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.

Luca Barone is a first year PhD student in Mathematical Modeling. They are currently working on developing models for blood flow in cardiovascular disease, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. These models will allow for medical imaging data to be used to predict the mechanism by which cardiovascular disease occurs, enhancing our understanding of the underlying dynamics.

Outside of research, Luca enjoys reading, visiting coffee shops, and spending time in nature.

www.linkedin.com/in/luca-barone-math
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=FNdER9gAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=sra

David is a fifth-year Biomedical Engineering BS/MS student with minors in Mathematics and Robotics. His current research focuses on developing a novel left ventricular assist device (LVAD) that aims to mimic the fluid transport dynamics of the heart. By utilizing natural motion, this LVAD aims to reduce cardiac stresses that can accumulate due to long term reliance on current constant-flow systems. 

Outside of academics, David dedicates much of his time to music as a part of RIT's Eight Beat Measure. He is also an avid rock climber and enjoys a good book.

Edgar is a rising third year Biomedical Engineering student working on the research project focused on medical device design using CAD software, prototyping with 3D printing and design verification with benchtop in vitro testing setups. Designing and verifying medical devices helps us understand and improve their functioning and develop safer, effective and customized devices before their clinical applications.

Outside of the lab Edgar enjoys exercising, playing basketball and swimming, and playing musical instruments. Edgar is glad to be presented with opportunities to work with medical devices by RIT.