Biomedical Engineering - Graduate Student Affairs

Project Title #1: Quantitative Gait Analysis in Rodents
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students, orthobme@gmail.com
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Junior, Senior, 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: None, but preference for projects in our lab is given to students who have already been working in the lab. For instance, someone who started in our lab as a freshman/sophomore will have priority to choose a junior/senior level project.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application; apply online at http://www.orthobme.com/contact.html
Application Deadline: various times throughout the year – but beginning of semesters is typically best
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our lab researches various aspects of osteoarthritis. We frequently use spatiotemporal and dynamic gait analysis to quantify changes in rodent gait as osteoarthritis progresses. Junior and senior level undergraduates will learn about gait analysis in small animals and will collect data.

Project Title #2: Design and Construction of Preclinical Behavior Assays
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students, orthobme@gmail.com
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites: None, but preference for projects in our lab is given to students who have already been working in the lab. For instance, someone who started in our lab as a freshman/sophomore will have priority to choose a junior/senior level project.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application; apply online at http://www.orthobme.com/contact.html
Application Deadline: various times throughout the year – but beginning of semesters is typically best
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our lab researches behavioral changes in preclinical models of osteoarthritis and TMJ disorders. We also have several collaborations in which we look at behavioral changes in spinal cord injuries, nerve grafts, genetic disorders, etc. Undergraduates will learn about preclinical behavior studies, design a new behavioral test, and build their design.

Project Title #3: Magnetic Capture of Osteoarthritis Biomarkers
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Yash Shah, yyshah102@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2-3 students a term
Prerequisites: Completion of Chemistry 1, Chemistry 2, and wet lab experience is preferred, but not necessary.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, faculty interview; apply online at http://www.orthobme.com/contact.html
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our laboratory recently developed a new technology to collect OA biomarkers directly from an OA-affected joint using magnetic nanoparticles and a magnetic microneedle. Using this technology, we strive to understand how molecular changes in the joint drive disease progression.

Project Title #4: Histological Analysis of Rodent Knees
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kyle Allen, kyle.allen@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students, orthobme@gmail.com
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites: None. Preference for higher level projects is given to students who have worked with our lab in their Freshman and Sophomore years. Some preference is given pre-BME Freshmen and Sophomores and BME Juniors.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Please apply through orthobme.com. Do NOT email Dr. Allen with applications. Applications will only be considered if they are received through the orthobme website; Apply through orthobme.com on the opportunities page. Graduate student mentors will contact students for interviews if there are available positions in the lab.
Application Deadline: none
Website: http://www.orthobme.com
Project Description: Our laboratory recently developed a new technology to collect OA biomarkers directly from an OA-affected joint using magnetic nanoparticles and a magnetic microneedle. Using this technology, we strive to understand how molecular changes in the joint drive disease progression.

Project Title: Neuromechanical Control of Walking
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: David Clark, davidclark@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students a term
Prerequisites: None
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Statement of Research Interest and Faculty Interview; please email Dr. Clark at davidclark@ufl.edu with your statement of interest to schedule an interview.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: https://aging.ufl.edu/profile/clark-david-2/
Project Description: Three-dimensional motion analysis data are acquired from young adults, older adults, and people post-stroke in various studies conducted at the Brain Rehabilitation Research Center. Students can be involved with collecting and analyzing these data. A minimum commitment of two semesters is requested due the training required for this position. Ambitious students may have the opportunity to collaborate on research posters and/or publications.

Project Title: Dosimetry, Computational Medical Physics, and Dose Assessment
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Wesley Bolch, wbolch@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Colin Paulbeck, cpaulbeck@ufl.edu
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 1 student a term
Prerequisites: Completion of calculus III, some C++ or MATLAB programming
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, letter of recommendation, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Wesley Bolch, wbolch@ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/people/bolch_wesley
Project Description: This research project seeks to develop rapid and clinically accessible computational tools for use by radiologists and radiation oncologists to assess radiation organ dose and associated secondary cancer risks to patients following diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy. The Bolch laboratory has used computer animation software and real patient imaging data to create a 350-member library of pediatric and adult males and females that covers a broad range of subject heights, weights and body shapes. These anatomic models are now being used in all three areas of medical imaging: interventional fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine and computed tomography. Therapy applications of the UF patient phantom series include assessment of secondary cancer risks in proton versus photon cancer radiotherapy, and the use of kilovoltage stereotactic radiotherapy for halting the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

Project Title: Artificial Intelligence for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Ruogu Fang, ruogu.fang@bme.ufl.edu Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-3 students per term
Prerequisites: Calculus, Linear Algebra, MATLAB/Python programming, basic probability & statistics. Machine learning background is a plus.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: NSF REU, University Scholar Program, or voluntary Application Requirements: Email your resume, UF unofficial transcripts, and a statement of why you want to join our lab and work on this project to ruogu.fang@bme.ufl.edu. Interview will follow if passed initial screening. Go to https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flab-smile.github.io%2Findex.html&data=05%7C01%7CAshley.Wilson%40eng.ufl.edu%7C62daf9b19d9b4dc213fa08da9aa8b7da%7C0d4da0f84a314d76ace60a62331e1b84%7C0%7C0%7C637992346672431187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LBj28Duqr6zQOU71%2FokTtYhOKom8ftnrskfNbGe%2BLpE%3D&reserved=0 and click JOIN page.
Application Deadline: Students are considered on a rolling basis.
Website: https://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/fang/ruogu/index.html
Project Description: The goal of our lab is to create artificial intelligence (AI)-empowered systems to early diagnose and precisely intervene neurological and neurodegenerative diseases through multimodal medical images and multiplex healthcare data. We have multiple projects on focused on Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and stroke. Studies in our lab involve one or more of the following areas: machine learning, deep learning, big data, medical image analysis, neuroimaging (MRI, CT), retinal imaging (fundus, OCT), neuroscience. Specific projects include predicting the risk factors of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases from retinal and neuroimaging, personalized intervention through non-invasive brain stimulation, and neuroscience-inspired AI. Develop multimodal artificial intelligence frameworks for early diagnosis and personalized intervention for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. The goal of our lab is to create predictive, biomechanical simulations that can improve the functional ability and quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. We have multiple projects focused on the wrist/hand and foot/ankle. Studies in our lab involve one or more of the following: computer simulations, human subjects research, skin-marker motion capture, ultrasound, electromyography (EMG), torque-testing, and machine learning. Specific projects include quantifying kinematics and kinetics of the hand during functional tasks, creating accurate models of the ankle joint complex, and using machine learning to guide biomechanical analyses of human movement.

Project Title: Predictive Simulations of Human Movement
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Nichols, jnichols@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-3 students per term
Prerequisites: None. All students with an interest in studying human movement are encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None, unless selected for University Scholars or Emerging Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, Statement of Research Interest; See directions of undergraduate students at https://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/nichols/get-involved/
Application Deadline: Students are considered on a rolling basis.
Website: https://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/nichols/
Project Description: The goal of our lab is to create predictive, biomechanical simulations that can improve the functional ability and quality of life for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. We have multiple projects focused on the wrist/hand and foot/ankle. Studies in our lab involve one or more of the following: computer simulations, human subjects research, skin-marker motion capture, ultrasound, electromyography (EMG), torque-testing, and machine learning. Specific projects include quantifying kinematics and kinetics of the hand during functional tasks, creating accurate models of the ankle joint complex, and using machine learning to guide biomechanical analyses of human movement.

Project Title: Neural Engineering
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Kevin Otto, kevin.otto@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1-2 students per term
Prerequisites: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Basic online application, Resume, Faculty Interview; email one pdf file of all documents to Kevin Otto, kevin.otto@bme.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: http://nprlab.org/
Project Description: Our lab has multiple projects on exploring neural engineering techniques and approaches to treat disease or injury. Potential applications are: amputation, sensory restoration, enhanced cognition, and diabetes. These projects involve interfacing invasive and non-invasive devices with the central and/or peripheral nervous system for modulation and monitoring. The projects are typically highly inter-disciplinary, combining knowledge and approaches from: biomedical, electrical, chemical, and materials engineering as well as neuroscience, diabetology, and clinical science.

Project Title: Endocrine Pancreas Cellular and Biomaterials Engineering
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Edward Phelps, ephelps@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): N/A
Terms Available: All positions have been filled until further notice
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior, 2 students per term
Prerequisites: Declared engineering or biomedical sciences major, at least sophomore level, passion and enthusiasm for research
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, Statement of research interest, Faculty interview, and technical writing sample, email Dr. Phelps all materials in one PDF, ephelps@bme.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/phelps/
Project Description: The islets of Langerhans are highly complex endocrine mini-organs within the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon to control glucose homeostasis and are the target of multiple metabolic diseases including type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). In T1D, the insulin-producing beta cells of the islet are destroyed by an auto-immune attack. Our research interests lie at the interface of biomaterials engineering and the biology and treatment of diseases of the pancreatic islets such as T1D. For more detail see our laboratory website. We have various research opportunities for undergraduates to participate in this exciting science. Please contact Dr. Phelps for more information.

Project Title: Delirium Detection in ICU using Intelligent Systems
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Parisa Rashidi, parisa.rashidi@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): n/a
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students per term
Prerequisites: -Programming Skills, Math & Statistics, Good Communication Skills
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Parisa Rashidi, parisa.rashidi@ufl.edu, to request an interview.
Application Deadline: Spring 2017
Website: n/a
Project Description: The expected outcome of this project is a new methodological approach to identify delirium using integration of existing clinical data with sensor data measured from accelerometers and cameras.

Project Title: Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites: Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/rinaldi/
Project Description: The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering. Current efforts focus on developing tracers for magnetic particle imaging (MPI), an exciting new biomedical imaging modality that allows for non-invasive, unambiguous, and quantitative imaging of the in vivo distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle tracers. This research involves nanoparticle synthesis and characterization, cell culture, animal studies, image analysis, 3D printing, and computer programming. Students interested in any of these aspects are encouraged to apply.

Project Title: Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Christine Schmidt, schmidt@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): TBD students
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 students per semester
Prerequisites: Chemistry lab and cell culture/wet lab experience preferred but not required.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, statement of research interest, faculty interview; please email application documents to Stacy Porvasnik, sporvasnik@bme.ufl.edu
Application Deadline: March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/schmidt/
Project Description: Our lab has multiple projects on the development of biomaterials for various tissue engineering applications including peripheral nerve, spinal cord, heart, and lung. We are also developing biomaterials for in vitro test beds as model systems for normal and diseased tissues to aid in fundamental understanding and testing of potential therapeutics. We are currently focused on both the development of hydrogel biomaterials using extracellular matrix components and biomaterials derived from decellularized animal tissue. Specific projects include incorporating 3D porous architecture into naturally based hydrogels for guided cell growth/regeneration and developing novel, thermally-gelling, injectable hydrogels for drug-delivery and enhanced tissue regeneration. Studies in our lab broadly involve one or more of the following areas: biomaterials synthesis and characterization (e.g., chemical, mechanical), in vitro 2D and/or 3D cell culture analysis, bioactivity assays, microscopy and image analysis, and in vivo testing (e.g., surgery, histology, functional assessments).

Project Title: Engineering Biomaterials for Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Cherie Stabler, cstabler@bme.ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): as assigned
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level: Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 1-2 for Fall/Spring; 2-4 for summer, per availability
Prerequisites: Declared engineering or biomedical sciences major. Sophomore level. Passion and enthusiasm for research
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements: Resume, statement of research interest, faculty interview; email resume and statement of research interests to cstabler@bme.ufl.edu ; state desired semester (Fall/Spring/Summer) and availability (hrs per week). Students will then be interviewed.
Application Deadline: March 15th for Summer opportunities; rolling for Fall/Spring
Website: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/labs/stabler/
Project Description: Undergraduate students in my laboratory have the opportunity to work on projects across a spectrum of research, from multiphysics modeling, to biomaterial development and characterization, to cell culture and biomaterial integration, to preclinical model work. Students are always assigned a mentor and transition from observation to support team to independent researcher, per student motivation and productivity. Student volunteers are primarily targeted for summer research, in order to maximize research productivity. Time commitment for summer should be at least 6 weeks full-time. Volunteering during the Fall and Spring semester is typically relegated to shadowing and minor work and a 6 hr per week commitment is expected.

Project Title: Designing Biomaterials To Control Macrophage Stimulation
Department: Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Erika Moore; moore.erika@ufl.edu
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s): Varies
Terms Available: Fall, Spring, and Summer
Student Level: Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior, looking for students willing to commit 3+ semesters to the lab; summer REU students can be at any stage
Prerequisites: A self-motivated and driven student with an interest in experimental research, biomaterials, and scientific writing/communication. Students interested in completing an honors thesis in Materials Science and Engineering are encouraged to apply.
Credit: 0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend: None unless selected for University Scholars or are part of the summer SURF program
Application Requirements: UF students are encouraged to email Dr. Moore for availability; summer students should apply to the SURF program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Website: https://www.themoorelab.com/
Project Description(s): The Moore lab’s mission is to leverage biomaterial design for immune cell tuning and disease modeling. Our work is in the areas of biomaterials, immunology, tissue engineering, and wound healing. The Moore lab creed is to be collaborative, innovative, and passionate. This project focuses on designing novel biomaterials to control macrophage immune cell functional states. Through this research experience, students will gain skills related to experimental planning, time management, and data analysis. Students will also learn science communication through presentations at the lab, and college levels. There will be opportunities for presentations at the national/international level. Initially, Moore lab students work in pairs and independent projects are provided as each student becomes more confident in lab techniques. We seek to create a community that champions all trainees with the inclusion and appreciation of differences in gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race or culture, etc.