Hyeok Jun Ahn
MASc, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Supervisor: Karim Karim, Hamid Tizhoosh
Thesis: Scattering Correction in X-ray Imaging
My research lies in the field of medical imaging and it is focused on enhancing X-ray images captured by multi-spectral detectors. I chose to work in this area due to my passion in electrical engineering and physics, both of which I studied during my undergraduate. Solutions to problems in the field of medical imaging often combine both disciplines really well and I am very happy to be in the part of it.
Ibrahim Ben Daya
PhD Student, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Alex Wong, John Yeow
Thesis: Compensated Ultrasound Imaging System
My main research is focused on using a conditional random fields framework to compensate for the limitations of ultrasound imaging systems. My research interests extend to practical applications of computer vision and image processing methods to biomedical image analysis as well as adversarial attacks and defences of deep neural networks.
Nargess Heydari Beni
PhD Student, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Ning Jiang
Thesis: Arm-ECG electrode localization optimization
I am a PhD student at the Systems Design Engineering Department in the University of Waterloo. I have done some researches in different areas and my main research interests include:
Mobile ECG, Brain-Computer Interface, Designing Biomedical Devices, Rehabilitation, Neural Engineering, Intra cortical Studies: Decoding and Stimulation
Fairuz Hoque
MASc, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisors: Tom Willett, Maud Gorbet
Thesis: Design an implantable biomedical device to support continent ileostomies so that the number of follow-up surgeries needed is reduced.
I am a SYDE masters student interested in the field of biomedical design, specifically related to solutions for the gastrointestinal system. My background is in immunology and cell-material interactions through my undergrad in chemical engineering. In my spare time (when I find it), I volunteer at the International Peer Community.
YeJin Jeong
PhD Student, Chemical Engineering
Supervisors: Evelyn Yim
Thesis: general direction: Mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) vascular graft.
I have studied Biomedical Engineering for my B.S. and M.S. degrees in University of Rochester, USA. They have reinforced my interest in research, specifically in the areas with potential for medical application. I am currently working on a vascular graft project, which I hope will be applied to patients in need of such treatments.
Jacob Manuel
MASc, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisors: Ning Jiang, Jen Boger
Thesis: Brain-computer Interfaces for post-stroke rehabilitation
My research interests are in the areas of signal processing, neurorehabilitation, software engineering, and human factors. The goal of my research is to establish techniques for developing brain-computer interfaces used in post-stroke rehabilitation.
Sabrina Mattiassi
URA, Chemical Engineering
Supervisor: Evelyn Yim
Project: Development of hydrogels for the enhancement of neuronal differentiation
I am interested in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. My current project focuses on the development of novel hydrogels to enhance in vitro differentiation of stem cells into neurons and studying the effect of biophysical cues on neuronal differentiation.
Ala Eldin Omer
PhD Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Supervisor: Safieddin Safavi-Naeini, George Shaker
Thesis: Wearable Radar Sensor for Monitoring Diabetes
Awards: IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Doctoral Research Grant, 2019
Ala Eldin Omer received primary and secondary education in Khartoum, Sudan. He was ranked as the third top student over whole Sudan ranking in the Sudanese High School Certificate (SHSC) with an average of (96.4%). He received the B.Sc. degree (magna cum laude) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with specialization in Communication Engineering from University of Khartoum, Sudan, in 2013, the M.Sc. degree (summa cum laude) in Electrical Engineering from the American University of Sharjah (AUS), in 2016, where he was awarded a two-year Graduate Assistantship from the Department of Electrical Engineering. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree with the Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems (CIARS), Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada. During his Ph.D., he has been a Visiting Research Assistant with the Electronics and Electromagnetism Laboratory (L2E), Sorbonne University, France. From 2013 to 2014, he was a Research and Development Communication Engineer with the Telecommunication Research Centre (TRC) part of GIAD industrial group company, Khartoum, Sudan. In addition, since 2014, he has also been a Teaching and Research Assistant with the Department of Electrical Engineering, AUS. He has co-authored a number of journal and conference papers presented in international conferences. His research interests include communication systems, cognitive radio networks, video streaming, micro/mm-wave sensing, bio-sensors, bio-electromagnetics, complex propagation and scattering phenomena, antenna and radar systems, signal processing and pattern classification. He has been awarded many prestigious awards, Singapore International Pre-Graduate Award (SIPGA), IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Doctoral Research Grant, NSERC CREATE fellowship, Erasmus+ mobility grant, University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering (FOE) awards.
Publications:
- George Shaker, Karly Smith, Ala Eldin Omer, Shuo Liu, Clement Csech, Udeshaya Wadhwa, Safieddin Safavi-Naeini and Richard Hughson. "Non-Invasive Monitoring of Glucose Level Changes Utilizing a mm-Wave Radar System," International Journal of Mobile Human Computer Interaction (IJMHCI), vol 10, no 3, March 2018.
- Ala Eldin Omer, George Shaker, Safieddin Safavi-Naeini, Kevin Murray, and Richard Hughson “Glucose Levels Detection using mm-Wave Radar”, in IEEE Sensors Letters, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 1-4, September 2018.
- Ala Eldin Omer, George Shaker and Safieddin Safavi-Naeini, “Non-invasive Glucose Monitoring at mm-Wave Frequencies,” in Journal of Computational Vision and Imaging Systems (JCVIS), vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 3-5, December 2018.
Abdollah Pil Ali
PhD Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Supervisors: Karim Karim
Thesis: Coded-Aperture Phase Contrast Imaging using High Resolution X-ray Detector
Abdollah Pil Ali is currently a Ph.D. student at University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, under supervision of Prof. Karim. S. Karim. He received the M.Sc. degree from Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran, in 2016; and his B.Sc. degree from Islamic Azad University Tehran Central Branch, Tehran, Iran, in 2013. His research interests include phase contrast x-ray imaging, designing of novel imaging detectors and image sensors, radiation hardening, and radiation tolerant image sensors. He is currently developing a high-resolution x-ray imaging system to be used in non-invasive x-ray imaging field such as medical diagnosis.
Aravind Ravi
MASc, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Ning Jiang
Thesis: Brain Computer Interfaces
My research interests are in Applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Biomedical Signal Processing and Image Analysis. My research is focused towards building Non-Invasive Brain Computer Interfaces. I am currently working on Steady-State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP) based BCI. I investigate different EEG channel selection methods, development of novel detection algorithms and interface design for SSVEP BCIs. My hobbies include playing keyboard, composing music, and cooking.
Industry Collaboration:
As part of the Engineering Bionics Lab at the University of Waterloo, I am collaborating on a project with Cognixion (a company based in Toronto) on building portable brain-computer interface solutions for the non-speaking populations. Through our research on BCIs we are able to provide useful insights to the company for developing effective systems for the real-world.
Publications:
- Ravi, A., Pearce, S., Zhang, X., & Jiang, N. (2019). User-Specific Channel Selection Method to Improve SSVEP BCI Decoding Robustness Against Variable Inter-Stimulus Distance. In Neural Engineering (NER), 2019 9th International IEEE/EMBS Conference on. IEEE. (Accepted for Publication)
- Ravi, A., Venugopal, H., Paul, S., & Tizhoosh, H. (2018). A Dataset and Preliminary Results for Umpire Pose Detection Using SVM Classification of Deep Features. In Computational Intelligence (SSCI), 2018 IEEE Symposium Series on. IEEE. (Accepted for Publication)
Matthew Robichaud
MASc, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Maud Gorbet
Thesis: Predicting patient-specific changes in platelet reactivity during cardiopulmonary bypass
I am interested in understanding in how cells sense and respond to mechanical stress, a topic known as mechanobiology. In particular, I design devices to investigate operative risk in cardiac surgery patients. During many interventions, material and flow-mediated interactions lead to significant platelet changes. To improve clinical outcomes, related biomarkers are investigated under controlled conditions to gain mechanistic insight and enhance patient risk stratification.
Andrew Smiles
MASc, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisors: Ning Jiang, Clark Dickerson
Thesis: Electromyography application and signal processing
I am a pursing a Master’s degree in the department of Systems Design Engineering, as well as researching the therapeutic effects of EMG-controlled prosthesis for phantom limb pain. I have been interested in EMG control since my first year of undergrad, and have completed many projects in the field, including a custom signal conditioner, and a powered exoskeleton controlled passively through muscle activity. I am driven by a desire to improve the capacity and efficacy of humans through my knowledge of engineering principles and the human body.
Dana Toameh
MASc, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Maud Gorbet
Thesis: Development of a dynamic co-culture ocular cell in vitro model for biocompatibility and inflammatory testing
My name is Dana Toameh, I am currently doing my Master of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo. I have been working with Dr. Maud Gorbet for the past 3.5 years in the Material Interaction with Biological Systems (MIBS) lab; completing two summer NSERC-USRAs, an undergrad thesis and now my masters. During this time, I worked extensive on the OcuCell which was designed as a dynamic invitro ocular model to test how biomaterial properties impact inflammatory response of ophthalmic materials in ocular cells. I have experience working with flow cytometry, assays, cell culture work and protocol development. I am interested in learning more about the crosstalk that occurs between conjunctival and corneal cells and the development of biomedical devices. I am excited to be part of this program and the opportunities it will offer!
Yuan Yao
MASc, Chemical Engineering
Supervisor: Evelyn Yim
Thesis: Modification PVA for small diameter vascular graft application
I’m currently working on biomaterials for vascular grafts. My research involves material characterization, surface modification, cell- and hemo- compatibility test, and invivo animal work. I‘m interested to look into new functional materials or novel material modification for tissue engineering application.
Alan Yee
PhD Student, Optometry and Vision Science
Supervisor: Lyndon Jones
Thesis: Uptake and release of Preservatives by Contact Lenses
My research interest is on the multi-purpose solutions used to disinfect and clean contact lenses. One important component of the contact lens cleaning solutions are the antimicrobial agents. My goal is to understand and assess the different ways antimicrobial agents are absorbed on the contact lens. Contact lenses are a biomedical device which many people wear so it’s important that the various solutions on the contact lenses are safe and not harmful to the eye prior to insertion. The NSERC-CREATE program has given me the opportunity bridge the gap between research and industry by improving my communication and entrepreneurship skills.
Publication:
- Chau-Minh Phan, Sarah Weber, Jennifer Mueller, Alan Yee, and Lyndon Jones, “A Rapid Extraction Method to Quantify Drug Uptake in Contact Lenses”, Translational Vision Science and Technology (TVST) 2018, Vol. 7, No. 2, Article 11
Yirou Li
MASc, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Jen Boger, Lora Giangregorio
Thesis: Establishing efficacy measures for serious VR-based games for promoting engagement in physical activity by older adults living with dementia
I’m currently a MASc student in Systems Design Engineering Department at University of Waterloo. My thesis works on developing VR exergames as well as effectiveness measures of the games in promoting physical activities by] people with dementia. My research interests lie in healthcare, human factors, UI/UX designs, and even AI for developing ambient technologies.
Yiran Zhou
PhD Student, Chemical Engineering
Supervisor: Evelyn Yim, Maud Gorbet
Thesis: Mechanotransduction of corneal cells
Yiran’s research focuses on mechanobiology of corneal cells. Corneal cell behaviour can be affected by mechanical stimulus, which may contribute to the formation and progression of various cornea-related diseases, such as keratoconus. A better understanding of the mechanobiology of corneal cells may help in understanding the pathology and prevention of diseases. She is also interested in developing in vitro models that can help mimic cell growth microenvironment in vivo in order to better understand cell behaviour.
Vivian Chan
MASc, Health Science
Supervisor: Lyndon Jones, Chau-Minh Phan
Thesis: Optimizing an in vitro eye-blink model using tear film deposition components on contact lenses.
My name is Vivian Chan and I am currently pursuing a MSc in Vision Science at the University of Waterloo. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with a Biotechnology specialization at the University of Waterloo. My Master’s research will examine the deposition of tear film components on commercial contact lenses using a novel in vitro blink platform (OcuBlink). My research will provide further insights on how tear film deposition affects contact lens comfort.
Olivia Tong
PhD Student, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Melanie Campbell
Thesis: Retinal imaging system for Alzheimer’s Disease in older adults
My research focuses on the development of a retinal imaging system for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s Disease in older adults. The tool will measure retinal amyloid plaques that could diagnose the disease in its early stages and provide a better assessment of the treatment and tracking of the disease.
Nijani Nagaarudkumaran
MSc, Vision Science
Supervisor: Lyndon Jones
Thesis: Optimizing a method to identify the inflammatory mediators present in the Tear Envelope
My name is Nijani Nagaarudkumaran and I am currently a Masters student working under the supervision of Dr. Lyndon Jones in the department of Optometry and Vision Science at the Centre of Ocular Research and Education. I worked as a Laboratory Research Assistant at CORE where I focused on investigating Human Corneal Epithelial Cells and their inflammatory response to various chemical agents. My current project involves examining the tear envelope of contact lenses for the presence of inflammatory mediators to investigate the level of inflammation on the ocular surface caused by contact lens wear.
Fan He
MASc, Health Science
Supervisor: Catherine Burns
Thesis: Ecological Interface Design for Improving health care data
My research is in the area of human factor in advanced interface and data visualization. More specifically, my focus is on advanced interface for improving the perceptive, cognitive, and analytical capabilities of people to allow them to solve tasks that were previously too large or too complex.
My research methodology is a mix of theory, design, and evaluation and I strive to involve these users in the design process in a user-centered, participatory fashion.
I am currently working with engineers on the use of VR headset on pedestrian alertness perception study, and I am very interested in collaboration with researchers from healthcare disciplines.
Jonathan Rasmussen
MASc, Chemical Engineering
Supervisor: Evelyn Yim, Maud Gorbet
Thesis: Human corneal epithelial tissue models for the mechanistic investigation of Keratoconus
I am passionate about the many applications of biomedical engineering. In particular, I am currently applying tissue engineering techniques to investigate the corneal disease Keratoconus. Approximately 1 in 1300 people are affected by this disease, where the collagen structure of the cornea becomes softer causing a conical cornea shape that impedes vision. Several clinical studies have revealed that mechanical stimuli, such as eye rubbing, can cause Keratoconus-like changes to the cornea. I aim to develop in vitro corneal models using corneal epithelial cells, the outer cell layer of the cornea. The models will undergo various degrees of tensile stress and several cellular markers of the disease's initiation and propagation will be quantified. Having more insights into the biomechanical changes of the corneal epithelium in Keratoconus will allow eye care practitioners to make better judgments about the type of treatments that would best fit the condition of their patients.
Robin Murdock
MASc, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Supervisor: James Tung
Thesis: Prosthetic fit and biofeedback for trans tibial amputees
I am interested in the quality of life improvement through technology in the rehabilitation industry. Currently, my focus is on the comfort level of prosthetic sockets for lower limb amputees and the reduction of pressure sores from improper fit caused by volume fluctuations in a patients residual limb. Identified mainly as a biofeedback and guidance issue a platform to detect and assist with daily prosthetic and limb care is being investigated.
PhD, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Tom Willett
I completed my under graduation in Production Engineering and masters in Plastic Engineering from India. After 14 years of professional experience on new product development in medical industry I joined for PhD within Composite Biomaterial Systems Lab (CBSL) at the University of Waterloo. My current research is on using 3D printing methods to improve mechanical performance of structures built from novel nanocomposite biomaterials developed in CBS lab
Sahar Adnani
PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Supervisor: Karim Karim
Thesis: Novel photodetectors for SPECT imaging
I am currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Waterloo under supervision of Prof. Karim. S. Karim. I received my M.Sc. degree from the University of Tehran in 2016; and my B.Sc. degree from Sharif University of Technology in 2013. My research interests are large area PET and SPECT detectors, compton cameras, x-ray detectors, quantum computers, nano-structure fabrication and machine learning.
The main goal of my current research is having a cheap, powerful SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scanner. I am fabricating direct photodetectors in G2N lab to improve spatial resolution, while keeping the price low.
PhD, Kinesiology
Supervisors: Clark Dickerson
Thesis: addressing effective rehabilitation of post-treatment breast cancer survivor functional capacity
I am interested in the clinical aspect of shoulder biomechanics, including musculoskeletal imbalances that may affect the functionality of the joint. I use passive motion capture, dynamometers, EMG, and ratings of perceived exertion.
Through the study of the impact of musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulder, I aim to incorporate new strategies in the prevention and/or treatment of shoulder dysfunctions. I am currently involved in a project aimed to study the consequences of the application of radiation on tissues.
PhD, Vision Science
Supervisors: Lyndon Jones
Susmita Bose is a graduate student at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, Canada. She is pursuing her PhD in Vision Science within the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) under the supervision of Dr. Lyndon Jones. Her main research interest is primarily focused on ocular drug delivery using contact lenses as the delivery device. She received her Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2014 from West Bengal University of Technology in India. After completion of her undergrad, she completed her Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a major in Pharmaceutics in 2017 from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. In her Masters, she worked on ocular drug delivery via contact lenses using a photosensitizer as the drug of choice in association with a laser as an external stimulus to control the drug release. Currently she is working on development of an enzyme-triggered drug release platform, which has potential application as a bandage contact lens for corneal epithelial wound healing.
Back to Meet the Team