Events

12 - 1pm
Golisano Hall Room 2115

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

12 -1 pm
Golisano Hall 2500

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​​​​​​​

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.

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

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.

Please click here to view the R35 panel talk.

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.

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.