Events

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PHT180 Research Vitals

Networking events showcasing healthcare technology research topics from internal and external researchers looking for collaborators for new research initiatives.  To register in advance for an upcoming Research Vitals talk, click on the date you are interested in below.  A video recording will be available after most talks and linked below. 

Grant Review Roundtable

Monthly pre-submission peer-review of research proposals that will increase the quality and scientific rigor of proposal writing, and enhance proposal success with external funding agencies.

Fall 2024 PHT180 Events

Time: 1-2pm
Location: Simone Center for Innovation (SIH 1600)

NIH R16 Workshop Flyer

PHT180 Research Vitals Event with Assistant Professor Hidy Kong
Date: Monday, Sept. 23

Time: 12pm

Location: CBT-1160 

CHST and PHT180 are hosting an event to welcome GCCIS School of Information Assistant Professor Hidy Kong. 

Hidy is interested in health-related technologies and is seeking collaborators. Her main research area is in human-computer interaction with a focus on data visualization and assistive technology. She has worked on testing various health-related systems  (mainly visualization-based web tools) for clinicians, caregivers, and families. 

Lunch provided. Interpreter available on request.

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/96erUXDvQxjwLTp87

If you have any questions please email Gina (gmlpht@rit.edu), Nicole (nehpht@rit.edu)

PHT180 Event Sept 23

Spring 2024 PHT180 Events

12 - 1pm
Golisano Hall Room 2115

Student Innovation Hall (SIH 1600)
12:00pm - 1:30pm

Network with PHT180 staff and affiliates
Learn about PHT180 services
Engage with colleagues

Lunch will be provided
Interpreters available upon request
Please RSVP to pht180@rit.edu by April 4, 2024

Fall 2023 PHT180 Events

Please click here to view a recording of the talk.

Topic: NIH SuRE and SuRE-First programs
12-1pm
Location: Simone Center for Innovation
Light refreshments will be served
To request an interpreter, please email pht180@rit.edu

Topic: NIH SuRE Program
Personalized Healthcare Technology and Sponsored Research Services are hosting a Research Vitals networking event focused on discussing how faculty can get involved in NIH funded research through the NIH SuRE program, followed by a discussion with PHT affiliates who are either past recipients or applicants currently recommended for funding under this award program. The SuRE program supports research capacity building at eligible higher education institutions through funding investigator-initiated research in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences that falls in the mission areas of the NIH. SuRE-First Research Awards (R16) provide research grant support for faculty investigators from eligible institutions who have not had prior independent external research grants. SuRE Research Awards (R16) provide research grant support for all faculty investigators from eligible institutions who are not currently Principal Investigators of any NIH Research Project Grants.

Speaker: 
Terry Koo, Senior Research Administrator, SRS

Panelists: 
Vinay Abhyankar, Association Professor, BME
Emiliano Brini, Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Materials Science
Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Professor, BME

Dr Maki's talk will be rescheduled.

Speaker: Kara Maki
Topic: A mathematical model of particle deposition in the human lung
Abstract: The effectiveness of aerosolized drug delivery for respiratory diseases is complicated by variations in anatomy, physiology, and behavior among age groups. In this PHT180 Research Vitals, I will present a mathematical model to predict particle deposition in adult lungs. The model is derived by coupling dynamic respiratory mechanics with particle dynamics. I will demonstrate how our predictions match some published adult deposition trends, both experimental and theoretical, and our next steps to achieve our long-term goal of designing a drug-aerosolizing device suitable for infants and toddlers.

Bio: Dr. Kara L. Maki is an Associate Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics, the Director of the Applied and Computational Mathematics MS Program, and the Director of the SMASH Experience for Girls at RIT. Her research efforts focus on developing mathematical models to understand thin systems involving the flows of biological and/or complex fluids, and the mechanics of biocompatible materials.  The specific problems she works on include designing comfortable contact lenses; understanding the causes of dry eye disease; controlling droplets and manipulating particles inside lab-on-a-chip devices; and, most recently delivering pulmonary drugs efficiently to pediatric patients.  Dr. Maki received her Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Delaware in 2009.  She completed a two-year postdoctoral position at the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications at the University of Minnesota.  In 2011, she joined the faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology. 

12 - 1pm
Golisano Hall Room 2500

Please click here to view a recording of Dr Godleski's talk.

Speaker: Stephanie Godleski
Topic: Adaptation of a Couples Intervention to Promote Coparenting and Reduce Hazardous Drinking During Transition to Parenthood
12-1pm
Institute Hall Room 1180 or Zoom (register here)
Light refreshments will be served
To request an interpreter, please email pht180@rit.edu

Abstract: In couples expecting a child, hazardous drinking by both pregnant and non-pregnant partners poses significant risk for negative family interactions and child outcomes. The transition to parenthood may be a time when expectant parents are potentially motivated for long-lasting health behavior change which can initiate a cascade of protective processes. I will describe our adaptation and integration of an innovative couple-focused motivational interviewing with an existing preventive intervention for expecting couples delivered remotely. I will discuss the process of adapting and integrating the two interventions, as well as the transition to remote assessment and intervention delivery and strategies to support engagement.

Bio: Stephanie Godleski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at RIT. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University at Buffalo. She completed a post-doctoral fellowship focused on alcohol etiology and treatment and is a licensed psychologist. She is interested in development across the lifespan and her work focuses on improving the health of children and families, especially understanding the influence of early development from pregnancy to early childhood. Her goal is to use research on developmental processes to create prevention and intervention efforts to promote positive parent health and behavior and reduce negative social and health outcomes for children. Her work has been funded by the National Institute of Health.

12 - 1pm
Golisano Hall Room 2500

Click here to view a recording of Dr. Lapizco-Encinas' talk.

Speaker: Blanca Lapizco-Encinas
Title: Electrokinetic separations in microfluidic devices  
12-1pm
Institute Hall Room 1180
Light refreshments will be served
To request an interpreter, please email pht180@rit.edu

Summary: Microfluidics has revolutionized the manner in which many assessments/processes are carried out. Electrokinetics (EK) is one of the main pillars of microfluidics, electric-field driven techniques are suitable for a wide range of applications due to their simplicity and robustness. Furthermore, EK-based microfluidic devices can exploit both linear and nonlinear EK phenomena, allowing for precise particle control in detection applications. This presentation will be focused on the design of insulator-based electrokinetic (iEK) microfluidics devices that combine electrophoresis (EP), electroosmosis (EO) and dielectrophoresis (DEP) to achieve the characterization of microparticles and microorganisms. This work includes extensive experimentation with microdevices made from PDMS and mathematical with COMSOL Multiphysics and as a result have gained a unique understanding of the distinct electrokinetic regimes which will be explained during this presentation.

Bio: Blanca H. Lapizco-Encinas is a Professor and a founding Faculty at the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her current research efforts are focused on developing electrokinetic-based microdevices. Her research work has been funded by the NSF and other funding agencies in the US and Mexico. She has received numerous research awards, serves as Editor-in-Chief for the Journal Electrophoresis and has published 130+ peer-reviewed research articles, conference proceedings, and book chapters. Dr. Lapizco-Encinas received her B.S. and MS degrees in Chemical Engineering in Mexico, and her Ph.D. also in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. 

12 - 1pm
Golisano Hall Room 2500​​​​​​​

Spring 2023 PHT180 Events

12:00pm
Location: GOL 2500

For more information click here.

Institute Hall 73-1140
12pm
Light refreshments will be served
Interpreter available upon request - please email pht180@rit.edu

High-fidelity multiphysics computational modeling of biological systems with application in human health.   

Abstract: Our research mainly focuses on developing a versatile high-fidelity multiphysics simulation and optimization platform for a broad range of biological and medical applications. The platform couples an immersed boundary method based high-performance flow solver, an advanced nonlinear finite element structure solver, a linearized perturbed compressible equation based acoustics solver, an electrophysiological solver, a muscle mechanics model, and a variety of engineering optimization tools. Recently, we also integrated multiple advanced machine learning algorithms for applications involving sparse data learning, reduced order modeling and control optimization.  Our research goal is to develop and utilize advanced computer modeling techniques to improve the understanding of the biophysics of various flow-related biological/physiological functions and flow-related human diseases. We hope to inspire innovative engineering designs and improve the diagnostic and treatment of related diseases. In this talk, I am going to briefly introduce the computational platform, and then talk about two current applications: (1) multi-physics voice simulator and personal voice care, and (2) multiphysics modeling of whole heart function.

Bios: Dr. Xudong Zheng and Dr. Qian Xue are associate professors at the Mechanical Engineering Department at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Prior to joining RIT, they worked at the University of Maine for 10 years as assistant and associate professors. Together, they have established the Complex Flow Modeling and Simulation Research Lab with emphasis on (1) addressing the fundamental questions regarding flow-structure-interactions (FSI) in wide ranges of biological applications, (2) developing innovative computational modeling approaches to tackle the challenges in simulating FSI in biological systems and enable multi-disciplinary research. Through years, their research was supported by multiple NIH and NSF grants and international foundation awards. Both Dr. Zheng and Dr. Xue are the recipients of NSF Early Career Award. Dr. Zheng is also the recipient of 2022 University of Maine Presidential Research and Creative Achievement Award.  

12:00pm
Location: GOL 2500

For more information click here.

Please click here to view a recording of the talk.

Institute Hall 73-1140
12pm
Light refreshments will be served
Interpreter available upon request - please email pht180@rit.edu

Title: Development of physics-based computational tools for the next-gen of drug discovery

Abstract: We need a new class of drugs to cure cancer and have more effective antiviral and antibiotic therapies. We must move from the current paradigm of drugs targeting single proteins to drugs that target the interaction between proteins. Only a principled approach grounded in physics can deliver the computational tools currently missing to rationally design this new revolutionary class of drugs. Here we propose to leverage our experience in using and developing physics-based simulations to design the missing tools that will enable the future of drug design.

Bio: Professor Brini got his BS and MS in chemistry at the University of Bologna (Italy). He earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry at TU Darmstadt (Germany).  He then moved to the US to work as a postdoc first and as a research scientist later in the group of Ken Dill at Stony Brook University (NY). He is now an assistant professor of physical chemistry at RIT. The research in his group focuses on developing new computational tools to characterize the free energy landscape of biologically relevant systems like protein-protein interactions and protein-drug binding. He is also interested in exploring new ways to port these tools to characterize materials' properties.

12:00pm
Location: GOL 2500

For more information click here.

For a recording of Dr. Wang and Dr. Phillips' presentation please click here.

Title: Immediate video feedback on wheelchair skill training for individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract: In this talk we will discuss our research on the effects of immediate video feedback (IVF) on training ramp, wheelie, and curb wheelchair skills for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). In addition we will describe some of the accessibility work we have carried out in collaboration with the Al Sigl Community of Agencies.

Bios: Dr. Yong “Tai” Wang is a Professor and the Dean of College of Health Sciences and Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He has started his job at RIT since January 1, 2021. Dr. Wang was the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Endowed Chair Professor of Lee Roy and Lucy Mathis at The University of Texas at Tyler from July 2014 to December 2020. He was the Assistant Dean (2011-2014) of the School of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University. Dr. Wang received his Ph.D. in Rehabilitative Biomechanics from the University of Illinois at Champaign. He is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and a Fellow of Research Consortium, Society of Health and Physical Educators. Dr. Wang’s research interests focus on wheelchair locomotion and rehabilitation for individuals with spinal cord injury, and Tai Chi and Wheelchair Tai Chi for individuals with spinal cord injury and disability. He has had more than 60 full-length refereed journal publications, more than 90 proceedings and abstracts published in refereed journals and more than 100 presentations at national/international scientific conferences. As a PI, Dr. Wang’s research projects have been funded by National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Association of Retired Persons, Georgia Research Alliance and other private foundations. Wang and his team have designed and studied Tai Chi Ball, which can be separated into Ying and Yang parts or combined as one during Tai Chi Exercise.

Dr. Dan Phillips is a degreed Electrical Engineer (B.S., SUNY/Buffalo 1979, M.S./Ph.D. University of Rochester 1998) with extensive graduate study in biomedical engineering and physiology.  In addition to his academic training, he has been employed in clinical, industrial and research environments with a focus on biomedical instrumentation and signal processing, especially as related to the development of diagnostic, rehabilitative and assistive devices.  His work over the last 40 years has included fundamental electrophysiology research, systems engineering in clinical environments and application engineering for embedded systems. In 2000, he was accepted into a tenure track teaching position in the Electrical Engineering Department at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he received tenure and a promotion to Associate Professor in 2006.  He was the primary author of the Biomedical Engineering Bachelor of Science program and served as its first Department Head.  He has been closely involved with the development of the Multidisciplinary Senior Design program in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering including advising and sponsoring student teams.  Most recently, he was appointed as Faculty Associate and Lead – The Partnership for Effective Access Technology R&D @ RIT.

12:00pm
Location: GOL 2500

For more information click here.

When: Tuesday, April 11 from 3-4:30 pm
Where: MAGIC Center lobby
Details: Meet your fellow affiliates and the PHT180 staff, learn about the services we offer, and provide feedback on how we could better serve your needs! Beer, wine, and snacks will be served.
RSVP: Via the calendar invite by April 4

Send questions to pht180@rit.edu.

PHT180 Spring Event April 11 3 to 4:30pm MAGIC Center lobby

A recording of Dr. Richards' presentation and subsequent discussion is available here

Institute Hall 73-1140
12pm
Light refreshments will be served
Interpreter available upon request - please email pht180@rit.edu

Title: Elasticity Imaging: A Deep Learning Framework to Estimate Elastic Modulus from Ultrasound Measured Displacement Fields


Abstract: Ultrasound (US) elasticity imaging is a technique that enables non-invasive quantification of material properties, such as stiffness, from ultrasound images of deforming tissue. This technique is used to identify a variety of tissue pathologies, such as cancerous tissues. During this talk, I will discuss the general process of elasticity imaging, from deforming tissue, to measuring the displacement fields and finally, recovering some material parameters. I will further discuss a deep learning approach we’ve developed to solve the elastic inverse problem and recover the spatial distribution of the elastic modulus from one component of the US measured displacement field.


Bio: Dr. Richards received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University, where his thesis focused on a new imaging methodology known as Elasticity Imaging. After his postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan and at the University of Rochester, he was a research professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center where he studied Ultrasound Elasticity imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology and remains an Adjunct Research Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. His research interests focus on the biomechanics of soft tissues and measuring the changes in mechanical properties of diseased tissues using clinical imaging modalities. His focus is on the development, validation and implementation of elasticity imaging for applications to a wide variety of pathologies, including the diagnosis and monitoring of vascular diseases, assessment of musculoskeletal disorder severity and guiding strategies for physical therapy and breast cancer diagnosis.

Institute Hall 73-1180
12:30 - 1:30pm
Light refreshments will be served
Interpreter available upon request - please email pht180@rit.edu

Title: Foundation Relations - Supporting Faculty and Institutional Philanthropic Grant Seeking by Building Connections

Abstract: The Office of Foundation Relations will provide some updates on the ways that they can support connecting faculty with foundation grants and resources and the critical role that relationships can play in increasing your likelihood of success!

Bios: Sara Vinch joined RIT as the Executive Director of Foundation Relations in February 2022, bringing nearly 25 years of experience across the spectrum of grant funding. Most recently, Sara led foundation and corporate relations at St. John Fisher College, expanding the portfolio of support and securing funding from a wide range of major national, regional, and local foundations and corporations and working collaboratively with sponsored programs, government relations, and individuals.

Casey Remer joined RIT as Director of Foundation Relations in November 2021. Most recently, she worked at Empire State Development, managing a variety of economic development grants across the Finger Lakes Region, including the statewide portfolio of COVID-19 Retooling Grants in 2020. Casey spent 10 years at The Hunt Institute as the Director of Policy and Research where she led the Institute’s grant proposal development and award management, engaging with major national foundations, regional and family foundations, and corporate sponsors.

Katie Mackey joined RIT as Associate Director of Foundation Relations in September 2022. Katie comes to RIT from the Rochester Museum & Science Center where she held various roles in the advancement department, including managing the Museum’s corporate and foundation relations. Recently, Katie’s great work helped launch new exhibits in the Strasenburgh Planetarium as part of the Museum’s capital campaign.

 

12-1pm
Boxed lunch will be served

12-1pm
Boxed lunch will be served

12-1pm
Boxed lunch will be served

Fall 2022 PHT180 Events 

12:00pm
Institute Hall 73-1160

Abstract: Approximately 2.8M people are infected with bacteria that are deemed resistant to clinically relevant antibiotics worldwide, which accounts for 35,000 and 700,000 deaths in the United States respectively. In the 2019 report, The World Health Organization states that if no action is take, drug resistant diseases could cause 10 million death each year by 2050 and that by 2030, antimicrobial resistance could force up to 24 million people into extreme poverty.  There is an urgent need for the development of novel antibiotics to combat the drastic rise in the number of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Bio: Dr. Hudson was born on the island of Jamaica and came to the United States at the age of 14. He completed High School in New Rochelle, NY, received a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Union University (VUU) in 2000 and completed his PhD in the department of Plant Biology and Pathology in 2006 at Rutgers University. He joined the faculty in the RIT Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences in the Fall of 2008 following a post-doctoral fellowship at Rutgers. Dr. Hudson’s research interests include antibiotic resistance, amino acid metabolism and microbial genomics. He is a dedicated professor and mentor to the next generation of scientists solving today’s problems and solving emerging scientific problems. Dr. Hudson is current serving as interim Dean of the RIT College of Science and was recently elected to the position of Operations Officer for RIT’s faculty senate.

12:00pm
Location: GOL 2500

For more information click here.

Speaker: Lishibanya Mohapatra, Assistant Professor, School of Physics and Astronomy
12:00-1:00pm
Student Innovation Hall 87-1600

Abstract: Cells contain a number of micron-scale structures, whose physiological functions are related to their size. Examples include cytoskeletal elements like mitotic spindle and organelles like nucleolus. Each of these structures is characterized by a narrow size distribution and is composed of molecular building blocks that diffuse in the cytoplasm. How the sizes of these structures are assembled and maintained amid constant turnover of their molecular components is an open question. Using examples from various cell types, I will demonstrate how stochastic simulations and size distributions can be used to uncover design principles employed by the cells to control the size of their organelles.

Bio: After receiving her B.S. and M.S. in Physics from India, Dr Mohapatra received her PhD in Quantitative Biology at Brandeis University in Massachusetts. She then served as the Co-Director of Quantitative Biology Research Community (QBReC) - a HHMI-funded research program designed to introduce undergraduate students to research opportunities at the interface of the physical and life sciences. She was recently hired as an Assistant Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at RIT and her research lab combines mathematical modeling with stochastic simulations, and collaborates with experimental groups to quantitatively analyze mechanisms used by the cell to maintain competing structures growing in a shared pool of building blocks.

For additional information about Dr Mohapatra's work, please visit her research lab website: https://www.rit.edu/science/mohapatra-research-group

12:00pm
Location: GOL 2500

For more information click here

Presenters: Terry Koo, PhD and Brenda Abu, PhD
12:00 - 1:00pm
Location: Virtual/Zoom

Abstract: Please join us for a presentation and Q&A from 12pm to 12:45pm on NIH research supplement and from 1pm to 1:30pm on new NIGMS MIRA Program.  Session 1, noon to 12:45pm, targets on junior faculty. Dr. Terry Koo from Sponsored Research Services will provide an overview of NIH research supplement, followed by a presentation by Dr. Brenda Abu sharing her first-hand experience with securing a diversity research supplement. Session 2, 1-1:30pm, targets on mid-career faculty whose research interest fit the scope of NIGMS:  Terry will talk about the major changes to NIGMS MIRA Program that make it an attractive funding opportunities to mid-career faculty. 

Bio: Terry Koo received education (MPhil, Ph.D) in Rehabilitation and Biomedical Engineering at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and post-doc training at Johns Hopkins University. Before joining RIT, he was a professor at New York Chiropractic College for 14 years. He served as a grant reviewer and an editorial board member for several funding agencies and peer-reviewed scientific journals, and had written 23 grant applications throughout his academic career. In 2019, he made a career change by joining RIT’s Personalized Healthcare Technology Initiative (PHT180) as a research development specialist to support research grant programs in the healthcare domain. His service included opportunity scouting, proposal scoping, pre-award consultations, hands-on proposal development, proposal review, coaching, and early career training. He joined Sponsored Research Services in July 2021 to provide pre-award service to RIT faculty.

 Brenda A. Z. Abu is an Assistant Professor in the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition at RIT (2019) after 2 years as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the same school. She previously served as a Post-doctoral Research Associate in the Nutritional Sciences Department at Texas Tech University. Dr. Abu received her MPhil, and PhD in Nutrition Sciences from University of Ghana (Ghana) and the University of the Free Sate (South Africa), respectively. Dr. Abu is a registered dietitian and has experience as a clinical dietitian, and nutrition consultant. Her research include topics on micronutrient deficiencies, food security, maternal and child nutrition, program/project design and impact assessment, and stakeholder engagement. Dr. Abu has been awarded internal grants, smaller ( ≤ $10,000) external grants and a Carnegie Africa Diaspora Fellowship (2022). Dr. Abu recently ( 2022) received an NIH supplement award to work with a University of Rochester team on a maternal and child health project.

12:00-1:00pm
Virtual/Zoom

Speaker: Barbara Lohse, PhD

Title:  Workshopping NEEDs for Tots

Abstract:  NEEDs for Tots is a print and web-based curriculum designed to educate children, parents and preschool providers on the principles of the Division of Responsibility in Feeding and USDA Core Nutrition Messages. Rather than focus on specific foods, portion-sizes, or nutrients, NEEDs for Tots focuses on shared family mealtime, the importance of food-neutral mealtime conversation, the way to accept and refuse foods, and the need to trust each person to manage his/her own eating. This program has been successfully received by parents and teachers alike in dozens of preschool classrooms with family and parent activity components. However, with the exception of one small app component, NEEDs for Tots has only been an in-person, paper-based program. Parents are calling for an end to the paper handouts, would like to “see” what happens in the classroom, and teachers have requested add-on materials. NEEDs for Tots must transition to a more technology-based platform. We have many ideas but aren’t certain of their feasibility, sustainability, or productivity. This project needs to be workshopped by PHT180 experts to enhance the dissemination and implementation to parents and teachers who now expect virtual and digital opportunities to train the next generation.

Biography:  Dr. Barbara Lohse is the Head of the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition and a professor of Health Sciences at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY. She also directs the graduate program in Health and Well-being Management and the Director of the Nutrition Education Engineering and Designs (NEEDs) Center. She received a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed her dietetic training at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She practiced clinical dietetics in the fields of developmental disabilities and psychiatric disorders including eating disorders. Dr. Lohse has experience in educational and behavioral nutrition research working with young adults, parents of preschool age children, and school age youth. She has expertise in nutrition education evaluation and psychometric validation and has published articles on the validation of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory, the survey to measure adherence to the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding Preschoolers, and the formula to measure standing stature from knee height in Japanese adults.  Her current research is focused on the impact of a lifestyle intervention to reverse metabolic syndrome. Dr. Lohse is currently President of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.

Register here:  https://rit.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJApdeqrqjwuE9x0B_2nLWtbFx6JE3e3m70l
Interpreter available upon request. Please email pht180@rit.edu

12:00-1:00pm
Institute Hall: 73-1160

Abstract: In the 1960s, medical researchers working with Limulus polyphemus (the American Horseshoe Crab) first isolated Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) from the crabs’ blood as a means to test for the presence of endotoxins – ubiquitous substances that can cause life-threatening fevers if introduced into the human body.  In the decades since, the LAL test has become the global standard for endotoxin detection in pharmaceuticals, an obscure but vital part of public health infrastructure. The story of LAL’s creation, commercialization, and regulation foregrounds concerns about public health and environmental conservation that ensue when drug manufacture is reliant on natural resource extraction.

Bio: Kristoffer Whitney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society at RIT.  He holds a PhD in the History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania, and completed a postdoc at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  His work on environmental science and policy has won the best article prize from the Society for the Social Studies of Science, and has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities as well as the National Science Foundation.

Please RSVP to pht180@rit.edu.

Interpreter available upon request.

Light refreshments will be served.

12:00pm
Location: GOL2500

For more information click here.

Spring 2022 PHT180 Events

Please click here to view the R35 panel talk.

RV20220211R35Panel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12:00-1:00pm
Gosnell College of Science - Room 3335

For more information please click here.

Please click here to view a recording of the seminar.

Abstract: Although applications of Machine Learning (ML) are now pervasive in the clinical literature, ML has yet to be embraced by the clinical community.  So, what constitutes a good machine learning model for clinical applications?   Certainly, a necessary condition for the success of any machine learning model is that it achieves an accuracy that is superior to pre-existing methods.  In the healthcare sphere, however, accuracy alone does not, nor should it, ensure that a model will gain clinical acceptance.  In view of the fact that no model, in practice, has 100% accuracy, attempts to understand when a given model is likely to fail should form an important part of the evaluation of any machine learning model that will be used clinically.  Moreover, the most useful clinical models are explainable in the sense that it is possible to clearly articulate why the model arrives at a particular result for a given set of inputs. In this talk Dr Stultz will expand upon these challenges that make the creation of clinically useful ML models particularly difficult, and discuss ways in which they can be overcome.

Bio: Dr. Collin M. Stultz is the Nina T. and Robert H. Rubin Professor in Medical Engineering and Science, a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, a faculty member in the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, a member of the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), and an associate member of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL). He is also a practicing cardiologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Dr. Stultz received his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from Harvard University; a PhD in Biophysics from Harvard University; and a MD from Harvard Medical School. He did his internship, residency, and fellowship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. His scientific contributions have spanned multiple fields including computational chemistry, biophysics, and machine learning for cardiovascular risk stratification. He is a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology and he is a past recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and a Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award in the Biomedical Sciences. Currently research in his group is focused on the development of machine learning tools that can guide clinical decision making.

Andrea Mazzocchi, PhD (RIT '16)
12:30 - 1:30pm
Institute Hall 73-1180
No registration required.

PHT180 and Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Research Seminar

Abstract: It has become well established that many 2-dimensional cell culture models are unable to adequately represent in vivo tissue and microenvironments. In response to this developed understanding, researchers have been focused on incorporating novel materials and extracellular matrix components, physical and chemical cues, and mechanical components to cell culture, yielding 3-dimensional culture, and ultimately, the field of tissue engineering. However, many cell friendly biomaterials are not advantageous for mechanical or chemical control and can be limiting during experimental design. Yet the best mechanically and chemically controlled biomaterials are often limited in use due to synthetic origin and the need for harsh reagents that are toxic to cells. This tension has opened the door to utilizing unique chemistries and components to create ideal biomaterials. Mazzocchi’s work incorporates the design of materials with utilization of patient-specific cells to advance precision medicine. Translating the science from bench to industry has resulted in Known Medicine - an early stage wet lab x data science company focused on developing the best treatment for every cancer.

Biography: Andrea Mazzocchi, Ph.D. is co-founder and CEO at Known Medicine in Salt Lake City, UT. She completed her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from Wake Forest School of Medicine and received her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. She has spent the past several years focused on cancer biology, tissue engineering, and biomaterials. Her research has focused on the intersection of these fields to generate a cancer precision medicine platform. Known Medicine marries this patient-specific wetlab approach with data science to generate biological, computational, and clinical insights to improve cancer patient lives.

Please click here to view a recording of the seminar.

Dr. Schmitthenner, Associate Research Professor of Schools of Chemistry and Materials Science, has received a notice of award for a third R15 NIH grant and will share learnings, tips and tricks from these applications in this two hour intensive seminar.

12:00-1:00pm
Gosnell College of Science - Room 3335

For additional information please click here.

Fall 2021 PHT180 Events

To register for this Zoom event, please click here.

Ke Du, PhD
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio: Dr. Ke Du is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and leads the Nanobiosensing, Nanomanufacturing, and Nanomaterials (3N) Lab. He also holds appointments in microsystems engineering and school of chemistry and materials science.

Du has received numerous awards and honors such as the NIH Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (2021), the Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) Collaborative Travel Grant (2019), the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Student Fellowship (2012), and the James H. Potter Award for the outstanding performance in the doctoral program (2014). He has been recognized as a global rising star in sensing by ACS Sensors and a finalist for the MINE 2020 Young Scientists Award.

Du’s research is supported by NIH, NSF, DOE, BWF, the UNYTE Translational Research Network, and industry partners such as L3Harris, Colgate Palmolive, SiPhox, and Biological Mimetics.

Abstract: Micro- and nanofluidic systems coupled with biochemistry, microscopy, nanomaterials, and machine learning components are powerful tools being used in numerous biomedical applications. In this talk, we highlight a quantum dot-labeled CRISPR assay and a disposable microfluidic system for the simple and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. We then introduce our recent efforts to understand the interactions of nanomaterials and single cells with a deformable microfluidic platform, and discuss a variety of clinical applications such as in vivo bioimaging with optofluidics, dentine hypersensitivity, and synthetic biology. 

Please click here to view Dr. Anne's presentation.

Kirk Anne, PhD
Director of Research Computing
Finance and Administration
Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio: Dr. Kirk M. Anne is the Director of Research Computing in ITS. He leads a team of five staff members who support research computing for RIT. He joined RIT in December 2019. Before RIT, he supported research computing at SUNY Geneseo and managed the Systems & Networking group for 24 years.

Abstract: In this talk, we will discuss our pilot of REDCap at RIT and plans for storing research data securely. REDCap is a browser-based tool for electronic data collection developed by Vanderbilt University. This summer, RIT joined the REDCap consortium and we have created an initial instance of REDCap. We are working with various offices on campus to ensure the necessary compliance with information security policies and procedures for storing data in REDCap. We will also discuss our plans for secure storage that will adhere to current and forthcoming information security regulations and requirements. At the end of the presentation, there will be a question and answer session to gather interest and issues.

 

 

Please click here to view Dr. Siewe's talk.

Nourridine Siewe, PhD
Assistant Professor, School of Mathematical Sciences
College of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio: Dr. Nourridine Siewe is an Assistant Professor at the School of Mathematical Sciences in the College of Sciences since 2020. He received his PhD in 2016 from Howard University and came to Rochester Institute of Technology after completing two postdocs: one at the University of British Columbia and one at the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis. He is a broadly trained mathematical biologist who combines techniques of mathematical modeling and analysis to understand and propose solutions for the control of diseases that represent current threats to humans and animals in general.

Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated, over the recent years, impressive clinical response in cancer patients, but some patients do not respond at all to checkpoint blockade, exhibiting primary resistance. Primary resistance to PD-1 blockade is reported to occur under conditions of immunosuppressive tumor environment, a condition caused by myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and by T cells exclusion, due to increased level of T regulatory cells (Tregs). Since TGF-beta activates Tregs, TGF-beta inhibitor may overcome primary resistance to anti-PD-1. Indeed, recent mice experiments show that combining anti-PD-1 with anti-TGF-beta yields significant therapeutic improvements compared to anti-TGF-beta alone. The present paper introduces two cancer-specific parameters and, correspondingly, develops a mathematical model which explains how primary resistance to PD-1 blockade occurs, in terms of the two cancer-specific parameters, and how, in combination with anti-TGF-beta, anti-PD-1 provides significant benefits. The model is represented by a system of partial differential equations and the simulations are in agreement with the recent mice experiments. In some cancer patients, treatment with anti-PD-1 results in rapid progression of the disease, known as hyperprogression disease (HPD). The mathematical model can also explain how this situation arises, and it predicts that HPD may be reversed by combining anti-TGF-beta to anti-PD-1. The model is used to demonstrate how the two cancer-specific parameters may serve as biomarkers in predicting the efficacy of combination therapy with PD-1 and TGF-beta inhibitors.

Please click here to view Dr. Ruder's talk.

Elizabeth Ruder, PhD
Associate Professor, Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition
College of Health Sciences and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology

Bio: Dr. Liz Ruder is an Associate Professor in the Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition at the Rochester Institute of Technology where she serves as a director of the B.S. degrees in Dietetics and Nutrition and Nutritional Sciences. Dr. Ruder received her B.S. with honors in Nutritional Sciences from Cornell University and completed her training to become a Registered Dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.  She obtained her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from Penn State University and then completed a post-doctoral Cancer Prevention Fellowship at the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. As part of that Fellowship, she obtained her MPH with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.  Previously, Dr. Ruder served as Director of the Didactic Program in Dietetics at the University of Pittsburgh (2012-2015) and as an adjunct faculty member Master's Degree Program in Cancer Biology, Prevention and Control offered by the University of District of Columbia/Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Since coming to RIT in 2015, Dr. Ruder has grown her research focus to encompass community engaged scholarship. She has obtained external funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to explore the use of financial incentives to promote fresh fruits and vegetable purchases among SNAP-shoppers in Monroe County and has obtained funding from the New York State Department of Health to collaborate with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to enhance the communication skills of health care providers treating survivors of breast cancer.

Abstract: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in U.S. women. Disease management and secondary prevention strategies, such as lifestyle changes, screening, and medication adherence have led to increased survival rates for breast and other cancers.  However, cancer survivorship is characterized by many to include uncertainty regarding follow-up care and unmet psychosocial needs.  Physician Assistants (PAs) play an integral role in the survivorship care and provide more health education than physicians, yet health promotion is a minor percentage of the PA curriculum.  Directive and prescriptive communication styles can inhibit patient health literacy and fail to motivate patients who are ambivalent about change.  PAMI: Physician Assistant Motivational Interviewing + Health Literacy to Enhance Health in Breast Cancer Survivors is a breast cancer education program designed in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) for Physician Assistant students to refine breast cancer survivorship knowledge, develop competency in Motivational Interviewing (MI), and enhance patient health literacy.  Physician Assistant student-participants engage in approximately 30 hours of training, all of which is online, including the use of animation to demonstrate a patient encounter, telehealth encounters with two Standardized Patients, and engage with breast cancer survivors from the community via Zoom.  In this talk, Dr. Ruder will discuss how the PAMI project re-conceptualizes the way PAs are trained in patient centered, health-literacy supportive communication. 

Spring 2021 PHT180 Events

Presentation Materials & Links
2-02-2021 Presentation PowerPoint

PHT180 grant writing resources
2020 NIH Virtual Seminar Presentation Materials
NIH Matchmaker
NIH Find Funding Tool
Grant Forward
Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant 
(R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant
(R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
(Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Speakers: 
Terry Koo, PhD
Research Development Specialist, PHT180
Hans Schmitthenner, PhD
Research Faculty, Chemistry and Materials Science, COS

Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm  Virtual Event

Lessons learned from 2020 NIH Virtual Seminar

Abstract:  NIH recently held a first-ever virtual seminar on Program Funding and Grants Administration on Oct 27- 30, 2020. This presentation will cover selected topics discussed in the virtual seminar such as diversity supplement award, loan repayment program, and early-stage investigator policy that may be of interest to PHT180 faculty. Dr. Hans Schmitthenner from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science will share his experience in successfully applying for diversity supplement awards. The presentation will also introduce PHT180’s newly-launched Grant Writing Resources on the PHT180 website.   

PHT180 Distinguished Speaker Event
Temiloluwa Prioleau, PhD
Assistant Professor,  Computer Science 
Dartmouth College


Bio: Dr. Prioleau is an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Dartmouth College. Her research focuses on the application of data science to human sensing and health; this includes developing and using mobile, wearable, and digital solutions to understand, monitor, and affect bio-behavioral factors that influence health. At Dartmouth, Dr. Prioleau co-directs the Augmented Health Lab with a mission to improve health with pervasive technology. In addition, she is an affiliate of the Center for Technology and Behavioral Health (CTBH) – an NIH-funded center comprised of interdisciplinary leaders in behavioral science and technology. She has received several awards including an NSF grant to develop a multimodal sensing system for improving diabetes management and an NSF RAPID grant focused on learning from the experiences of COVID-19 survivors. She received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and completed her postdoctoral training at Rice University.

Opportunities for using mobile technology and data science to transform healthcare

Abstract: Mobile technology such as wearable devices and smartphones provide unique opportunities for continuous sensing of physiological signals, activities, behaviors, and context that influence health outcomes. However, full realization of the potential of mobile technology in various health domains is still a work-in-progress. In this talk, I will present ongoing project directions that seek to: 1) understand technology-relevant gaps in healthcare, 2) leverage data from mobile technology to quantify behavioral and contextual factors that affect health outcomes, and 3) develop data-driven solutions that increase the utility of mobile health data to support and inform clinical decision-making. Our interdisciplinary team combines knowledge and tools from human-centered design, mobile computing, and data science/machine learning to address grand challenges in healthcare. Current efforts have focused on diabetes management as a test-bed for developing and evaluating digital solutions applicable to other domains.

 

Speaker: 
Ifeoma Nwogu, PhD
Assistant Professor, Computer Science, GCCIS

Bio: Dr. Nwogu’s research focuses on recognizing, modeling, and predicting human nonverbal behaviors and their interactions with other human participants. At RIT, she co-directs the Computer Graphics and Applied Perception Lab, which performs funded research in the areas of multimodal sensing, machine learning, and virtual reality. She is also an affiliate of the RIT Center for Human-aware AI (CHAI), composed of a transdisciplinary team of AI researchers, interested in solving AI’s grand challenges.​She has received several awards including the NSF CAREER award focused on analyzing the social interactions that occur in cross-cultural face-to-face social engagements. This multi-disciplinary research area lies at the intersection of social psychology, machine learning, computer vision, and speech and language processing. Its application areas include mental health analysis, education, and virtual reality.

Computational Models of Human Nonverbal Behaviors and Interactions

Abstract: While large-scale social media data about human interaction has been invaluable in elucidating many general patterns about people’s behaviors, it is mostly devoid of nonverbal human communication information. We only learn about the kinds of people who use social media rather than about humans in general. However, face-to-face communication is a highly interactive, synchronous process where participants mutually exchange and interpret messages in real-time, through speech, prosody, gesture, gaze, posture, and facial expressions. In this talk, I will present ongoing project work that examines (i) empirical findings on emotional regulation methods (positive and negative) in individuals (a joint project with the Department of Psychology); (ii) a multimodal machine learning model for analyzing behaviors; and (iii) a set of models for analyzing interactive behavior between dyads in an interaction. I will also briefly discuss some foundational machine learning research that has the potential to be useful for interpreting the models we develop. Much of this integrative work involves expertise and tools from Psychology, Communication, Human-Computer Interaction, and Computing.

Speaker: 
Nishant Malik, PhD
Assistant Professor, Mathematical Sciences, COS

Complex Systems Analysis and Modeling in Health Sciences 

Abstract: The complex systems framework provides a wide variety of mathematical and computational techniques to analyze and model systems of many interacting dynamical units and their collective behavior. This framework had a far-reaching influence on epidemics modeling, and I will present a highly pragmatic model for the spread of SIS-type diseases on coevolving networks. I will show that social clustering can lead to a decrease in infection levels in some specific settings. In the second part of this talk, I will discuss connections between complex systems and data science, and then present a method to classify graphs with application in cancer classification. Furthermore, I will briefly touch upon some of my recent work on time series analysis and its possible health sciences applications.  

Click here for a recorded video of the talk

Speaker: 
Marcos Esterman, PhD
Associate Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering

Ensuring Safety while Fostering Innovation in the 510(k) Regulatory Pathway: The Role of Product Modularity

Abstract:  One of the primary ways the FDA has supported more rapid approval of medical devices is through alternative regulatory pathways that rely on similarity in product modules to ensure the safety of new devices, such as the 510(k) pathway.  The 510(k)’s ability to consistently ensure safety and foster innovation has been questioned.  We posit that the 510(k) relies implicitly on the benefits afforded by modularity as a basis for establishing substantial equivalence. However, inadequate attention to the definition of modules, module boundaries, and the interfaces between modules and their role in assuring safety and fostering innovation can lead to failures of the 510(k) process. There has not been a rigorous scientific approach to understanding when and where product modularity can both promote innovation and ensure product safety. We propose that an explicit examination of the link between modularity and innovation will reveal the mechanisms that can lead to failures of the regulatory process. In this talk, we will motivate why the product modularity of predicates can impact the innovativeness and safety of subsequent devices that rely on that predicate, either directly or indirectly. We will discuss our research that seeks to identify the conditions under which the goals of the 510(k) regulatory pathway can be best fulfilled. By focusing on product architecture and its impact on new product development, the project will focus on a little explored area in regulatory science.

Fall 2020 PHT180 Events

Speaker: 
Jonathan Tory Toole, Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
College of Health Sciences & Technology, RIT
Time: 
3:30-4:30 PM

Abstract: The brain and body consist of complex networks of interconnected feedback and feed forward loops. Because these networks are capable of supporting multiple homeostatic states, a stressor or combination of stressors may cause the network to become “stuck” in a persistent maladaptive state, for example, chronic pain and the potentiation of opioid dependency. The current research uses automated text mining of over 14,000 publications to assemble a regulatory circuit consisting of 44 immune and neurotransmission mediators linked by 188 documented regulatory interactions. Decisional logic parameters dictating the regulatory dynamics available to each network model were estimated such that predicted behavior would adhere to observed pathologies. Analysis of this psycho-neuroimmune network confirmed that a broad family of behavioral kinetics may be equally capable of supporting dynamically stable conditions of chronic pain, persistent depression and addiction behaviors. Despite differences in the predicted course of onset, these models typically point to characteristic patterns of increased inflammatory activity in the brain for each of these pathologies, specifically increased expression of the protein complex NF-kB and inflammatory signaling proteins IL1-B, IL6, and TNF. Potential treatments targeting both addiction and chronic pain may therefore benefit from the use of anti-inflammatory drugs as pharmacological potentiators of current behavioral interventions.

Speaker: 
Gurnek Singh, Senior Director, Business Development
Kognito
Time: 
3:30-4:30 PM

Abstract: Learn how virtual human simulations are being used to deliver on-demand communication skills training in a variety of settings.  We will review case examples and published data from a variety of simulation projects that have led to improvements in preparedness, confidence, and self-efficacy of healthcare providers to engage patients; of teachers to open a dialogue about mental health with students; and of patients and caregivers to engage in behavior changes that improve health outcomes. The presentation will include a demo of a publicly available simulation

Speaker: 
Jennifer O'Neil, Assistant Professor
College of Engineering Technology
Time: 
3:30-4:30 PM

Abstract: Lower respiratory tract infections, such as RSV, are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years, yet very few pediatric pulmonary research centers exist. Jet nebulization delivers respiratory drugs directly to the lower lungs, and remains a popular method to administer aerosol medications to infants and young children. Despite the many advantages of jet nebulizers, their most significant disadvantage is the inefficiencies in aerosolized drug delivery to pediatric patients. This ineffectiveness results from children having smaller respiratory tracts, which can naturally contain less tidal volume and respiratory rate. This is compounded by the diversity of pediatric populations, from premature neonates through young children. Additionally, current devices were developed for adults, so the optimal aerosol particle size for lower airway deposition in young children is unknown. Compounding these issues is the fact that aerosol deposition may also be affected by disease state. To surmount these obstacles, a multi-disciplinary, multi-university team is developing a novel, interchangeable nebulizer device for pediatrics from bench-top testing through simulated animal studies to hopefully one-day clinical trials. The implications of these findings can inform other disease treatments and even immunizations, transforming the face of global healthcare.

Speaker: 
Cassandra Berbary, Visiting Assistant Professor
College of Health Sciences & Technology, RIT
Time: 
3:30-4:30 PM

Abstract: Research suggests strong associations between substance use and aggression, especially among substance using juveniles. Furthermore, adolescents with substance use difficulties have comorbid addiction and aggressive behaviors. For example, adolescents with substance use difficulties and comorbid behavior problems experience poorer treatment outcomes compared to adolescents with only substance use, highlighting the need for evidence-based interventions targeting both substance use and aggression. Although research has not yet focused on avatar-assisted treatment for adolescents with substance use and aggression difficulties, avatar-assisted therapy is likely to involve many benefits (e.g., ease of use; technological platform relevant/relatable to teens, delivery of standardized content in between therapy sessions; adaptation to individual client characteristics; self-monitoring and practice exercise/homework reminders; immediate feedback) as well as reduce barriers that prevent patients from receiving the quality of care. Particularly among adolescents, the use of a technological platform for role plays is a familiar platform to model and practice their healthy skill sets; however, the current digitized, computer-assisted, or web-based versions developed in the early 2000s (e.g., CBT4CBT) lack the modern customizations and advancements in technology that exist today. Current work focuses on the development of digitized (avatar-assisted) platforms using the following advancements in technology: 1) an avatar assist (e.g., behavioral health coach) to reward interaction and to narrate coping skill activities (aiding therapists and participants); 2) user-friendly and likable customizations; 3) symptom monitoring and tracking of behaviors and; 4) easy delivery and mobile flexibility. The theoretical background, design/development of evidence-based avatar-assisted platforms, and modifications of adult platforms for use with adolescent populations will be discussed. Current avatar-assisted CBT treatment platforms targeting substance use and aggression will also be presented. Moreover,  pilot data related to the implementation of the avatar-assisted platform in substance use clinical settings will be reviewed and presented. 

Speaker: 
Jay Henderson, Associate Professor
Syracuse University
Time: 
3:30-4:30 PM

Abstract: Recent advances in stimuli responsive and multifunctional polymers are enabling new investigations and understanding of cell mechanobiology—the study of how physical forces at the cell level contribute to development, maintenance, wound healing, and disease. By developing computational tools that enable study of the interactions of the polymers and cells, the value of stimuli responsive and multifunctional polymer platforms can be broadened, amplified, and democratized. Current work demonstrating the development, characterization, and application of stimuli responsive and multifunctional polymers and the computational approaches that complement them will be presented.