People

I am a second-year Ph.D. student in biomedical engineering. I'm currently researching the use of different 3D printing techniques to create transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices, developing and testing various types of 3D-printed materials and model variants to attempt to create a fully functional 3D-printed valve. 3D printing these devices can help reduce the overall cost of the device, allow for easy adjustments before printing to match the patient's aortic anatomy, and increase the durability and longevity of TAVR devices.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-nelson-57a217187/
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=jXZP2JYAAAAJ&hl=en&authuser=4

Xuyang Chen is a second-year Ph.D. student whose research focuses on experimental biomechanics and fluid–structure interactions. His current projects include quantifying the relationship between mosquito wingbeat kinematics and thrust production using strain-gauge instrumentation and high-speed imaging, and characterizing thrombus aspiration dynamics through particle image velocimetry (PIV). These studies aim to improve bio-inspired wing efficiency and enhance the success rate of catheter-based thrombus aspiration procedures.

Outside of research, he enjoys playing table tennis, badminton and soccer.

Leanna is a fifth-year Biomedical Engineering BS/MS student at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), specializing in tissue engineering and medical device development. Her research focuses on the application of bioprinting and other additive manufacturing techniques to create improved heart valves for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Investigating these manufacturing methods aims to enhance implant functionality, patient-specific conformation, and improve long-term clinical outcomes for patients with aortic valve disease.

In addition to her research, Leanna serves as the leader of RIT’s Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Journal Club. Leanna is also an outdoor enthusiast, spending her free time rock climbing and hiking.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanna-f-280a541ab/

I am a third-year biomedical engineering major. My research topic is on bioinspired peristaltic pumps using artificial muscle. This research is important because it enables safe, biocompatible fluid transport that mimics natural physiological motion in medical devices. My hobby is rock climbing.

My name is Natalie, and I’m a second-year student working on the research, design, and in vitro testing of 3D printed heart valve stents. My work involves CAD modeling, material selection, and bench-top testing to evaluate stent performance and hemodynamics. This research is important because it supports the development of safer, more effective, and patient-specific cardiovascular devices before they are used clinically. Outside of the lab, I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, and baking. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team doing meaningful, hands-on research.