Expanding Human Capacity
In the College of Engineering Technology, our 'Expanding Human Capacity' research area explores how technology can amplify human potential. We are driving innovation in robotics, automation, and human-machine interface design, alongside transformative research in biomedical sensing with AI, tissue engineering, and advanced auditory systems, all designed to unlock new possibilities for human capability and interaction.
Featured Faculty
Research Summary
Understanding and decoding the brain is essential for gaining deeper insights into human behavior and neuropathophysiology, allowing us to treat neurological diseases, and ultimately improve patient care. The brain operates in physiological states of wakefulness and sleep, and in pathological conditions like seizures. The classification of these brain states and their transition from one state to another remains largely unexplored. My proposed research is driven by the central question: “What key neural signatures differentiate brain states, and how can this knowledge be used to develop personalized diagnostics and neuromodulation therapies to restore healthy brain function?” My ultimate goal is to develop AI-driven innovations that will advance our understanding of the human brain and improve healthcare for the populace.
Research Summary
My research focuses on the design and development of wearable biopotential electrodes and sensors for health monitoring. I aim to improve and facilitate the testing and development of these electrodes and sensing systems, enabling reliable, comfortable, and versatile applications in wearables, garments, and in-home monitoring devices for continuous and non-invasive measurement of physiological signals.
Broader Impact
This work addresses healthcare needs such as remote patient monitoring, early detection of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and equitable access to preventative care. By creating low-cost, user-friendly platforms that extend from wearable devices to in-home monitoring systems, my research contributes to efforts in personalized medicine, chronic disease management, and reduction of hospital readmissions.
Research Summary
My research investigates how the human brain processes music and speech, with a particular focus on auditory selective attention. We explore the neural mechanisms that allow listeners to focus on specific sounds in complex acoustic environments, using advanced neuroimaging and signal processing techniques. Our goal is to decode attentional states during music and speech listening and to develop technologies that enhance auditory perception in real-world settings.
Broader Impact
Understanding auditory cognition is crucial for addressing challenges such as improving hearing aid technology, supporting individuals with auditory processing disorders, and enhancing communication in noisy environments. Our research contributes to the development of neuro-steered hearing aids and gamified training tools, which have the potential to improve quality of life for people with hearing difficulties and to advance educational and assistive technologies.
Research Summary
My research focuses on the physics of fluid atomization and multiphase flow, with an emphasis on the spray behavior of Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids in biomedical, infrastructure, aerospace, energy, and pharmaceutical contexts. I lead experimental and computational studies examining how rheological properties and geometric and operating parameters influence droplet formation and aerosolization, with particular focus on pulmonary drug delivery via jet nebulizers and the evaluation of airway deposition. This work extends to low-cost drug delivery prototypes, flow-based diagnostic tools, and the use of biological sprays in non-medical applications such as bridge coatings.
Broader Impact
My research addresses critical global challenges in respiratory health and infrastructure by advancing aerosol drug delivery systems and developing biologic spray technologies for both medical and non-medical applications. By integrating fundamental fluid dynamics with experimental validation and device innovation, my work supports the creation of affordable, effective healthcare solutions while enabling novel surface coatings for infrastructure protection. This dual-impact approach contributes to broader societal needs in biotechnology, including personalized medicine, alternatives to animal testing, and scalable, biocompatible manufacturing to improve both human health and structural resilience.
Research Summary
My research focuses on two key areas:
(1) the development of bioinks that ensure geometric precision and high cell viability for 3D scaffold fabrication, and
(2) the design of low-cost, modular 3D bioprinting systems that integrate robotics, automation, AI, and biomanufacturing.
These technologies support the fabrication of complex tissue models—such as kidney, bone, and lung structures—for use in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug testing.
Broader Impact
My work addresses major challenges in healthcare and biotechnology, including the demand for personalized medicine, the reduction of animal testing, and the need for scalable biomanufacturing solutions. By combining advanced manufacturing with biomedical engineering, my research aims to accelerate innovation that directly improves human health outcomes.
Research Summary
My research aims to understand how curricular features and pedagogical practices are designed in engineering education, including the considerations underlying these designs. Additionally, I study how students and faculty experience the curricular and pedagogical practices.
Broader Impact
Through my research, I aim to improve the teaching and learning of engineering to students at the undergraduate level. By studying the curricular and pedagogical practices, my research highlights evidence-based modifications to these practices to meet the needs of various stakeholders including the students, faculty, society, and industry.
