CAPSTONE DESIGN EXPO 2015 - PROJECT ABSTRACTS
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CAPSTONE DESIGN
EXPO 2015
PROJECT ABSTRACTS
2015 CAPSTONE DESIGN PROJECTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FROM THE DEAN
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering Capstone Design Program and Expo is a platform for
undergraduate students to demonstrate the skills learned over the past four years by solving a problem with a real world
application. Faculty, staff and industry advisers provide guidance and support to the senior design teams.
The local engineering community plays a critical role in making the Capstone Design Program and Expo an experience for
our senior students that prepares them for life after college. Our industry friends lend their support in many ways. This
includes mentoring student teams, judging projects at the Expo and providing vital funds and donations of supplies so
students are free to explore their most innovative ideas. Private support also covers the cost of the event itself, allowing
students to share their designs with the greater Richmond community.
We have been fortunate this year to be able to provide additional funds to deserving projects through a generous donation
from Mark A. Sternheimer. I extend my sincere thanks to all of the members of the Sternheimer committee, who spend
many hours reading and evaluating student grant applications. Members of the committee include Michael Sims, David
Alvarez, Tony Uliano, Nathan Karr, Chung-Chee Tai, Michael Mason, Vinnie Schoenfelder, Dave Barlow, Jeff Stanfield, Dr.
Frank Schmidtmann, Shahrzad Grami, Him Yang, Vince Lovejoy, Chris Gray, Behnam Moradi, Bill Smith, Eric Duvekot, Alan
Williamson, Bruce Ferris, Howard Turner and Ed Hall. And of course, I would also like to thank Mark A. Sternheimer whose
generosity allows us to recognize excellence in design and innovation.
Finally, we must acknowledge that presenting designs at a location like the Science Museum of Virginia provides students
with even more of an incentive to strive for excellence. We owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Richard Conti, Director and CEO
of the Science Museum of Virginia, and his staff for hosting the 2015 Capstone Design Expo at the museum. This is the
sixth year that we have been privileged to showcase our projects at the museum and I feel that this venue in particular
enhances our students’ work, allowing us to engage and inspire young audiences to consider a career in engineering and
science. I understand that more than 1,000 visitors attended the Expo in 2014, and I anticipate even greater attendance this
year. It is especially gratifying to meet young boys and girls at the museum and inspiring to observe the interaction between
these aspiring scientists and our School of Engineering seniors.
As evidenced by the continued success of the Capstone Design Expo, I am pleased to say that the partnership between
faculty, students and the engineering community is as strong as when the School first opened its doors nearly 19 years
ago. Congratulations to the Class of 2015 and everyone involved for a job well done.
Go Rams!
Barbara D. Boyan, Ph.D.
Alice T. and William H. Goodwin, Jr. Chair
in Biomedical Engineering
Dean, VCU School of Engineering
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FROM THE DEAN 1
• TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
• PREFACE 5
• 2015 CAPSTONE DESIGN EXPO SPONSORS AND CORPORATE COMMITTEE 6
• 2015 CAPSTONE DESIGN EXPO ADVISERS 7
• CAPSTONE STEERING COMMITTEE 8
• STERNHEIMER COMMITTEE 9
• THANK YOU 10
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
• BME01: Single-Use Cervical Biopsy Tool 12
• BME02: Device to deliver Endodontic material for temporary dental fillings 13
• BME03: Cell stretcher for live-cell imaging 14
• BME04: Smart device for automatic detection and localization of unconscious personnel 15
• BME05: Decullularization of a Pocine Lung 16
• BME06: Flow-Cytometry Machine for the Developing World 17
• BME07: Brain Injury Rehabilitation Tablet 18
• BME09: Toy for Preschoolers with Deaf-Blindness 19
• BME10: Physical therapy assistive device for visually-impaired individuals 20
• BME11: A Non-Contact System to Measure Wrist Kinematics of the Scaphoid and Lunate Bones 21
• BME12: Indoor Navigation System for the Visually Impaired 22
• BME13: Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring system 23
• BME14: A device for the objective assessment of ADHD using eye movements 24
• BME15: Semi-Interpenetrating Network (sIPN) of Hydrogel Scaffold Formulations for the Transbuccal 25
Delivery of Insulin
• BME16: 3-D Scaffold for Neural Stem Cell Regeneration 26
CHEMICAL AND LIFE SCIENCE ENGINEERING
• CLSE01: Separation Technologies of Base Oils 28
• CLSE02: Treatment of Menorrhagia and Irregular Menstruation By use of Cryo-fluid Endometrial 29
Ablation
• CLSE03: Ion Nanoparticles to Detect AT-III in Open Heart Surgery 30
• CLSE04: Phosphorous Removal from Wastewater 31
• CLSE05: Studying the formation of ammonium bisulfate in activated carbon bed absorbers for High
32
Temperature Fluidized Bed incinerators
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
• CLSE06: Effluent Treatment and Product Recovery of Soluble Organics from Product Waste 33
Stream by Using Nano-Porous Technology
• CLSE07: Designing mass balance on novel protocol to deliver HIV drug using solid lipid 34
nanoparticle carriers (SLNs)
COMPUTER SCIENCE
• CS01: Optimizing Data server using virtualization 36
• CS02: Big Data Indexing for Terabyte Scale Document Search 37
• CS03: Upgrade Tatami 38
• CS04: CHAT App and Web site optimization 39
• CS05: Labview with SoftIOC 40
• CS06: Development of mobile applications for VCU’s Center for Clinical and Translational Research 41
• CS07: Predator-prey game to maintain stable fish population for Ecotoxicological studies 42
• CS08: Clover Care: Website and E Marketing Development 43
• CS09: CRM Integration App for Smart Phones 44
• CS10: Columbia Graphics Print Estimator Application 45
• CS11: Text Analytic System for the Critical Infrastructure Dependency Mining 46
• CS12: INL Smart grid stability and issues/ challenges associated with coupling nuclear and renewable 47
energy sources
• CS13: Quantifying the Effectiveness of Phishing Emails 48
• CS14: Smart Grid Communications Network Simulation Project 49
• CS15: Driving simulator - Vehicle Simulation development and testing 50
• CS16: Porting of INLs Grid Simulator to a Java Based Format 51
• CS17: Rams OnBoard 52
• CS18: Visualization of NLP extractions 53
• CS19: Next generation cohort discovery tool for VCU Massey Cancer Center Cancer Informatics Core 54
• CS20: RecDroid: a resource access permission control portal and recommendation service for 55
smartphone users
ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
• ECE01: JSRCC Automotive Object Detection Simulator 57
• ECE02: Automated Magnetic Field Scanning System 58
• ECE03: Temeperature Measurement System for Cloud Data Centers 59
• ECE04: Non-casual Autonomous Parking System for Driverless Vehicles 60
• ECE05: Wind Energy Harvesters for Urban Small Scale Power Generation 61
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
• ECE06: Human-Machine Interfacing via Epidermal Electronic Systems 62
• ECE07: Low Power Sensors 63
• ECE08: Fly-Eyed Solar Cell 64
• ECE09: Rapid Identification of Radio Frequencies Using Software Defined Radio 65
• ECE10: Head-Tracking Wireless Streaming Device 66
• ECE11: Automated Disc Kiosks 67
• ECE12: Home Automation with Remote Access via Smart Technology 68
MECHANICAL AND NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
• MNE01: Fundamental Study and Design of a Molten Metal Loop Using an Electromagnetic Pump 70
• MNE02: The Perfect Coffee Cup 71
• MNE03: The Low-cost Desalination Unit 72
• MNE04: Superhydrophobic Boat 73
• MNE05: R/C Aircraft Design 74
• MNE06: FLEX MOTION EXOSkeleton 75
• MNE07: Nuclear Reactor Simulator 76
• MNE08: JSRCC Automotive Object Detection Simulator 77
• MNE09: Tapered Roller Bearing Accelerated Fatigue Life Test Rig Design - A 78
• MNE10: Tapered Roller Bearing Accelerated Fatigue Life Test Rig Design - B 79
• MNE11: Design for External Coiling Brush Attachment 80
• MNE12: FSAE – Shift Control system 81
• MNE13: Robotic Inspection of Geometrically Complex Tanks – Dr. Speich 82
• MNE14: Telescoping Arm for Tank Inspection 83
• MNE15: FSAE – Differential Carrier and Design 84
• MNE17: FSAE – Car Pedal Box 85
• MNE18: FSAE – Undercarriage Diffuser 86
• MNE19: FSAE – General Vehicle Aerodynamics 87
MULTIDISCIPLINARY
• MULTI01: Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusor 89
• MULTI02: Improved Lower Arm Prosthetic 90
• MULTI03: Photocell Optimization through Thermoelectric Generation 91
• MULTI04: Cartridge Filter Test Stand 92
• FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES 93
4
PREFACE - BENNETT C. WARD, Ph.D.
The Capstone Design experience at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering is the culmination of every
engineering student’s undergraduate education. As a prerequisite to attaining a bachelor’s degree, the program presents
each student with the challenge of working with a team to harness real-world engineering problems. The interdisciplinary
efforts of the five departments, Chemical and Life Science, Mechanical and Nuclear, Biomedical, Electrical and Computer
Engineering, and Computer Science, are a perfect example of how our engineers “Make it Real.” Capstone Design teams
learn and apply the engineering design process: defining functional requirements, conceptualization, analysis, identifying
risks and countermeasures, selection, prototyping and testing. At the Science Museum of Virginia you will see the product
of our students’ ambitious endeavors over the past eight to nine months.
This year’s student projects complement the School’s 2013-2020 Strategic Themes. Through Capstone Design, students
collaborate within their community and pool resources with team members, thereby bringing their own ingenuity to solve
real-work problems.
Through partnerships with industry and other VCU schools, the health sciences in particular, we have launched many
mutually beneficial projects, which have led, in many cases to significant results addressing a considerable unmet need.
The number of projects sponsored by industry, the health sciences and non-profit organizations have increased from 15
percent to over 50 percent in just one year.
We invite you to explore the Capstone Design website to learn more about this senior year experience:
egr.vcu.edu/senior-capstone-design.
I would especially like to thank our students for a job well done. To our faculty advisers and project sponsors, thank you
for these successful projects and your overwhelming support for Capstone Design and the VCU School of Engineering.
For questions or comments please contact Ben Ward, Ph.D., Director Project Outreach and Capstone Design Coordinator,
at bcward@vcu.edu or (804) 828-6371.
5
2015 SENIOR DESIGN EXPO SPONSORS
AND CORPORATE COMMITTEE
Capstone Senior Design teams work with experts from local industry, the health sciences and non-profits to practice problem
analysis, solution-based investigation and prototyping. Transcending traditional academic study, student projects are an
opportune way for young engineers to hone professional, team-based and critical thinking skills. Industry sponsors aid our
students through this ambitious yearlong process with generous funding and valued guidance. Through this advantageous
collaboration, our sponsors' leadership prepares the next generation of engineers to enter the workforce post-graduation.
The list of the Industrial Sponsors are (alphabetical order) -
• AMC Technology
• VCU Anesthesiology
• VCU Biostatistics
• Brenco
• CHAT
• Chemtreat
• Clover Care
• Columbia Graphics and Printing
• Delta Pure
• Dominion
• Evonik
• Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding
• Idaho National Laboratory
• Ippon USA
• J-LAB
• JSRCC
• Paraclete
• RLC Technologies
• Sealeze
• Search Box
• Securboration
• US Army Corps of Engineers R&D Center
• VA McGuire
• VCU Dentistry
• VCU OB/GYN
• VCU Office of Human Resources
6
2015 SENIOR DESIGN EXPO ADVISERS
Faculty advisers form the backbone of the Capstone Senior Design experience. These professors serve as a touchstone for
student inquiry, directing coursework and project development. Experts in their fields, faculty advisers lead their students
through conflict resolution and guide students to an understanding of professional, ethical and contemporary issues that
may impact a project on its way from conceptualization to utility.
The Faculty Project Advisers are (alphabetical order) -
• Gary M. Atkinson – Associate Professor
• Jayashima Atulashima – Qimonda Associate Professor
• Sama Bilbao y León – Associate Professor and Director
• Michael J. Cabral – Associate Professor
• Charles Cartin – Assistant Professor
• Daniel E. Conway – Assistant Professor
• Ding-Yu Fei – Associate Professor
• Afroditi V. Filippas – Interim Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
• Carol Fung – Assistant Professor
• Preetam Ghosh – Associate Professor, Associate Chair and Undergraduate director
• Frank A. Gulla – Assistant Professor
• B. Frank Gupton – Research Professor and Chair
• Rebecca L. Heise – Assistant Professor
• Robert H. Klenke – Professor and Interim Chair
• Christopher A. Lemmon – Assistant Professor
• Nastassja A. Lewinski – Assistant Professor
• Milos Manic - Professor
• Bridget McInnes – Assistant Professor
• James T. McLeskey Jr. – Associate Professor
• Gerald E. Miller – Professor and Chair
• James Miller – Assistant Professor
• René Olivares-Navarette – Assistant Professor
• Ümit Özgür – Qimonda Assistant Professor
• Dianne T.V. Pawluck – Associate Professor
• Michael H. Peters – Professor
• Supathorn Phongikaroon – Associate Professor
• Robert Sexton – Associate Professor
• John E. Speich – Associate Professor and Associate Chair
• Hooman V. Tafreshi – Associate Professor
• Jennifer S. Wayne – Professor
• Paul A. Wetzel – Associate Professor
• Weijin Xiao – Professor and Director of Computer Engineering Program
• Hu Yang – Associate Professor
• Woon-Hong Yeo – Assistant Professor
• Ning Zhang – Associate Professor
• Yue Zhao – Assistant Professor
7
CAPSTONE STEERING COMMITTEE
The Capstone steering committee is comprised of representatives from the five VCU School of Engineering departments,
as well as the School of Engineering Capstone Coordinator. The committee is responsible for general oversights, project
vetting and selection, and budget management.
List of Committee members -
• Ben Ward – Associate Professor, Director of Project Outreach
• Russ Jamison – Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
• Krys Cios – Professor and Chair, Department of Computer Science
• Preetam Ghosh – Associate Professor, Associate Chair and Undergraduate Director, Department of Computer Science
• Frank Gulla – Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear
• Arunkumar Subramanian – Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
• Michael Cabral – Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Rudy Krack – Instructor, Laboratory Engineer, Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering
• Frank Gupton – Research Professor and Interim Chair, Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering
82015 STERNHEIMER COMMITTEE
Mark A. Sternheimer, Sr. is the President of Sternheimer Brothers, Inc. Founded in 1930, Sternheimer Bros., Inc. owned
and operated a chain of apparel and shoe stores in Virginia. Mr. Sternheimer has served the VCU School of Engineering
as a member of the Foundation Board since 1999 and continues to be an avid supporter of the school. His generous
contributions have most recently offered students the opportunity to apply for Capstone Design project funding through
the Sternheimer Grant process.
Capstone Design groups have the opportunity to apply for the Sternheimer Grant during the fall semester of their senior
year. This year dozens of applications were submitted to a committee of industry experts from across all disciplines. The
committee has historically favored projects that are innovative in nature and have objectives that will positively impact the
world.
The VCU School of Engineering would like to thank the individuals who served on the Sternheimer Grant Selection
Committee and congratulate the winners of the 2015 Sternheimer Grants!
The list of Committee members & Company name (alphabetical):
• Michael Sims (AdvanceTEC)
• David Alvarez (Altria Group, Inc.)
• Tony Uliano (AMC Technology, LLC)
• Nathan Karr (Atlantic Constructors Inc.)
• Chung-Chee Tai (BluePrint Automation)
• Michael Mason (Brenco, Inc.)
• Vinnie Schoenfelder (CapTech)
• Dave Barlow (CHA Consulting Inc)
• Ed Hall (Dominion)
• Jeff Stanfield (Dupont Teijin Films LP)
• Frank Schmidtmann (Evonik Corporation)
• Shahrzad Grami (HDL)
• Him Yang (Infilco Degremont)
• Vince Lovejoy (Jewett Automation Inc)
• Behnam Moradi (Micron technology Foundation Inc)
• Bill Smith (Newport News Shipbuilding)
• Chris Gray (OneMind Health)
• Eric Duvekot (Porvair Filtration)
• Alan Williamson (Royall & Company)
• Bruce Ferris (Spark Product Development)
• Howard Turner (Trane)
Winning projects of the 2014-15 Mark A. Sternheimer Capstone Design Award:
• Toy for Preschoolers with Deaf-Blindness
• Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring System
• A device for the objective assessment of ADHD using eye movements
• Ion Nanoparticles to Detect AT-III in Open Heart Surgery
• Wind Energy Harvesters for Urban Small Scale Power Generation
• Improved Lower Arm Prosthetic
9A THANK YOU TO THE
SCIENCE MUSEUM OF VIRGINIA
The VCU School of Engineering would like the thank the Science Museum of Virginia for their generosity and use
of the museum for the Capstone Design Expo. The Science Museum of Virginia’s continued support helps make
the Expo a great success!
Science Museum of Virginia | 2500 West Broad Street | Richmond, VA 23220
804.864.1400 | smv.org
Monday - Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
10BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PROJECT ABSTRACTS
Single-Use Cervical Biopsy Tool
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 01
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser: Industrial Adviser and
Matthew Dianne Pawluk, Ph.D. Sponsor:
Suyama Phillipe Girerd, Ph.D.
Krisinger VCU Health Services
Acquiring a sample of tissue from the outer cervix is essential to diagnosing a patient with cervical cancer. Currently, a
sample of tissue is taken from a patient using a surgical tool known as a Kevorkian forceps. The tool uses a pinching motion
to obtain a biopsy from the outer cervix that will then be collected and sent to a pathology lab for examination. The current
tool cannot easily obtain a sample from the frontal face of the outer cervix, is expensive, and can take multiple tries to get
a usable sample because of dulling of the blades. The current tool often rips or tears cervical tissue causing discomfort
to the patient. A more accurate and efficient method is needed to take a biopsy from the outer cervix. A solution to the
current problems associated with the Kevorkian forceps is a complete redesign of the tool. We propose a new design
that involves the use of a flat, circular head attached to the end of a shaft of surgical stainless steel with the proximal end
containing a syringe-like mechanism that is able to be pushed 2.5mm into the shaft. The pushing of the end into the shaft
will cause blades hidden within the head of the blade to be pushed out of the head and into the cervix and will collect the
desired sample once the blades return to their starting position. A few inches of the top portion of the shaft can be removed
and sent off to the lab for examination. We plan to test many different blade configurations to ensure the most accurate,
painless, and timely procedure. We will be able to deliver a surgical biopsy tool prototype that can consistently obtain a
testable sample of tissue from the outer cervix on first attempt, is virtually painless, and is more cost effective than the
current methods used. The instrument will be very useful in the hands of an OB/GYN.
Initially, the blades of our surgical biopsy tool were imagined to be straight but after considering the sample size and ability
of the instrument to retain the sample, we have decided that curved blades will more effectively provide a useable sample
of tissue. The design of the shaft of the tool was modified to have a detachable top portion to allow for single use without
the inflated cost from disposing of all portions of the tool; this also deals with the problem of the dulling of blades over time
because the blades are only used to take a single sample.
The deliverables of this project include a Solidworks design with specifications and chosen materials, silicon models of the
cervix, a final prototype, and results from design and testing.
12Device to Deliver Endodontic Material for Temporary Dental
Fillings
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 02
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser: Industrial Adviser and
G.N Cyprus Rene Olivares-Navarrete, Ph.D. Sponsor:
H. Kamoun Virginia East, Ph.D.
G.B Reddy VCU Health Services
A. Salman
Root canal therapy requires patients be treated over several visits to clean and shape the pulp chamber. In endodontic
treatments, cotton wool is placed beneath the temporary filling to preserve the space of the pulp chamber and to prevent
any blockage of the root canals with temporary filling between clinic visits. Despite its simple application and affordability,
cotton wool can lead to fibrous remnants in the pulp chamber or become incorporated into the temporary filling, which can
lead to micro-leakage or bacterial colonization on the cotton fibers and subsequent infection.
Gelatin capsules or silica gels are proposed endodontic materials which can replace cotton wool in root canal therapy
by creating a barrier for entry into the root canals and conferring mechanical stability to the temporary filling above. An
innovative and clinically suitable delivery device is required to catalyze the use of novel endodontic materials in place of
cotton wool during root canal therapy.
The proposed solution is a device that will deliver a variety of endodontic material into the pulp cavity. The device will be
comprised of customizable, disposable attachments that will contain sufficient endodontic material to fill the tooth and a
permanent base that will house a mechanically operated delivery system.
The design team has created several concept designs for the dental device and narrowed them down as a group using
evaluation criteria such as potential clinical feasibility, functionality, and utility. After overcoming initial difficulty with 3D
drafting, 3D designs of the selected concept device have been developed and preliminary 3D model has been printed
using ABS polymer. These preliminary models allow for analysis of size, weight, and handling and will allow for the further
development and refinement of our design. Upon recognizing the need for further exploration of the potential user market,
an online survey was created and distributed to better understand the preferences of clinicians with regards to dental
devices. Responses from the School of Dentistry faculty are currently being collected and analyzed. In addition, an initial
estimation of the project budget, including 3D printing and proposed materials for prototyping, was made. The focus of the
team is currently centered on the ideation of the delivery mechanism, creation of customizable accessory attachments, and
determination of prototyping strategy.
13Cell Stretcher for LiveCell Imaging
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 03
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Adam Gonzalez Daniel Conway, Ph.D.
Trevor Mack
Iswarya Ramachandran
HongVan Trinh
There are cells in the human body that are continually subject to strain; some of these cells include cardiomyocytes, lung
cells, and skin cells. Scientists study cells under strain in order to understand how this may affect cellular function. The
current method to study how strain affects cellular function includes fixing (i.e. killing) the cells before imaging. There is not
yet a method to image living cells while simultaneously subjecting them to strain. Our solution to this problem includes
designing a simple, mechanically adjustable cell stretcher that fits a microscope stage for live cell imaging while the cells
are subject to strain. The device design went through several stages of development, beginning with a fully framed circular
device with several layers of gears and mechanisms. However, upon further investigation, it was found that the cells
undergoing the strain would require the constant presence of cell media to remain alive during imaging. In order to account
for this, as well as to prevent corrosion of the device mechanisms, it was decided to convert the design into several smaller
and simpler devices that could be mounted to the side of a media¬filled dish. We have devised a mountable device that
utilizes a screw and linear gear mechanism to pull a membrane of cells and subject them to stretch. We have created a
cardboard model of the screw and linear gear mechanism to validate and demonstrate its function. Future work will include
assembling the mechanism with the circular frame to complete the model. Once a working model is constructed, it will be
scaled down to create a working prototype.
14Smart Device for Automatic Detection and Localization of
Unconscious Personnel
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 04
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Manahel Alqadeeb Ding-Yu Fei, Ph.D.
Mihir Baxi
Zhenyu Fang
Pooja Shah
The objective of this project is to create a device that will locate unconscious personnel. Currently, there is no such device
that performs this function. The proposed solution provides a stimulation on the hand/wrist of the individual that can induce
a measurable response. The failure of a response, indicating unconsciousness, will transmit the location of the individual.
Expected deliverables for this project will consist of a testing prototype that determines unconsciousness and location.
A design with a heart monitor was proposed initially, however after some reasearch this concept was not further pursued
due to heart rate variability from person to person. From there, the concept design was moved towards the current design
concept in which hourly vibrations would be induced on a person’s hand.
Progress thus far includes identifying components for the device, determining parts that pertain to specifications of the
device as a whole, and ordering parts for the prototype. Vital components to the prototype are identified. An Arduino Uno
microcontroller would be programmed to collect and process the information provided by the inertial measurement unit
(IMU) as well as stimulate the vibration motor. An iNEMO 3D Module 3D Accelerometer IMU detects movement, thus
allowing the response of the personnel to be measured. A Precision Haptic 5 mm Vibration Motor is to be used as the
stimulus and was chosen due to a low power usage and it being ideal for hand placement. A global positioning system
(GPS) is to localize the individual. A bluetooth wireless module relays the information from the GPS to the microcontroller
over the distance of 100 meters. All major components were chosen based on compatibility, efficiency, cost, and lifetime.
Problems encountered over the course of the project in the first half include compatibility among parts, ambiguity of circuit
design and execution of the work plan. In order to resolve the first issue, the group decided to write a parts brief that would
compare each individual component on compatibility, efficiency, cost and lifetime before assembly. In order to resolve the
second issue, the group decided to design and test different circuits based on the use of different amplifiers, capacitors and
power sources. Over time, the design for the circuit would be simplified so that less issues may occur due to the circuit. The
third issue would be solved by ordering multiple microcontrollers so that each individual component can be programmed
and tested before combining all parts together.
15Decellularization of a Porcine Lung
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 05
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Kristen Hulbert Rebecca Heise, Ph.D.
Linh Ta
Lumumba Reid
Baltej Dhillon
Mahir Dagra
Our project aims to standardize the decellularization of a porcine lung by creating a bioreactor to house the lung, automating
the decellularization process and developing a protocol that will increase the precision and the repeatability of the process.
Our deliverables include a working prototype, an automated system that will inform the user when the decellularization
process is complete, a pressure sensor to control perfusion, and automated pressurized pulses that will increase the rate
of decellularization.
Our accomplishments thus far include: a design for a working prototype that will decellularize a porcine lung, determining
the proper rate to perfuse the lung, finalizing the list of chemicals and enzymes, and finding a colorimetric cellular assay to
determine when decellularization has been completed.
Our research has shown that some amount of degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) will occur in the decellularization
process. The degradation of the ECM will be minimized by controlling the flow rate to mimic physiological pressure and
eliminating any air bubbles trapped within the lung thus allowing a faster perfusion rate of the decellularization chemicals.
We can also minimize degradation by modifying existing protocols that already in use and by using a new method, such as
N-TIRE, that has yet to be fully investigated.
The first problem we encountered was the identification of an existing automated method to decellularize a porcine lung. To
overcome this, we have improved on the functionality by included a method to verify complete decellularization, modifying
the protocol to reduce ECM degradation and reducing pressure during perfusion. The second problem that we encountered
involved determining which assay could be used to determine if the lung had been fully decellularized by analyzing the fluid
expelled from the lung. We chose the Bradford assay due to the visible color change. The third problem was with the lack
of communication amongst team members. This was resolved following a meeting and discussion about more effective
avenues of communication. The final problems we encountered were with using the N-TIRE method. These include the
temporary vasoconstriction induced by the pulses, utilizing the process on an organ the size of the lung, and the possibility
of damaging the lung tissue.
16Flow-Cytometry Machine for the Developing World
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 06
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Paul Howell Chris Lemmon, Ph.D.
Jaynie Laverty
Flow cytometry provides critical diagnostic, measurement, and research applications across many healthcare and biological
disciplines. Its use in the detection of blood-cancers, HIV/AIDS, cell differentiation, and viral detection is unique and
unparalleled. Despite flow cytometry’s vast array of applications, its use is limited by expense. Rather than individual
labs being able to afford a dedicated machine, core facilities are developed and the research is exported. In addition, flow
cytometry’s high costs create a barrier to its implementation in developing nations.
There were 35 million people living with HIV in 2013, nearly 1% of the world’s population. There are more than 50,000 new
cases of leukemia every year in the United States, accruing to more than 3% of all new cancer cases. More than 70,000
new cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 4.3% of all new cancer cases, were estimated in 2014 thus far. About 530,000
people, in the United States alone, are living with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These diseases account for more than 1.5 million
deaths every year. Flow cytometry can be and is a source of diagnostic measurement and monitoring of these and many
other serious diseases. The problem lies in flow cytometry’s availability to world’s population.
A flow cytometry machine for the developing world should include the ability to count and distinguish cell types as well
as detect a fluorophore-marked cell surface epitope. The machine should be low-cost and have streamlined functionality.
Expected deliverables include computerized models of the individual components for 3D printing and a physical prototype.
Flow cytometry machines are typically sectioned in three aspects – optics, fluidics, and electronics – and our design
concepts have been divided likewise.
Design concepts for the prototype optics currently include using LED lights or lasers salvaged from CD/DVD or Blu-ray
players due to the extremely high cost of the currently used lasers. A CMOS type sensor or silicon array photodiode will
reduce the cost of using the traditional photomultiplier tubes. In addition, costs will be reduced by the use of colored gel
paper as bandpass filters.
Design concepts for the prototype fluidics include using a 3D printed flow cell or capillary array inspection point,
in-case waste and sterilization management, and CAM arm- operated butterfly pump or syringe controlled flow.
The electronics aspects of the design include using an in-case microcontroller for fluid level alerts, switching between sample
and sterilization fluids, data collection, and a LED or LCD display. Essential to the concept is an in-case uninterruptable
power supply able to last long enough to finish running a sample and save the data.
17Brain Injury Rehabilitation Tablet
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 07
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Aneesh H. Patel Gerald Miller, Ph.D.
Sachin Sharad
Christian Wallace
Patients with brain injury do not possess the necessary skills required to operate a tablet and become frustrated with
something that is a daily operation for the majority of people. Currently, there are some built-in accessibility functions on
tablets but these are not adequate enough for these patients. Other applications exist as well but are often very expensive
such as Proloquo2go, which lets patients create sentences by clicking on pictures. Our proposed solution is to streamline
the tablet and make it much easier for these patients to operate. It will give them auditory feedback for everything they do
and double check with them before performing any actions to ensure that they intended to perform that action. We also
intend to create simple applications (apps) that will aid in their recovery and be a more fun form of therapy rather than the
monotonous routines that have been used for decades. Expected deliverables of this project include the prototypes of the
apps and a finalized tablet ready to be used by these patients. Throughout the past four months, there have been many
complications that have affected our approach to the project. Picking a suitable tablet was a complication because things
such as price and aesthetics played a big role in the selection. At first, we decided to select the Nexus 9, a very expensive
but big and aesthetically pleasing tablet. However, the price being very high we had to scale down and settle with the Nexus
7, which although not as big, was still a good and aesthetically pleasing tablet. Another complication we had to go through
was scheduling a visit to VCU Medical Center to get patient and physician feedback on what specifications or features
of the tablet they would thing would be the most beneficial for rehabilitations and that they would like to see. Although
we had a date picked out and ready to go, our advisor informed us that he would set up a different date so that he could
contact specific people that we could meet with at VCU Medical Center that would be more appropriate for answering our
questions and giving us more useful knowledge as to the medical desires of our project. Lastly, we had to go through some
small complications with the development of our applications. The first application we were working on was unable to be
finished because during coding, we realized that the tablet interface would only be able to recognize one finger touch at
a time and not multiple ones. Therefore, we recently had to abandon our finger twister application and have just started
working on our concentration application. We are currently working on the primary motions in the concentration application
and plan to have it finished by the onset of Winter Break.
18Toy for Preschoolers with Deaf-Blindness
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 09
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Allison Beckman Dianne Pawluk, Ph.D.
Chelsea Gebs
Julia Grace Polich
There are approximately 70,000-100,000 people living in America that are diagnosed as deaf-blind. Since children with
deaf-blindness are an extreme minority in the US, research, toys and technological advancements for these children get
overlooked. As a result, the developmental processes of children with deaf-blindness are delayed by several years, compared
to normal children, due to the lack of resources available to encourage learning. According to Virginia’s Department of
Education standards of learning for preschoolers, development physically, mathematically,of environmental awareness and
of a sense of self are core requirements for Kindergarten. Therefore, there is a need for a toy that will provide stimulation to
develop physical, social, and cognitive progression to keep children with deaf-blindness on a normal learning curve.
Our design consists of components each of which stimulate one of the development goals. The first component is a chair
that promotes proper posture. The second component is a colored and vibrating drum game to stimulate mathematical
development through pattern recognition. The third component is a Braille exposure game to stimulate literacy development,
by associating a Braille word with an object or concept. The fourth component is an apparatus that can be placed over the
chair that contains dangling objects where the child can reach out to explore their surrounding environment. Under the
supervision and interaction of a parent/guardian, the child will develop socially through human interaction and feedback
suggested in the provided instruction manual.
Our team has been conducting research online and consulting professionals that have worked, or are currently working, in
the deaf-blind field; therefore we gathered information on how children with deaf-blindness typically react to certain stimuli
and various developmental concerns, to aid with the design of the toy components. With this foundation, our group drafted
a variety of design concepts. We weighed out the positives, negatives, and overall efficiency of each concept which lead us
to produce our final design. Then we presented our final design to our faculty advisor, perfect our idea and move forward
with materials selection. Our next step in the design process is to test the efficiency of different materials and methods that
we selected for the stimulatory components through experimentation and computation of engineering principles behind
the design. Unfortunately our group encountered a problem in the design process, we are behind in the construction of the
chair components due to the amount of time it took to complete the machine shop class. Once our testing is completed,
we will begin to construct and complete the full prototype of our product.
19Physical Therapy Assistive Device for Visually Impaired
Individuals
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 10
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Ashley Duke Dianne Pawluk, Ph.D.
Megan Goldberg
Lindsay Schnur
Physical exercise is challenging for individuals who are blind because they lack the spatial awareness necessary to imitate
described motions for exercises, and additionally require physical guidance. The current solutions involve tactile equipment
to assist in body placement, but a person with low vision cannot compare their own position to the correct position and
adjust properly. The proposed solution is an instructional yoga program that will give feedback to the user based on her
exercise performance, allowing people who are blind to be able to perform these exercises independently at home. The
design will incorporate the Skeletal Tracking program of the Microsoft Kinect, which uses infrared waves to determine 3D
positions of twenty points on the body relative to one another. The program will use these points to determine the relative
anatomical joint angles and relate them to the angles that correspond to the yoga positions. It will determine for each limb
segment what motion is needed to match the desired yoga position. The user will then receive vibratory feedback on the
portion of the limb in the direction in which it must move. There will be four vibrators each on the humerus and femur, one
each for flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction, and two each on the forearm and lower leg, one for flexion and one
for extension. Because only one of the vibrators corresponding to opposing motion will be on at a time, there are twelve
channels of communication, each with three different positions (0: both off, 1: one on, -1: other on). Each limb will be
adjusted and given feedback separately before the user holds the pose. A microcontroller will be programmed to activate
the appropriate vibrator based on data sent wirelessly from the computer. The vibrators will be attached to compression
sleeves, so their positioning is constant and in contact with the skin. Our progress includes designing the software concept
and program outline as well as determining the hardware needed to provide feedback including a parts list. We also chose
yoga poses that we expect to be detectable by the Kinect, and vibrators that are compatible both with our hardware and
the sensitivity of the mechanoreceptors. We initially were underestimating the complexity of the hardware needed for
wireless communication and for controlling the actuators, but our advising and research allowed us to understand and
make decisions about these design components. We also modified the number of vibrators in our design due to eliminating
rotating motion, at the suggestion of our advisor. We learned about how low vision affects balance and coordination,
exercising, and spatial awareness.
20A Non-Contact System to Measure Wrist Kinematics of the
Scaphoid and Lunate Bones
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 11
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Kristina Hendel Jennifer Wayne, Ph.D.
Joseph Newton
Shruthi Murali
Vivek Patel
Ligamentous and bone injuries in the wrist affect tens of thousands of adults per year and leads to abnormal function.
Surgical procedures as well as physical therapy intended to restorefunction have room for improvement. Measuring wrist
kinematics of the small carpal bones is necessary to understand the effect of ligamentous injury during normal motion.
Currently there are motion analysis systems that are used to track large scale movementfor total body kinematics such as
gait analysis. The accuracy of these systems is catered toward capturing gross movement and cannot precisely measure on
the order of millimeters necessary for carpal kinematics. There are some devices currently on the market that can measure
the kindematics of a cadaveric wrist, however they either us expensive CT and X-Ray technology, or require physical contact
with the specimen that might affect the accuracy of the data obtained. Additionally, these devices cannot measure the
continuous motion and only determine the location of wrist and carpal bones at the beginning and end of movement.
We propose a non-contact system for measuring wrist kinematics that can accurately and precisely measure the three
dimensional movement of the scaphoid and lunate. Three designs for markers were considered; passive, active, and
magnetic. Initially we decided active LED markers would be the best option for our project needs. However, after working
with active LED markers we determined limitations associated with the markers like wiring that would get in the way of
measurement. Thus, we decided to develop passive (not electrical) markers for our system. We created a system of color
coded passive markers in order to record three dimensional movement. In addition, we began computational analysis
via Matlab to identify the active markers in an image and calculate the distance between them. We have created a three
dimensional matrix on Matlab in order to map the movement of each marker. Moving forward we will create an algorithm
that can calculate the relative position of these two bones in a three dimensional space.
The main deliverables of the product are a working prototype, consisting of a frame and passive markers, and the algorithm
that can identify and measure the motion of the markers on a video recording to calculate the wrist kinematics. Thus far
progress has been made toward creating the physical working prototype and the algorithm. In the end patents for the
finished product and associated algorithm will be necessary.
21Indoor Navigation System for the Visually Impaired
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 12
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Andrew Stuart Paul Wetzel, Ph.D.
Joseph Chea
Elliot Roth
Christopher Neal
Visually impaired persons often struggle with autonomous navigation in unfamiliar indoor environments. When navigating
these complex indoor environments, visually impaired persons are more susceptible to injury than their non-visually impaired
counterparts. Navigation tools designed to assist the visually impaired are often invasive, noticeable, and provide minimal
feedback about their immediate surroundings. The information they receive pertaining to their immediate surroundings
is critical to their ability to wayfind in an unfamiliar environment. Our navigation system will provide a means for visually
impaired persons to navigate through these complex indoor environments. The navigation system is comprised of a modular
mechanical component affixed to the end of the user’s white cane. A Raspberry Pi computer will then take the X-Y motion
input from the mechanical component and calculate outputs on a digitized representation of the indoor environment.
The output, or distance travelled, will be calculated using a stepwise function encoded in python on a digitized map. The
computer provides ongoing tactile feedback to the user through an array of vibration motors. Initially, the user will input
their desired destination through a binary numeric keypad which will be verified by the computer by repeating the user’s
input through an attached speaker.
One problem we encountered with our preliminary system was the need for the user to maintain constant contact with the
ground in order to accurately track their distance traveled. The team hypothesized the need for visually impaired persons
to tap their canes indoors, the act of raising and lowering their cane to gain tactile and auditory information pertaining to
their immediate environment, thus losing contact with the surface. A phone interview with a visually impaired person, who
stated that tapping indoors is much less frequent than outdoors, helped elucidate this problem but did not give the team a
visual representation of the problem. In order to solve this problem the team has planned to hold a focus group to observe
how the visually impaired use their canes to obtain an accurate visual representation. Some possible solutions the team
has discussed are incorporating an accelerometer and creating an error rate in the code to measure distance each time the
cane is detached from the surface based on observational data.
22Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring System
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 13
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
David Decker Paul Wetzel , Ph.D.
Brittany Martinez
Brittany Noah
The objective of this project is to create a non-invasive hypoglycemic alert system that will detect a drop in blood sugar
in type 1 diabetics during sleep. This will be achieved by creating an algorithm that couples heart rate variability with skin
conductance to increase the accuracy of hypoglycemia detection. The device will be housed in a torso strap that will
include: electrodes located over the user’s rib cage, a skin conductance sensor placed in the user’s armpit, a microcontroller
to collect and process the data, and vibrating motors that will awaken the patient if hypoglycemia is detected. Integrating
the ECG leads into the torso strap incorporates a capacitive circuit that reduces reverberation due to lead placement over
the rib cage while also increasing user safety and accuracy of R-wave detection. This is in contrast to the standard bipolar
three ECG lead arrangement. This technique was discovered after realizing the need for a more ergonomic design to allow
for full range of motion for the user. Skin conductance will be measured through a sensor made of conductive fabric that
will be placed in the patient’s armpit due to the high concentration of sweat glands while maintaining the ergonomics of
the design.
A LillyPad microcontroller will be programmed to collect and process the signals using Arduino Software and will include a
SD Card for storage. The ECG signal will be amplified, filtered, and the R-wave will be detected. A timer within the system
will determine the intervals of the R-waves which will create a plot of time versus the index number. This data will be
saved on the SD Card. Welch’s Method of averaging Discrete Fourier Transforms (DFT) will determine the power of the low
frequency band of the signal in order to compute spectral components. Previous research has shown that the power of
the low frequency range (0.04-0.15Hz) of the ECG is related to hypoglycemia. Skin conductance will be measured using a
low level constant current which will measure a change in conductivity of the skin via the conductive fabric located in the
armpit that will be attached to the torso strap. If skin conductance increases along with a decrease in the power of the low
frequency component of the ECG signal, the diabetic will be alerted via a vibrating motor in the torso strap.
A finalized material and budget list as well as a finalized conceptual model were created for the Sternheimer Grant application.
Materials for fabrication are in the process of being ordered and will be ready to begin prototyping in mid-January.
23A device for the objective assessment of ADHD using
eye movements
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 14
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Overlin Paul Wetzel, Ph.D.
Turnage
Dosaj
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder characterized by lack of focus,
self-control,and hyperactivity. ADHD is difficult to diagnose without extensive observation by an expert, and even then is
often misdiagnosed. Current methods of pediatric diagnosis rely on subjective measures of activity and behavior relative to
other children [3]. Proper diagnosis is critical in preventing unnecessary prescription of the powerful, habit-forming nature
of the drugs used to manage ADHD, such as Adderall and Ritalin [1][5]. Research has shown that patients with ADHD
show abnormalities in reading tests and antisaccade tests, as these tests gauge ability to focus and suppress impulsive
behavior [2][6][4]. This project proposes to create a dedicated device that will use eye movement analysis to accurately and
objectively screen children for ADHD. The device will be inexpensive and easy to use for school nurses, optometrists, and
primary care physicians.
First, research was conducted to decide the type of eye tracker to build, the tests that would be run, the layout of the
device, and the type of headgear to use. After the preliminary research was completed, it was decided that a limbus eye
tracker would best fit the needed functionality of the device. Limbus tracking is both more accurate in horizontal tracking
and less costly than other systems. A basic circuit diagram has been created and circuit parts have been ordered. The IR
LED and phototransistors have been tested and appear to be working properly, but further testing will be conducted and
mounting for the components will be constructed.
One problem encountered was the selection of a computational module that incorporates our needs for digital I/O, A/D
conversion, significant processing power and speed, DOS-basedoperating system, and VGA output. No single board
computer yet found incorporates all these features in one module without being too costly. The team is awaiting a decision
concerning Sternheimer funding before exploring the use of more cost-effective strategies. Another point of discussion
among the team was how to affix the device to a child’s head or keep a child’s head still enough for the eye tracker to be
accurate. The result was a preliminary design utilizing safety glasses. The next steps in this project include deciding upon
a single board computer and ordering it and ordering more circuit parts and safety glasses. While these parts come in, the
circuit design can be enhanced, an approach for the programming portion will be created.
24Semi-Interpenetrating Network (sIPN) of Hydrogel Scaffold
Formulations for the Transbuccal Delivery of Insulin
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | 15
Project Team Members: Project Faculty Adviser:
Vasquez Hu Yang, Ph.D.
Pradhan
S. Salim
Clingenpeel
Insulin is a hormone created in the pancreas that controls blood glucose levels by allowing your body to use or store
glucose from the carbohydrates consumed. People that have diabetes either cannot produce insulin or do not respond to
insulin in their pancreas due to damaged beta cells and therefore need an outside source to control their blood glucose
levels. Diabetics are given doses of insulin as subcutaneous injections multiple times a day. This project proposes an
alternative route for insulin delivery to eliminate the need to subcutaneous injections, while still delivering the proper
dosage. Transbuccal drug delivery is an alternative drug delivery method that administers drugs through the buccal mucosa
and allows them to enter directly into the bloodstream. This alternative drug delivery route will be accomplished with the
use of mucoadhesive hydrogels. Hydrogels are a soft scaffold of a cross-linked network of polymers that are absorbent,
flexible, and biocompatible. They consist of three components: a polymer, an initiator, and a cross-linker. For this project,
two separate formulations of hydrogels will be tested in comparison to each other—one made from hyaluronic acid and one
from chitosan— to assess the effectiveness of both and produce a hydrogel formulation that will result in the ideal release
of an insulin dose. Polyethylene (glycol) Diacrylate (PEGDA) will be used for both the formulations as the cross-linker due to
its mucoadhesive qualities and its properties to assemble into a network. Hyaluronic acid is a mucopolysaccharide that is
produced naturally within the body, where it binds to water and has a viscous gel-like stiffness and texture and is naturally
occurring in the body where it is present in the extracellular matrix of the gum tissue, making it biocompatible. Chitosan
is a natural polymer that is chemically obtained from crustacean shells and is researched for use in hydrogels due to its
biocompatibility, low toxicity, and biodegradability. Both polymers are cross-linked with PEDGA by the photoinitiator, DMPA,
which is activated by exposure to UV light.
Two different types of hydrogels were photo cross-linked with PEGDA to form the hydrogel scaffolds. Swelling studies and
diffusion studies will be conducted on these hydrogels to assess the amount of absorption and permeability, respectively.
Next semester will be focused on the pharmacokinetic studies of insulin and the biotransport processes of insulin through
the hydrogels through assays and permeability studies. An in situ experiment will also be conducted next semester using a
porcine buccal mucosa to observe the effects of insulin release on live tissue, as well as the effectiveness of the hydrogel
in the release of the drug.
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