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Available Undergraduate Research Projects
See below for listings of projects that are currently available for undergraduates in Biomedical Engineering. Projects are listed alphabetically by the faculty supervisor's last name. Students interested in a particular project should contact the project supervisor directly for further information.
Advancing appreciation and application of deep brain stimulation for neurological and psychiatric disease
Direct Supervisor: Kenneth B. Baker | kbbaker@umn.edu | 612-626-8065
Lab Director: Jerrold Vitek
Our research program seeks to delineate the pathophysiological basis of Parkinson's disease, dystonia and other neurological and psychiatric disease, while exploring mechanisms of neuromodulation-based therapies (e.g., deep brain stimulation). Our goal is to improve patient care through the development of systems based, novel treatments and technologies. Using animal models, we combine quantitative metrics of gait, bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and reward motivation with neurophysiological data collection techniques. The student will participate in the analysis of spike and local field potential (i.e., signal processing), movement kinematics and behavioral data. Opportunities for involvement with data collected from human studies also may be available.
Project Options: Volunteer, BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP
Preferred Start Date: Any time
Date Posted: 04/25/2013
The Use of a Novel Model of Blast Traumatic Brain Injury
Afshin A. Divani | divani@umn.edu | 612-624-3035
We are working on a novel method to induce blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) using shockwave lithotripsy. This study was motivated by the need to better understand the pathophysiology of bTBI and create a reproducible preclinical model for inducing primary blast injury. We hypothesize that the application of shockwave lithotripsy will cause repeatable neurotrauma injury that is clinically relevant to blast exposure. The study requires training rats for behavioral assessment before and after injury, among others.
Project Options: Volunteer, BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP
Preferred Start Date: Any time
Date Posted: 09/06/2012
Design and fabrication of customized MR-compatible implants
Geoff Ghose | geoff@cmrr.umn.edu
Graduate Student Supervisor: Scott Warren | warre295@umn.edu
Our lab conducts multi-modal studies of the physiology and behavior underlying perception and cognition in non-human primates. A central requirement is ensuring that implants necessary for precise physiological measurements are also MR compatible. We have demonstrated the feasibility of customized PEEK implants that meet these requirements in pilot projects. This project will focus on standardizing and documenting a design and manufacturing protocol from image acquisition stage to CAD to final production. Interested students must have background in a CAD program such as ProE. Experience with custom mold design and SolidWorks is strongly preferred.
Project Options: BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
Date Posted: 09/06/2012
Protein Engineering for Molecular Imaging
Ben Hackel | hackel@umn.edu
We aim to engineer protein scaffolds with high stability and affinity for applications in imaging diagnostics. To this end, we study protein biophysics and function both experimentally and computationally. A student researcher will use molecular biology techniques to generate and analyze protein libraries for evaluation of the impacts of protein mutation on stability and binding function. Previous research experience is helpful but not required. Willingness to commit to multiple terms is strongly encouraged.
Project Options: Volunteer, BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
Date Posted: 02/21/2013
Optimizing preservation of Mesechymal stem cells (MSC)
Allison Hubel | hubel001@umn.edu | 612-626-4451
The clinical applications of MSCs are tremendous with over 200 clinical trials using the cells currently in process. The overall objective of this investigation is to develop improved methods for cryopreservation of MSCs. Project participants will be using high-throughput assays and protocol development will be driven by a computational algorithm.
Project Options: Volunteer, BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP
Preferred Start Date: Summer or Fall 2013
Date Posted: 02/21/2013
Drug discover for treatment of heart failure or diabetes
David D. Thomas | ddt@umn.edu
Post-Doc Supervisor: Sarah Blakely Anderson | sb@ddt.biochem.umn.edu | 612-625-0957
We have developed novel technology for high-throughput screening of small molecule libraries for discovery of potential drugs for activating the calcium pump, with applications to heart failure and diabetes. The student will learn techniques of protein engineering, fluorescence lifetime measurement in living cells, and biochemical analysis of calcium transport.
Project Options: Volunteer, BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP
Preferred Start Date: Any time
Date Posted: 02/21/2013
Neural Injury Model
Gerald Timm | timmx025@umn.edu | 612-625-0977
Co-Investigators: Joseph Sewell | jsewella@umn.edu | 612-625-3938; Christopher Steadman | stead032@umn.edu | 952-836-6343
The purpose of this project is to develop a gas intermittent-compression device for a neural injury experiment. It will be designed and constructed in conjunction with the Medical Devices Center (http://www.mdc.umn.edu/). Students will be expected to have backgrounds in mechanical or biomedical engineering, including experience in device design.
Project Options: Volunteer, BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP; some departmental research funds may be available for supplies
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
Date Posted: 09/06/2012
A Wearable Sensing Device for Detecting Urine Leakage in Urinary Incontinence
Gerald Timm | timmx025@umn.edu | 612-625-0977
Co-Advisor: Guangjian Wang | wangx027@umn.edu | 612-625-7939
This project is to design and prototype a wearable sensing device for detecting episodic urine leakages in stress and urge urinary incontinence. The long-term goal is to develop a medical device for investigational and clinical applications. It will be designed and constructed in conjunction with the Medical Devices Center (http://www.mdc.umn.edu/). Students in the College of Science and Engineering would be considered.
Project Options: Volunteer, BMEn 4710 (Directed Research), UROP; some departmental research funds may be available for supplies
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
Date Posted: 03/13/2013
Disease Early Detection and Targeted Nanomagnetic Therapy
Jian-Ping Wang | jpwang@umn.edu
Highly motivated undergraduate students are sought to join ongoing research projects on disease early detection and targeted and intelligent nanomagnetic therapy. Projects include nanomagnetic sensing system and protein and DNA based biomarker detection, smart magnetic nanoparticles and their usage for targeted therapy and nanomagnetic hyperthermia system for drug delivery and therapy. Students interested in pursuing MD or MD/PhD degrees are particularly welcome. Outstanding GPA preferred (>3.75). No experience needed.
Project Options: BMEn 4710 (Directed Research) or UROP in first semester; grant funds from second semester
Preferred Start Date: As soon as possible
Date Posted: 02/21/2013
