Current trainees
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Abu-Sardanah, Serene  |
Program: Masters, Electrical and Computer Engineering I am a MASc. of Applied Science candidate in Electrical and computer engineering with a specialization in biomedical engineering at the Wireless Sensors and Devices Lab (WSDL). I completed my undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering at the University of Waterloo. Over my undergraduate career, I developed an interest in designing health monitoring devices and bio-monitoring tools. I grew an interest in wireless devices and wearables through internships in industry at ON Semiconductor and in academia at the WSDL and have come to develop a passion for designing seamless, useful devices that can easily be integrated into a user’s lifestyle to provide necessary health monitoring. During my MASc. and through work at the WSDL I developed an interest in using both contact and contact-less radar techniques for various healthcare monitoring applications, including chronic respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
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Adnani, Seyede Sahar  |
Program: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering 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. |
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Amiri, Arya  |
Program: PhD, Biomedical Engineering Arya earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering at the Bu-Ali Sina University and the University of Tehran in 2018 and 2021, respectively. Initiating his research on the behavior of soft materials since his undergraduate studies, he currenlty investigates the biomechanical behavior of soft biological tissues at the University of Waterloo as a Ph.D. student. Arya’s research demands building a bridge among theory, simulation, and experiment. Most recently, Arya was awarded the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship in 2023. For more information about Arya's background and publications please visit his personal websites: |
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| Arsenault, Noémie |
Program: Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering My research interests are in materials and their biocompatibility with the human body. I have experience in materials and their mechanical properties. I am looking to further my knowledge in the biocompatibility of medical devices.
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Program: PhD, Vision Science
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| Chu, Jonathan |
Program: Masters, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Jonathan is pursuing a MASc in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering after completing his BASc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on medical imaging, deep learning, and their applications in computer assisted surgery. |
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| Conner, Abigail |
Program: Masters, Chemical Engineering My research combines biophysical cues and microRNA nanotherapeutics to modulate vascular cell behaviour and encourage vascular tissue regeneration. The aim of my research is to promote long-term vascular graft patency, increase the overall success of graft implantation, and improve existing treatments for cardiovascular diseases. My expertise lies in utilising DNA nanotechnology and an understanding of the molecular events that underpin tissue development and formation to advance regenerative nanomedicine. My research interests are centered around nanomaterials and biomimetic tissue-engineered scaffolds. I am especially interested in engaging with the clinical aspects of my research to ensure my work has a positive impact on patients’ lives. |
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Dapaah, Daniel Yaw  |
Program: PhD, Systems Design Engineering My research focuses on understanding underlying mechanisms of bone fragility and fracture particularly in the context of the bone collagen network and how this can be potentially measured clinically to supplement bone fracture risk assessment. My research interest is in the area of fracture mechanics and testing of biological materials and developing sound experimental methods in these areas. [LinkedIn] |
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David, Dency  |
Program: PhD, Chemical Engineering I am interested in the research areas of Regenerative Nanomedicine for developing tissue engineered biomimetic 3D scaffolds for therapeutic applications since the harnessing of biological components and the mimicry of biological models towards sensing, storage or transduction of chemical or physical signals represents a leading challenge in science and engineering. I am also keen on developing novel biomaterials and implantable devices for clinical applications and other healthcare issues. I have strong interests in fabrication and application of nano-structure for biomedical applications in vascular tissue engineering. My parallel areas of interest are, the design and fabrication of Biomaterials and determining the mechanical, transport and biocompatibility properties of implantable artificial materials. |
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| Enkhbat, Myagmartsend |
Program: Doctoral, Chemical Engineering I am currently starting with corneal endothelial cells (CECs) apoptosis projects which investigating cell behaviours and especially apoptosis on synthetic guttata. Afterwards, I will move to another project which aims to explore the underlying mechanism of human primary CECs proliferation enhancement on nanopatterns. My research interests are nanofabrication and cell-substrate interactions for corneal tissue engineering and cell therapy. |
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| Emond, David |
Program: Masters, Kinesiology My research interests lie in the realm of knowledge translation, clinical practice guideline adherence, with some interest in psychometrics and qualitative work. My clinical practice background involves nearly 3 years of clinical work as a pain and rehab clinician (chiropractor by title) in both general practice, and with a private inpatient substance dependence facility, where I create lifestyle programs and manage aspects of chronic pain for the residents. I also have 10 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach both in the realm of rehab and high performance hockey training. |
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Garg, Piyush  |
Program: PhD, Optometry and Vision Science Piyush completed his master’s in biotechnology from Amity University, India. He has done his internship at Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, India where he worked on hydrogels for drug delivery. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Dr Lyndon Jones and Dr Chau-Minh Phan investigating degradable materials for ocular drug delivery.
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Ghaffar, Faisal  |
Program: PhD, Systems Design Engineering I am a PhD student in the System Design Engineering department at the University of Waterloo. I am working with Dr. Catherine Burns in the AIDL Lab. My research interest in Human AI Interaction, AI in healthcare, Explainable AI and User experience of AI. For the past 4 years, I worked on core machine learning and deep leaning techniques. My thesis work is on exploring and understanding the human decision making in human AI collaboratory environment where I am looking into how users make decisions when they are assisted by an AI agent. This thesis work specifically focusses on AI and explainable AI techniques used in healthcare and how these techniques help physicians in decisions making. I joined the NSERC-CREATE training program in summer 2022 and it's very exciting to be part of it. The training it provides has been very helpful in my career and professional growth. " [LinkedIn] |
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Herrera Valerio, Maria Cristina  |
Program: PhD, Kinesiology My research interest and methods are: EMG, IMUs, quantitative ultrasound, hand-held dynamometer, clinical biomechanics, shoulder rehab biomechanics, sport biomechanics, breast cancer research, musculoskeletal biomechanics, bone health, bone quality assessments. My research topic is studying the effects of radiation in breast cancer patients. This present spring term, I was collecting data at Grand River Hospital to complete studies 1 and 2 of my thesis. Study 1 comprises the quantification of the effects of radiation in shoulder health indicators: shoulder muscles strength, activation, shoulder range of motion, and arm circumference (to track the appearance of lymphedema). Study 2, includes the implementation of a shoulder intervention program focused on strengthening exercises throughout the radiation therapy window to check if they could compensate for potential shoulder health indicators imbalances/deficits. Finally, this fall I will be travelling to Berlin (Germany) to complete the data collection of study 3 which involves the validation of the quantitative ultrasound as a tool to assess rib fragility fractures (likely consequence of radiation treatment in breast cancer patients). [LinkedIn] |
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Heydari Beni, Nargess  |
Program: PhD, Systems Design Engineering She has done some research in different areas but focuses mainly on: Mobile ECG, Brain-Computer Interface, Designing Biomedical Devices, Rehabilitation, Neural Engineering, Intra cortical Studies: Decoding and Stimulation |
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Jeong, YeJin  |
Program: PhD, Chemical Engineering 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. |
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Program: PhD, Vision Science and Optometry Supervisor: Lyndon Jones, Maud Gorbet Thesis: - |
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Kormylo, Jacqueline  |
Program: Masters, Kinesiology My research interests include examining clinical biomechanical outcomes of people who are post-mastectomy and post-breast cancer treatment (such as lymphedema or loss of range of motion), as well as analysis of the rehabilitation methods used to treat these dysfunctions. In previous research I have used electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG), and ratings of perceived exertion. My hope is that my research will help the clinical outpatient breast cancer population return to their activities of daily living and improve their quality of life by helping to isolate effective rehabilitation strategies for this population. |
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| Madani, Nelly |
Program: Masters, Electrical and Computer Engineering My research interests includes image formation and digital signal processing. Because of my physics background, I'm very familiar with X-ray interactions, attenuations and also optical filters. My current project tries to integrate DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) into regular X-ray imaging using a novel detector my group developed. |
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Mohsenkhani, Sadaf  |
Program: PhD, Systems Design Engineering I have bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in chemical engineering-biotechnology. In my research path, I have been interested in researches involving the interaction of human biological systems with biomaterials. I started my research in the field with working as a research assistant here at the university of Waterloo, continuing for over two years conducting several research projects involving biocompatibility assessment of biomaterials such as bio-sensing devices and bone composites. Currently, I am a PhD student working on a project centered on the design and development of an in vitro model to study the cells interactions during the closed eye condition. In my project, I work with human cells and blood to reproduce the specific ocular environment during the prolonged sleep and study the white blood cells present in the eye during this condition. The knowledge provided from this project will support the development of new therapeutic strategies to reduce ocular inflammation and design biomaterials with reduced complications. |
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Morgan, Maxwell  |
Program: Masters, Mechanical Engineering Fracture-dislocation is the most common injury to the cervical spine resulting in spinal cord injury. This injury most commonly occurs from head-first impact (i.e. automotive rollovers). Currently, both cadaveric and numerical models do not predict this injury when simulating a head-first impact. My research involves finding the discrepancy between the injury seen in real life and injuries modelled with computational human body models. This is being done by quantifying the effects of different parameters in the simulation environment including: muscle activation, posture, initial conditions and other human body model parameters. |
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Nibret, Bethelhem Nigat  |
Program: Masters, Electrical and Computer Engineering Bethelhem Nibret is currently a MASc candidate at the University of Waterloo in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. She received her bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in 2021. She is currently a member of the Wireless Sensors and Devices Lab at the University of Waterloo. Bethelhem's research interests lie in the areas of radar signal processing and radar-based health monitoring. Her current research focuses on utilizing radar sensors for remote vital sign monitoring. |
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Patil, Haresh  |
Program: PhD, Systems Design Engineering
Supervisor: Thomas Willett Thesis: Developing hydroxyapatite nanocomposite-based bone implant to support reconstruction of large segmental defects in cortical bone “He completed his under graduation and master in Engineering from India and currently pursuing PhD degree with the Composite Biomaterials Systems lab (CBSL), Systems Design Engineering Department, University of Waterloo, Canada. He gained 15 yrs. of professional experience on new product development of medical devices used in surgical and biopharmaceutical applications. His research interest on developing hydroxyapatite nanocomposite-based bone implant to support reconstruction of large segmental defects in cortical bone involves, bio-mimicking the lamellar microstructures using custom-designed additive manufacturing method to customize mechanical properties of 3D printed structure and improve its rigidity. He contributed with multiple design patents during his professional career as a co-inventor and presented research work as a co-author in international conference (Canadian Biomaterials Society at Banff, AB)” [LinkedIn] |
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Pil Ali, Abdollah  |
Program: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering 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. |
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Ramasamy, Megala  |
Program: Masters, Optometry and Vision Science The successful development of new drug formulations, delivery vehicles, and devices for the eye requires testing in physiologically relevant in vitro eye models. While there are microfluidic chips that have been developed for toxicity testing, they are too expensive for use in early screening protocols. Megala’s research involves the fabrication of a millifluidic chip using 3d printing a cost-effective, time-efficient, and scalable approach for high-throughput screening of the cytotoxicity of ophthalmic formulations and devices. Her research interests primarily focus on developing biomaterials for ocular drug delivery, in vitro eye models, microfluidics, and 3D printing. [LinkedIn] |
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Riad, Michael  |
Program: Doctoral, Electrical and Computer Engineering Michael M. Y. R. Riad (Graduate Student Member, IEEE) was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1994. He received the B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from Ain Shams University, Cairo, in 2018 and 2021, respectively. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering with the University of Waterloo. He has been a permanent Teaching Staff Member at Ain Shams University, since 2018 (currently on sabbatical leave). From 2019 to 2021, he was working as a Course Developer and a Trainer with Siemens EDA. His research interests include microwave sensors, FTIR spectroscopy, and machine learning. |
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Robichaud, Matthew  |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering 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. |
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Shukla, Manish  |
Program: PhD, Optometry and Vision Science Manish completed his Master of Pharmacy with specialization in Pharmaceutics in 2018 at Uka Tarsadia University, India. He completed his Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2016 at Uka Tarsadia University, India. He has worked as a Research Assistant for Leo Lens Technology, USA and worked in the field of developing drug delivery contact lenses. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Waterloo under the supervision of Prof. Lyndon Jones investigating systems for drug delivery from contact lenses for myopia. |
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| Sivan, Vignesh |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering My research interests are at the intersection of computer vision and healthcare. |
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Sun, Fancheng  |
Program: Masters, Chemical Engineering My current research focuses on studying the pathogenesis, biochemical, and biomechanical mechanisms of a complex corneal endothelium dystrophy disease by utilizing the principles of biomedical engineering and material science. My research interests lie in the interdisciplinarity research of material science, biomedical engineering, and bioproducts. [LinkedIn] |
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| Tibert, Nicholas |
Program: PhD, Kinesiology As a clinical exercise physiologist, I am interested in exercise and its affects on human physiology and the physiology of different chronic conditions. I have also done work with knowledge translation and enjoy the process of developing tools that are informed by current research to improve the delivery of services to patients and health care professionals. |
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Warsi, Zain  |
Program: Masters, Electrical and Computer Engineering Zain is a MASc graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Waterloo pursuing research in the Silicon Thin Film Applied Research (STAR) lab under the supervision of Dr. Karim Karim and Dr. Ahmet Camlica. His thesis is based on the Design and Fabrication of Single X ray photon counting detectors. Zain has been awarded the International Masters Award of Excellence and Waterloo Institute of Nanotechnology Fellowship on his academic and research performance. He received his undergraduate degree with two gold medals in Mechatronics Engineering. His research interests include:
[Linkedin] |
Alumni
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Ahn, Hyeok-Jun  |
Program: Masters, Electrical and Computer Engineering 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. |
| Ali, Faraz | Program: Bachelors, Biomedical Engineering Supervisor: Jen Boger , John Muñoz Thesis: Kinematic Data Analysis on VR Exergaming Data for Older Adults I am an aspiring biomedical engineer with growing research interests in the data analysis and computer vision domain for medical contexts. Through past projects and co-op work terms in the medical device and healthcare industries, I have been building both my technical and research skills to help provide products and insight that ameliorate patients' lives. |
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Ben Daya, Ibrahim  |
Program: PhD, Systems Design Engineering 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. |
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Chan, Vivian  |
Program: Masters, Health Science 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. |
| Feng, Fan |
Program: Bachelors, Chemical Engineering Development of a biomimetic platform to study the effect of mechanical cues on patient-derived stem cells to |
| He, Fan |
Program: Masters, Health Science 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. |
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Hoque,Fairuz Samiha  |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering 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. |
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Lakhani, Ahmad  |
Program: Masters, Electrical and Computer Engineering Supervisor: - Thesis: - |
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Li, Yirou  |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering 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. |
| Manuel, Jacob Phil |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering 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. |
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Mattiasi, Sabrina  |
Program: Undergraduate Research Assitant, Chemical Engineering 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 |
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Nagaarudkumaram, Nijani  |
Program: Masters, Vision Science 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. |
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Omer, Ala Eldin Mohamed  |
Program: PhD, Electrical and Computer Engineering 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. |
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Palage, Andreea  |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering |
| Rasmussen, Jonathan |
Program: Masters, Chemical Engineering 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. |
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Ravi, Aravind  |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering 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:
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| Rennick, Elaine |
Program: Bachelors, Electrical and Computer Engineering My academic research interests include RFIC and RF FEM design for biomedical applications. I have experience performing RF circuit and EM simulation, compliance validation, and system-level calibration through co-op work terms at Skyworks Solutions Inc., onsemi, and Jabil Inc. |
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Smiles, Andrew  |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering 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. |
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Toameh, Dana  |
Program: Masters, Systems Design Engineering 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! |
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Tong, Olivia  |
Program: PhD, Systems Design Engineering 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. |
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Yao, Yuan  |
Program: Masters, Chemical Engineering 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. |
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Yee, Alan  |
Program: PhD, Optometry and Vision Science 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:
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Zhou, Yiran  |
Program: PhD, Chemical Engineering Yiran’s research focuses on mechanobiology of corneal cells. Corneal cell behaviour cacn 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. |