the major pelvic ganglia (MPG)—a key autonomic control center for the bladder. Current research models often exclude the MPG, limiting our understanding of how these cellular interactions influence micturition (the process of urination).  

To address this gap, my work involves developing a novel MPG-bladder preparation in which neurons and glial cells can be optogenetically activated (stimulated using light). By simultaneously recording bladder contractions, this approach will allow us to explore how different cell types contribute to bladder physiology and dysfunctions, particularly lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and neurogenic bladder disorders.  

This research has exciting translational potential—it can help uncover new therapeutic targets and enable rapid screening of drugs for treating bladder dysfunction in preclinical models. Ultimately, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the nervous system’s role in bladder control and opens new avenues for treating bladder-related disorders.

How did you first get involved in your research and what drew you to it?

I got involved in this research after speaking with my professor about gaining lab and research experience to prepare for a PhD. I was eager to work on a project that combined neuroscience and physiology, and this lab offered the perfect opportunity to explore those interests. 

What advice would you share with a student interested in studying biomedical engineering or your specific field?

Stay curious and embrace interdisciplinary learning—biomedical engineering thrives at the intersection of biology, physics, and engineering. Seek out hands-on experiences, connect with mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The best innovations come from those who are willing to explore beyond the textbook. Biomedical engineering is an exciting and expansive field, offering opportunities in everything from medical devices to tissue engineering to computational modeling. While the diversity of the field is inspiring, it can also be overwhelming—so take time to explore different areas, but ultimately hone in on what excites you most. Finding your passion will help you stay motivated, focus your learning, and make a meaningful impact.

As a PhD/Master student, what role has mentoring played in your work? 

Mentoring has been invaluable in my academic journey, both as a mentee and mentor. Learning from experienced researchers has shaped my perspective, while guiding others has strengthened my own understanding and leadership skills.

How would you like your work to help society?

I hope my work contributes to advancing biomedical solutions that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Whether through research, innovation, or collaboration, I aim to help bridge the gap between engineering and medicine to create meaningful, real-world impact.

What do you love best about attending ��ֱ�� Boulder?

The collaborative spirit, access to cutting-edge research, and the inspiring faculty and peers make ��ֱ�� Boulder an incredible place to grow as a researcher. Plus, the beautiful surroundings and student community make the experience even more rewarding!

Student spotlight of Samantha Lowe, March 2025.

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��ֱ�� Boulder, Western ��ֱ�� launching Biomedical Engineering partnership in Fall 2025

Mallory Phillips — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 14:01:24 +0000

��ֱ�� Boulder, Western ��ֱ�� launching Biomedical Engineering partnership in Fall 2025 Mallory Phillips Thu, 03/13/2025 - 08:01

The biomedical engineering program in Gunnison will focus on functional biomechanics and equipping students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to innovate in the areas of physical trauma recovery, orthopedic design, sports science and rehabilitation engineering.

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Grad student researching 3D printing and ultrasound for medicine

Mallory Phillips — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:08:02 +0000

Grad student researching 3D printing and ultrasound for medicine Mallory Phillips Tue, 03/11/2025 - 13:08

Lily Mortensen is advancing research at the leading edge of biomedicine, working on new ways to improve human health. A materials science and engineering PhD student at the University of ��ֱ�� Boulder, Mortensen is investigating ways to combine 3D printing and ultrasound technology to benefit individuals suffering from certain medical conditions.

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BME Students Gain Research Experience through DLA Program

Mallory Phillips — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 17:22:37 +0000

BME Students Gain Research Experience through DLA Program Mallory Phillips Tue, 03/04/2025 - 10:22

This academic year, numerous Biomedical Engineering (BME) undergraduates participated in the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA) Program conducting research in campus labs. Students, their projects and sponsoring labs follow. At the conclusion of the program this spring, students will share their findings during the DLA research symposium in April.

Two BME students are conducting research in the Mechanical Engineering lab of Wei Tan, BME faculty member. Kevin Leidig is working on Thin Coating for Metallic Vascular Stints while Meredith Overton is developing Design and Fabrication of Novel Vascular Grafts. Shreeya Roy and Mahi Kathait are working under Distinguished BME faculty member Rob Davis (Chemical & Biological Engineering) on Droplet Motion in Microschannels and Collsions of Liquid Coated Particles respectively. Under the mentorship of Alaa Ahmed, BME faculty, Matteo Coscia is wokring in Effort Landscapes in Motor Learning. Zoe Danilchick is working in Understanding Lithium-Ion Solid-State Batteries and Energy Justice Concepts under Michael Toney's Chemical & Biological Engineering lab. Karisma Win Ka Leung is working under Grace Burleson (MCEN) in Design & Engineering for Social Impact: Industry and Educational Trends. Ariana Morales Garcia is working on Biodegradable Polymers based on Glucose and Plant-based Materials under BME faculty Carson Bruns (MCEN,ATLAS). Meenakshi Skandarajan is working under Carson Bruns and Joshua Coffie (ATLAS) on Long-term Nti-photocarcinogenic Efficacy of Invisible Intradermal Ink in Murine. Mackenzie Weber is working under BME faculty, Torin Clark (AERO) in Transitions in Availabilty of Visual Cues on Human Spatial Orientation Perception. Julia Keefe is working under BME faculty Kayla Sprenger (CHEN) on Modeling TREM2 dynamics with OPA using long timescale molecular dynamics. Alena Tucker is working under Debanjan Mukherjee (MCEN) in Benchtop in vitro characterization of cerebral blood flow patterns.

��ֱ�� DLA is open to all students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and pairs undergraduate researchers with graduate student and faculty mentors on a variety of topics. ��ֱ�� DLA is just one of the research programs available to students in the College, other programs include the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) and FUTURE (Fundamentals of Undergraduate Research Program). Participating in research provides hands-on learning and has been found to improve analytical, critical thinking and communication skills. Students benefit from the mentoring and networking opportunities from joining a research team. And conducting research may inform students' long-term academic/career decisions.

These research programs are directed by Sharon Anderson. "Students who have taken part in these undergraduate research programs tell us that they feel the experience was extremely valuable. It is often mentioned that when they are applying for internships and/or full-time positions that the conversation around their research experience often dominates the conversation. Even if they are not applying for a position that has anything do with the research that they did," said Anderson. "Employers are interested in students who have experiences like these as they demonstrate that they have worked on teams, have communication and problem solving skills in their repertoire."

Application cycles for both the SPUR (Summer Program for Undergraduate Research) and DLA research programs are occuring this spring. The SPUR deadline is March 10. The DLA deadline is TBA.

BME students share their experiences in DLA

Zoe Danilchick -

I am involved with the DLA program, working in the Toney Group, investigating sodium-ion solid state batteries and the formation of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which is an irreversible process that forms a passivation layer on the electrode. For my DLA project, I construct and cycle cone cell batteries with sodium and silicon as the electrode materials. I analyze the resulting electrochemistry data to examine when the SEI forms and how it affects sodium-ion battery cycling performance.

The DLA program has been an incredible way to introduce undergraduate students, such as myself, to getting involved with research here at ��ֱ��. My experience with DLA has allowed me to get involved in research in areas, such as electrochemistry, that I would not otherwise encounter in my coursework. It has been incredible to be involved with the Toney Group and learn about sodium ion batteries and other technologies.

Kevin Leidig -

In the Tan Lab, I am working to develop a reliable method to dissolve a metallic stent out of a tissue sample. This will allow us to take cross-sectional thin slices from explanted tissue samples that can be analyzed through histology to measure the success of the stent coatings.

The DLA program has helped me develop my technical skills through lab work which complements the theory I am learning in the classroom. I’d like to thank the program for helping fund my research and supporting us undergraduate researchers through the DLA student seminars.

Alena Tucker -

My research project involves an in vitro model of the Circle of Willis that includes a 3D-printed planar phantom model of the Circle connected to a series of tubing that together represent the complex vessel network that supplies blood to the brain. With this setup we aim to investigate blood rerouting and drug delivery processes that occur in the event of a stroke. 

This research has been an incredible learning experience for me so far, and I'm excited to present my research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research this semester.

The DLA program has been a great opportunity to surround myself with fellow undergraduate researchers and get the most out of my research experience.  

Shreeya Roy -

Our lab researches droplet motion in microchannels, exploring how factors like size and viscosity affect their movement. This work contributes to potential advancements in drug delivery and lab-on-chip technology through data analysis, imaging, and computational modeling.

Mahi Kathait -

My current research work in the Davis Group involves experimentally investigating collisions of liquid-coated particles. The DLA program has been a great introduction to undergraduate research and what that is like at ��ֱ��. The subject of research is a lot less daunting after having the structured guidance provided by DLA.

Meredith Overton -

My research focuses on preparing a vascular graft with a novel bilayer structure, where each layer has specific material properties to achieve a mechanical or biological response seen in the layers of native blood vessels. 

Professionally, the research has helped me become more confident in my engineering abilities as I work independently on the project, while also reinforcing my collaborative skills as I work with the research team.

DLA creates a fantastic structure for introducing undergraduates to research, and for me, it was incredibly helpful in finding a project to work on. DLA helps bridge the intimidating gap between the mentors and the undergraduates.

Matteo Coscia -

I am working in Dr. Alaa Ahmed's lab where I am training an AI agent to control an arm to reach toward a target, with implications in rehabilitation of patients affected by injuries or neuromuscular disorders

Julia Keefe -

My project focus is on triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a macrophage surface receptor that is a target for inhibiting immunosuppression in cancerous tumors. To study this, I am leveraging physics-based models, including molecular dynamics simulations and static protein-protein docking, to investigate the effects of cancer associated variants on the dynamics and structure of TREM2 along with endogenous direct ligands upregulated in cancer, Apolipoprotein E and Cyclophillin A. 

My research experience has provided me with the skills needed to become a successful scientist moving forward. In addition to the hard research skills, my experiences working in the Sprenger lab for the last year and a half have taught me the processes that being a graduate student involves from grant applications and conferences to papers and presentations. 

The DLA program has given me the opportunity to dive into my love of research. It has provided me with a supportive learning environment to develop and harness my research skills alongside mentors providing advice and support. While deepening my skills in planning and executing a personal research project, it has also given me the ability to improve my technical writing and presentation abilities. This program has shown me what entering a career in science is truly all about while providing me with the skills, experience, and mentors I need to succeed in the STEM field post-graduation. 

Mackenzie Weber -

My research focuses on the difference in spatial orientation perception between motions that are passively experienced versus actively controlled.

In January, I attended the NASA Human Research Project Investigators Workshop in Galveston, TX, and presented research findings from another project I have been involved in during my time in DLA (A picture from this conference is attached, as well as one of me if you'd rather use that one)

As for DLA as a whole, being in the program has helped me define my academic and professional goals more than any other single experience ever has.

This academic year, numerous Biomedical Engineering (BME) undergraduates participated in the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA) Program conducting research in campus labs. ��ֱ�� DLA is open to all students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and pairs undergraduate researchers with graduate student and faculty mentors on a variety of topics. Participating in research provides hands-on learning and has been found to improve analytical, critical thinking and communication skills.

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Student Spotlight: Phineas Ulmishek-Anderson

Mallory Phillips — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 17:40:54 +0000

Student Spotlight: Phineas Ulmishek-Anderson Mallory Phillips Tue, 02/18/2025 - 10:40

What brought you to the University of ��ֱ�� Boulder and attracted you to the BME?

The classes I was able to take in biomedical engineering during my undergraduate studies really excited me, and it felt like whether it was studying medical devices or biomechanics the work that was being done in this field was on the cutting edge of science which I absolutely loved. It also felt that the work done in this field would be at the forefront of improving quality of life for people of all ages for years to come, and I knew I wanted to pursue a graduate degree to deepen my understanding and skillset in the types of projects that biomedical engineers get to do. As I was looking at different graduate schools, ��ֱ�� really stuck out to me. There was work being done here in all spheres of biomedical research, from immunoengineering to human movement and as somebody who did not have an incredibly specific idea for what research I wanted to do for my thesis the breadth of options was incredibly attractive to me. I also had several friends who had done their undergraduate studies here at ��ֱ�� and they absolutely loved it, with no shortage of incredible stories to tell about favorite professors or moments in class that really made them fall in love with their profession. At the end of the day, I realized it was the only place I wanted to pursue my degree and I've been beyond happy with my decision to do so.

Tell us about your research. What is it that you study?

I'm working with Dr. Cara Welker out of the Welker Lab to examine the mechanics of gait for individuals with above-knee amputations. Using motion capture data collected and made available through an open-source format in order to make this type of research more accessible, I am determining the differences in mobility between several groups of people who use a prosthetic lower limb to ambulate. I've been able to take that motion capture data and extract joint moments and angles from the lower body, from which I'm able to compare to healthy individuals and determine specific areas where movement is limited. From there I am working to suggest improvements to prosthetic design in order to help improve the mobility for people with these amputations.

How did you first get involved in your research and what drew you to it?

I took a class with Dr. Welker called Modeling of Human Movement where we learned about the different ways that we can study how people move and how to help them move better. During the course of this class we were introduced to this dataset and I was instantly inspired by the potential for research based on it. As I researched individuals with amputation further, I found that the tools that medical professionals and insurance companies use to assess their movement were outdated and frequently miscategorized people's movement groups. These groupings determine the access that people have to different prosthetics and physical therapies, as well as any financial assistance they might receive to help them try to live a more normal life. I also found that there was little to no research holistically examining their gait and thought that it was incredibly important to have a better understanding of how these individuals move so that we can get them the help they need.

What kinds of challenges do you encounter in your research?

A big problem in biomedical engineering studies is a lack of availability of large datasets, as it can be difficult to collect data for all the myriad problems that humans face when it comes to their mobility. It is a big part of the reason why we need more biomedical engineers out there doing the work and collecting the data so that we can better understand these problems and how to treat them. Another challenge I've faced personally is the scale of this field. Some of the problems we deal with may only affect a few specific individuals, while others have global ramifications. I have found it important to try and stay grounded in the reasons why we do the research we do. Finding some type of personal connection to try and solve even some of these issues that seem gargantuan in scope one step at a time has really helped me move forward in this field with a little bit more confidence that what I am doing will have an impact.

What advice would you share with a student interested in studying biomedical engineering or your specific field?

First of all, I would say go for it! Even if you feel that you do not have the background you need or that you do not have a specific area that you want to study, there is so much work to be done in this field and if you have the passion for it there is somebody out there who can help you get there. The work I have gotten to be a part of within this field is absolutely the most rewarding and interesting of anything I have ever done, and I cannot wait to continue to explore everything that this field has to offer. Everybody has some type of connection to a biomedical problem, whether it be a family member who got sick, a friend who was on crutches for a little while, or any of the larger problems that we can see in the world. Studying and working in this field allows you to be at the forefront of people trying to find solutions to these problems, and if that sounds like fun to you then biomedical engineering is a phenomenal way to get involved.

As a PhD/Master student, what role has mentoring played in your work?

One of the best experiences I have had as a master's student is getting the opportunity to TA for an undergraduate class. In my experience it is very difficult to see the applications of the things we are required to study beyond homework or tests, and it was a lot of fun working with younger students and getting to show them some of the applications of the math we learn to solving real-world problems. I find it very important to focus on the why aspect of the things we learn, and hope I was able to get that across to the students I had the pleasure of working with. I hope to do more work with younger students in the future, who knows maybe I will even have my own class one day!

How would you like your work to help society?

Since I was a little kid I always liked the idea that if you attack a problem from the right angle, there is a solution waiting to be found. Engineering has allowed me to expand on that notion, identifying the specific problems that people face and finding solutions that help improve the quality of their lives. If I am lucky enough for my work to have an impact on society, I hope that it is to encourage others to spend the time and the effort it takes to understand the problems that people face and how important it is to help each other solve as many of them as we can.

What do you love best about attending ��ֱ�� Boulder?

It is really hard to pick just one thing, the amazing programs this school has to offer, the incredible faculty on staff here with real-world experience across industry and academia, being this close to the mountains, it has all been incredible. But I would have to say my favorite thing about ��ֱ�� has been the sense of community I have felt in my time here. Students and faculty alike have been incredibly welcoming to me, and it has felt as though everybody here genuinely wants me to succeed. Whether it has been providing me with resources to find an area of study that I am passionate about, pointing me in the direction of industry experts with the answers to my questions, or even just organizing fun events to make ��ֱ�� feel more like home I truly feel that the community here is one of a kind.

Student spotlight featuring graduate student Phineas Ulmishek-Anderson.

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BME students share their experiences in DLA

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Student Spotlight: Phineas Ulmishek-Anderson

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��ֱ�� Boulder, Western ��ֱ�� launching Biomedical Engineering partnership in Fall 2025