Undergraduate Students

ME seniors design new fluid aliquoting device to help ease hospital workloads

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 22:02:27 +0000

ME seniors design new fluid aliquoting device to help ease hospital workloads Alexander Jame… Mon, 04/14/2025 - 16:02

Alexander Servantez

New discoveries and advancements in the medical field have introduced a myriad of life-saving therapy options for patients across the globe. But what does it matter if tremendous costs and inefficient processes cause those therapies to be inaccessible?

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to solve that problem by developing an automated medical fluid aliquoting device during their senior capstone design class.

A rendering of the team's automated fluid aliquoting device, sponsored by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.

The project, sponsored by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, is a user-focused system that employs a rotational fluid distribution mechanism to divide and organize medical fluids into disposable bags. These fluid-filled bags can then be taken to hospitals for administration or stored for later use.

“A lot of different medical facilities need systems that can aliquot or essentially ‘dose out’ medical fluid for various applications,” said CAD engineer Zachary Goldberg. “Our device improves upon those previous systems by increasing the capacity of fluid samples that can be created and reducing the amount of space that the system takes in medical labs.”

Through human factors input, the group has found a way to streamline and automate the process to minimize labor-intensive interactions.

“In medical aliquoting, anything that a fluid comes in contact with needs to be disposed of after every single run to maintain a sterile product. So the operator is regularly unloading and reloading the tubing from the system,” said logistics manager Lia Cucuzzella. “This is a process that takes precious operator time with the existing machinery. Our device aims to streamline the loading process.

“This could reduce the cost of labor and help increase patient access to the therapies associated with these fluids.”

The medical aliquoting device is the first of its kind in the Senior Design program. Instead of having a foundation of designs created by teams in past years, the group started brainstorming with no reference points and no restrictions.

In many ways, this open brainstorming period enabled the group to push the boundaries of their project. But it also proved to be an obstacle.

“I’ve often felt that constraints on projects create smooth thinking,” Cucuzzella said. “When you are given a clearly defined project, it’s easier to think creatively within that space. For us, the bounds were so large that it was difficult for us to come up with an identity and define our own specifications.”

Still, the group was able to come together and find an innovative solution that combines precision and practicality. The team says they’ve learned a lot along the way, including the importance of working together as a team.

“When you have a good team with incredible people who are passionate about what you are working on, the potential is endless,” said project manager Ana Quiñonez. “Our team dynamic and our willingness to work with each other is a culture I will look to maintain going forward.”

The group says their year-long journey has told a story that they are excited to share with attendees at this year’s Engineering Expo event. Not only will people be able to see the progression of their project, but they will also get to see the development of their friendship in a fashion reminiscent of an old scrapbook of pictures.

They are also hoping to have another surprise: a demonstration that invites all visitors to try their device.

“A part of our mechanism is being user-focused and easy to manage,” said Quinonez. “What better way to explain our story than to let the audience load and operate our device?”

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to increase access to life-saving therapies by developing an automated medical fluid aliquoting device during their senior capstone class that streamlines the fluid dosing process.

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From left to right: Lia Cucuzzella, Samantha Shaw, Zhixing "Antonio" Li, Milo Ostwald, Zachary Goldberg, Andrew Hill and Ana Quiñonez

ME senior project aims to keep bomb squads out of harm's way

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:24:07 +0000

ME senior project aims to keep bomb squads out of harm's way Alexander Jame… Mon, 04/14/2025 - 11:24

Alexander Servantez

Bomb squads across the nation put their lives on the line everyday to protect others. But who is working to protect them when they are out in the field?

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to fill that gap by developing an automated X-ray device during their senior capstone class used to help explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians scan for hazardous materials.

The project, sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory, is the first of its kind in the Senior Design program. It’s designed to address key efficiency and safety issues that bomb squads encounter when dealing with explosive devices.

“Currently, EOD technicians are holding a tripod with an X-ray panel connected to it and manually scanning for explosives and other objects. It’s dangerous and it’s not nearly large enough for the objects they want to scan,” said project manager Thomas Montgomery. “We want to make sure the technicians are safe and they can do their job with more consistency and precision.”

The team's automated X-ray bomb disposal device, sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory.

To do this, the team attached an X-ray panel to a two-armed system powered by a series of motors with a torque output equivalent to a Prius. This allows the arms to swing and swivel to capture images anywhere within a 68-by-56 inch view without anybody getting too close.

The group says their automatic device also allows for faster setup and image processing capabilities—both of which are very important when bomb squads are working against the clock.

“Sometimes when the operators are scanning for objects, they come across overlaps in the images that are inherent in a manual process,” Montgomery said. “Our device keeps the operator further away from the danger, and it’s repeatable. It can precisely combine all of these images with consistency and that’s incredibly crucial during these high-stakes situations.”

It’s a novel approach to a tangible issue. But despite their success, the group said it wasn’t always easy.

The biggest challenge came all the way at the beginning of their capstone journey. When the team began brainstorming different designs and solutions, it became clear that there were quite a few dissenting opinions on how they should tackle this project.

“I was definitely one of the biggest voices of dissent on some of our original ideas,” said logistics manager Luca Voeller. “I think it was actually a good thing for our team. It really forced us to identify the flaws in our designs and come back to the group with solutions.”

Graduating student and team member Mateo Medellin fabricating parts of the automated X-ray EOD device.

Once they settled on a design, the group encountered their next big challenge: budget.

They found out right away they were going to need a motor capable of producing enough power to keep each of the 15-pound arms steady and moving. But purchasing one would blow a devastating hole in the rest of their project.

“Two weeks in we realized we needed a $3,000 motor and we most likely weren’t going to be able to do the project,” Montgomery said. “We spoke to support staff and they were miraculously able to get us one.

“It really shows you the importance of the resources here at the Idea Forge. Sometimes [the staff] brings you into some random closet somewhere and just pulls something out that saves your entire project.”

Navigating obstacles and issues is a staple in the senior capstone class. Whether it’s managing team dynamics or budget constraints, the program is designed to prepare graduating undergraduate students for industry experiences.

For this group, it was a rollercoaster ride. But they believe their struggles taught them a valuable lesson for the future.

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Fail early, fail often,” said Voeller. “The best way we learned all year was by messing up and making mistakes.”

This year’s Engineering Expo is on Friday, April 25 at the ��ɫ��Ƶ Indoor Practice Facility from 2-5 p.m. Make sure to drop by and check out all the exciting projects in action!

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to keep bomb squads safe by designing an automated X-ray device during their senior capstone class used to help explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians scan for hazardous materials.

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From left to right: Kyle Varra, Jakson Praeger, Luca Voeller, Thomas Montgomery, Benjamin Green, Daphne Felt, Bella Wolf, Dylan Mills and Mateo Medellin

Two undergraduate students receive prestigious aerospace fellowship

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 20:26:37 +0000

Two undergraduate students receive prestigious aerospace fellowship Alexander Jame… Fri, 03/07/2025 - 13:26

Alexander Servantez

Two undergraduate students in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering have solidified themselves amongst the future leaders of aerospace.

First-year mechanical engineering student and 2025 Patti Grace Smith Fellow Caleb Woldemichael at Lockheed Martin.

Third-year student Asaiah Gifford and first-year student Caleb Woldemichael were selected as Patti Grace Smith Fellows. The prestigious program is designed to help accelerate the careers of high-achieving Black students across the nation–a population that statistically remains underrepresented throughout the aerospace industry.

This year’s class of fellows featured 176 top-rated students from twenty-four different universities. Recipients of the award receive networking opportunities across the industry, personalized mentorship, a valuable summer internship at one of America’s leading aerospace companies and their share of nearly $500,000 in total scholarships.

“I’m honored to be a Patti Grace Smith Fellow,” said Woldemichael. “Breaking into aerospace can feel impossible and I definitely know what it’s like to be the only person of color in a room full of STEM students. This fellowship gives us a chance to get technical, hands-on experience and connect with other successful fellows throughout the industry.”

The Patti Grace Fellowship selection process is often described as one of the most rigorous in the country. Multiple rounds of screening and interviews with the nation’s most sought after aerospace employers ensures the candidates exhibit extraordinary professional aptitude and proven leadership qualities.

Third-year mechanical engineering student Asaiah Gifford during a Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) presentation.

The program’s applicant pool nearly doubled this year, as well, creating an even more competitive landscape than ever before. But Gifford believes the difficulty is what made the process memorable and inspiring.

“During one of my interviews I spoke with one of the fellows from a past class,” she said. “I was able to ask her a few questions about the fellowship and the difference it can make in the industry. She explained the hardships of being a Black engineer and shared how the program helped her push forward. Hearing that really just excited me and helped me have fun with this whole process.”

In 1963, Patti Grace Smith was a plaintiff in a landmark Supreme Court case that integrated public schools in Alabama. She would later go on to have an illustrious aerospace career, leading the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation and earning the General James E. Hill Lifetime Space Achievement Award, one of the highest honors awarded to aerospace professionals.

Her perseverance helped break barriers and usher in a new era of educational inclusivity, a legacy that today’s fellows are looking to uphold.

“There have been times where I’ve wondered if I’m good enough. I know what it’s like and I’m only a freshman, so I know I will face more difficulties,” said Woldemichael. “I hope future engineers can see this fellowship and push past this lack of representation, too.”

“This fellowship has taught me that being multifaceted is not a hindrance,” Gifford added. “A lot of people in engineering tend to prioritize only technical expertise, but the person matters, too. The Patti Grace Fellowship cares about how engineering impacts people, and I hope to expand on that going forward.”

Two undergraduate students, third-year Asaiah Gifford and first-year Caleb Woldemichael, were selected as Patti Grace Smith Fellows. The prestigious program is designed to help accelerate the careers of high-achieving Black students across the nation–a population that statistically remains underrepresented throughout the aerospace industry.

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Interning at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation

Katherine Pickens McConnell — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:19:21 +0000

Interning at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation Katherine Pick… Mon, 01/13/2025 - 17:19

Bryce Sohayda is an undergraduate student in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. He interned at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation during summer 2024.

Where did you intern over the summer and what was exciting for you about that opportunity?

Bryce Sohayda during his summer internship with XPCC.

This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation (XPCC) in Denver, Colorado. They specialize in Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to create power solutions for customers of all types. What excited me the most about this company was the opportunity to work for a supervisor with both entrepreneurial business skills and an engineering background. I appreciated being able to learn from his journey through different areas of engineering and gain an insight into the fast-growing industry of battery back up.

What kinds of projects have you had a chance to work on over the summer?

This internship was very hands-on and allowed me to work on several different projects. At the beginning of the internship, I worked on recharge and repair for the on-hand inventory and I used my basic circuits background to know voltage and current loads for an efficient recharge and restock system. Through the middle of the summer, we worked on a large value project including over 400, 3-part units where I got to rewire a user plug-in for modular enclosures and private label each unit. Toward the end of the summer, I switched to building 120V battery trays for large backup power units, where 40 of the trays go into one power unit. I got a very in-depth understanding of the UPS world and how many solutions there are to meet growing customer demand.

How did what you learned look different than the way you learn engineering in class?

One thing I learned from our engineering classes is that they teach us to problem solve more than anything else. There is no specific formula to use on some of these projects and it is up to you to figure out the process needed to complete the project. Unless you are in a position specific to a topic from class, don’t worry too much about the nitty gritty parts of that class. Instead, think about what processes and skills you gain from learning that subject.

What has been the most impactful part of your internship experience?

The most impactful part of my internship was understanding the model of an engineering company and learning what it takes to manage, build, or run a company. I got to experience each moving part of the business. At the simplest level, the company is all UPS based. A company may have great people but a mediocre product. A company may also have a great product, but mediocre people. However, when a company has both of these working simultaneously, that is when you see a company grow and succeed, and that is what I experienced at XPCC. Learning and experiencing this allowed me to combine all of my technical skills from engineering and social skills from business to provide XPCC with quality work.

What advice do you have for other students interested in pursuing a similar opportunity?

If you are interested in business-related engineering, first find a field that interests you. The best way to use your engineering degree in this way is to understand the field and product down to its smallest components and build from there. Because of the engineering knowledge that our degree gives us, we can understand the product intricately which provides us with the opportunity to share that information with customers and other companies. That allows us to grow the company because we understand the company starting with the technical fundamentals and moving all the way to the sales, management, and distribution phases. In my opinion, the best part of engineering is that you can make the degree as small or big as you want, so keep your eyes open for opportunities to join a company or start a company to change the world.

Bryce Sohayda is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. He interned at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation during summer 2024.

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Graduating student Aria Mundy receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:53:39 +0000

Graduating student Aria Mundy receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award Alexander Jame… Tue, 12/17/2024 - 14:53

Alexander Servantez

Aria Mundy, a dual-major mechanical engineering and applied mathematics student graduating this fall, has been selected to receive the ��ɫ��Ƶ College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

The award is given to an undergraduate student who maximized their educational experience in a holistic way, with accomplishments across several areas.

Mundy is the fourth ME student to win the award since 1994.

A home-grown love for engineering

Aria Mundy, recipient of the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

Born and raised in the Boulder area, Mundy always dreamed of studying engineering at the ��ɫ��Ƶ. She loved math, she loved science and with encouragement from her early educators, she learned the importance of women in engineering.

“I was one of just a few girls in my physics class during high school,” Mundy said. “One of my teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in STEM and inspired me to explore engineering.”

Mundy started her undergraduate journey in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at ��ɫ��Ƶ. But after her freshman year, she decided to explore different areas of study in the college, eventually settling on the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.

“The awesome part about ME is how versatile it is,” she said. “I’ve held some different internships across different industries. It’s been awesome to jump around and get exposure to many exciting areas.”

Success in-and-out of the classroom

During her time at ��ɫ��Ƶ, Mundy demonstrated a talent for academic success. She was awarded a scholarship by the BOLD Center and was a part of the ��ɫ��Ƶ Esteemed Scholars Program and CU Engineering Honors program. In her sophomore year, she was accepted into the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program.

Aria Mundy crossing the finish line at the USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships.

Mundy also exhibited success outside of the classroom. She has been a part of the CU Cycling and Triathlon Teams all throughout her college career, holding leadership positions on both teams. In the 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships, Mundy brought four national championships back to Boulder, taking first in the Women’s Club Team Time Trial, Road Race, Criterium, and Omnium events.

Success has found Mundy as a member of the ��ɫ��Ƶ Wind Team, as well. In 2023 and 2024, the squad took home two top-3 finishes in the Collegiate Wind Competition.

“Being a part of the different scholarship programs helped expand my opportunities and community,” Mundy said. “As for athletics, being a part of sports has always been my escape whenever I feel overwhelmed in class.

“It’s been amazing to find some success at races. But at the end of the day, it’s really just about being a part of such a great community and finding balance alongside academics.”

Creating an inclusive culture

Mundy attributes her success in multiple arenas to the support of peers and mentors who took her under their wings.

Aria Mundy guiding middle school students through a science experiment.

“When I was a freshman, stepping into sports felt intimidating at times. Cycling has few women and engineering has long been male-dominated,” she said. “But I’ll never forget the women who went out of their way to make me feel included. As I grew older, I felt the responsibility to create that same sense of belonging for others, too.”

In many ways, Mundy was on the front lines fighting for diversity and gender parity in engineering. As a member of ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE), she helped organize local workshops encouraging young women to explore STEM career opportunities.

She also participated in the Project-Based Learning in Rural Schools Soil Quality Inquiry Program (SQIQ). This experience took her to Paonia, Colorado where she partnered with Paonia K-8 to guide young students through soil-quality experiments, fostering their curiosity about science and research.

“��ɫ��Ƶ is a very welcoming place for women and underrepresented students,” Mundy said. "I strive to share my excitement and enthusiasm for engineering and community, showing others that they have a support system and can succeed in this environment.”

Making a broader impact

A strong love for engineering and outreach opened the door for Mundy to make an impact beyond the ��ɫ��Ƶ campus, too.

Aria Mundy during her time at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

In summer 2022, Mundy traveled to Rwanda as a member of the CU Engineers Without Borders (EWB). She worked with her peers to design and implement a rainwater catchment system. She said it was “a true embodiment of what it means to be an engineer.”

“This project was a powerful reminder of how engineering can bring people together to create solutions that make a lasting difference,” Mundy said.

She also completed internships at companies in various engineering industries such as Tendeg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, NIST, Specialized Bicycle Components and LASP. Mundy’s award nominator says she has contributed to new ideas and technologies at each company.

“My philosophy has been to try as many different things as possible,” Mundy said. “I’m truly grateful to receive this award, and for ��ɫ��Ƶ’s support in providing so many avenues for me to learn and grow.

“If I had more time, I would love to keep exploring new things. I’m sad my journey is coming to a close, but I’m excited for what comes next.”

The Outstanding Undergraduate Award will be presented to Mundy at the College of Engineering and Applied Science Graduation Ceremony on Dec. 19. Mundy is considering pursuing a master’s in mechanical engineering while exploring full-time opportunities.

Aria Mundy, a dual-major mechanical engineering and applied mathematics student graduating this fall has been selected to receive the ��ɫ��Ƶ College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award. Mundy has displayed a vast level of achievement during her time on campus in areas such as academics, outreach, professional development and inclusion.

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Aria Mundy during her time in Rwanda as a member of the CU Engineers Without Borders (EWB).

Pioneering sodium-ion batteries: a sustainable energy alternative

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 23:16:06 +0000

Pioneering sodium-ion batteries: a sustainable energy alternative Alexander Jame… Fri, 12/13/2024 - 16:16

Associate Professor Chunmei Ban and her research team are exploring the use of sodium-ion batteries as an alternative to lithium-based energy storage. Sodium is widely distributed in the Earth's crust and is an appealing candidate to remedy concerns over resource scarcity with lithium-ion batteries.

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Interning at Point Designs

Anonymous — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:51:27 +0000

Interning at Point Designs Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 10/16/2024 - 19:51

Hale Burke is an undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering. She interned at Point Designs during summer 2024.

Hale Burke and fellow intern Zoe Struk

Where did you intern over the summer and what was exciting for you about that opportunity?

I was a Research and Development (R&D) Intern at Point Designs, manufacturing functional, highly durable prosthetic digits for people with partial hand amputations and presentations. This was an incredibly exciting opportunity for me because it gave me the chance to work in the prosthetics industry, a dream I’ve had for several years. I didn’t know much about partial hand prosthetics before this internship. However, now that I have gotten to design a digit myself, I have a deep interest and respect for this field.

What kinds of projects have you had a chance to work on over the summer?

This summer I was working on the design and development of a partial hand immediate post-operative prosthetic (IPOP) terminal device, specifically for a finger. IPOPs are short-term transitional devices that are ideally implemented into treatment within the first 30 days post-amputation. They traditionally feature lightweight sockets with minimally functional terminal devices to help patients adjust to using a prosthetic as soon as possible. They have been shown to reduce rates of prosthetic rejection, assist with the psychological distress of limb loss and greatly improve the lives of patients long-term.

Point Digit partial hand prosthetic image courtesy of Point Designs.

The device I designed is a passive positional prosthetic digit that can attach to a diagnostic socket using a curved interface at the bottom of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Its main purpose is to help patients reach their individual occupational therapy goals within the first few months following surgery.

Was there a particular challenge you encountered that really pushed you to learn something new?

During this internship, I had the opportunity to travel to the Amputation Rehabilitation Medicine & Surgery (ARMS) clinic in New Jersey to observe patient-clinician interactions at various stages post-operation. The main goal for this trip was to learn more about user needs and design considerations for the IPOP device. Working with an interdisciplinary team was super interesting, but presented challenges due to differences in how each group thinks about design. I had to learn how to take what I gathered from my conversations with hand surgeons, prosthetists and occupational therapists and turn them into design requirements for the device even when not provided with exact values to design for (weight, level of functionality, how much force the device can withstand, etc.).

What was it like to work at a startup? Were there any unique challenges or opportunities that came with being part of a new company?

I really enjoyed working at a startup. I had the opportunity to work on my own project and had the resources to prototype several iterations, try out different hardware and physically test my design. Due to the small size of the company, I was able to get regular, in-depth feedback on my work from my co-workers and quickly implement changes. Working at a startup also meant I got to meet and work with teams outside of the R&D space such as production and marketing. I found I was also able to form much deeper relationships with my co-workers than I would have been able to at a larger company because of how closely we worked together. I would love to work at a startup or small company again.

What advice do you have for other students interested in pursuing a similar opportunity?

My advice would be to go for it! Go out of your comfort zone and actively challenge yourself; that's where growth happens. I really enjoyed my experience at a startup because it allowed me to see so many aspects of a professional R&D engineering job. I learned about project management, production/product assembly, manufacturing processes, product development, design, rapid and professional prototyping, computational and numerical optimization, interdisciplinary communication and so much more. Additionally, I made so many meaningful connections with my coworkers because of how interconnected everyone was due to the small size of the company. You get out of this experience what you put in, so be willing to learn, grow and ask for help!

Hale Burke is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. She interned at Point Designs during summer 2024.

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Interning at Ezalife

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 20:11:27 +0000

Interning at Ezalife Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 09/21/2024 - 14:11

Pranav Maddali

Pranav Maddalli is an undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering. He interned at Ezalife during summer 2024.

Pranav Maddali

Where did you intern over the summer and what was exciting for you about that opportunity?

This summer, I interned at Ezalife LLC, a medical device company that specializes in securement devices for gastrostomy buttons. I’ve always been intrigued by the medical device industry and by being able to work with a startup. Working with Ezalife was a great opportunity for me to get my foot in the door and experience what design and manufacturing looks like in the medical device industry.

What kinds of projects have you had a chance to work on over the summer?

My project this summer was to create a new variation of Ezalife’s patented “Button Huggie” securement device. Throughout the summer, I used computer-aided design software (CAD) and 3D printers to develop and prototype Button Huggie ideas to be able to test them for safety and security. Being able to create multiple prototypes allowed me to understand how to properly design and test medical devices to clear them for a clinical setting. That was very important for this device because it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the children and infants that receive it.

What was it like to work at a startup?

Working with a startup was a great experience because it was something completely new to me that I had to adapt to. At first, it was difficult because there were so many new ideas and such a small team to talk about with them. As we moved through the summer, we started using video calls and chat tools more which helped a lot with more efficient and in-depth collaboration. Working with a startup also helped me understand that failure is not looked down upon; it is valued because it promotes growth and fosters new ideas, which are invaluable at a startup company. I’m aiming to use this mindset throughout the rest of my academic career and past it as well.

Button huggie image courtesy of Ezalife

How did what you learned look different than the way you learn engineering in class?

Working with Ezalife has allowed me to get hands-on experience with medical devices. Throughout school, I have mainly learned engineering in a theoretical way whether that be with models or different types of calculations. I haven’t been able to experience hands-on prototype work or experience 3D designs becoming tangible objects. Learning engineering with CAD software, 3D printers and my hands has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of design, different types of materials and manufacturability. I learned about multiple factors that could influence how medical devices fail and succeed, most of which I would not have been able to learn inside a classroom.

What advice do you have for other students interested in pursuing a similar opportunity?

I have two pieces of advice that I would like to share that really helped me get the most out of this opportunity. The first piece of advice is to ask questions. Asking questions is the best way to fully understand complex concepts, requirements and expectations. As an engineer, there is usually not much room for error, so asking questions to fully understand the problem at hand will allow you to create an efficient and effective solution.

My second piece of advice would be to not be afraid of failure. I’ve learned that failure in prototyping is valuable for engineers because it exposes flaws and limitations early in the design process. Understanding each failure helps lead to more innovation because each setback provides more insight and an effective solution in the end.

Pranav Maddalli is an undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering. He interned at Ezalife during summer 2024.

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Undergraduate research in the Ferguson Biomechanics and Biomimetics Lab

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Undergraduate research in the Ferguson Biomechanics and Biomimetics Lab Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 09/01/2024 - 00:00

Asaiah Gifford

Asaiah Gifford is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. She participated in the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) during summer 2024.

Final research presentation.

Where did you work over the summer and what was exciting for you about that opportunity?

This summer, I was an undergraduate researcher in the Ferguson Biomechanics and Biomimetics Lab through the CU SPUR program. I really enjoyed Mechanics of Solids with Professor Ferguson in the spring, which piqued my interest in her lab even though I didn’t have prior research experience. The different projects in the lab primarily involve bone and cartilage tissues and researching their mechanical behavior and properties. It was exciting to utilize concepts and processes we covered in Solids with such a focused application with positive impacts far beyond the lab.

What kinds of projects have you had a chance to work on?

I completed research under Oluwafunmilayo “Funmi” Adedokun, a materials science and engineering PhD student in the lab, assisting with a project focused on understanding the mechanical properties and material composition of murine (mouse) bones.

We had two separate sample groups which we prepared and collected data from: one of mice of four, 12 and 24 months of age, and another from a group of mice with deletion of a gene called α2δ1 (which is responsible for enabling bone cells to sense and respond to mechanical stimuli). We used Raman spectroscopy and nano-indentation to analyze how material composition and mechanical properties differed between the mice of different ages and mice with and without α2δ1.

What was it like to work in a research lab? Has the experience changed your idea of what research means in engineering?

It was satisfying to apply the concepts regarding mechanical properties that we touched on in class while also learning more about how the human body works. It gave me the chance to see why having a high-level understanding of mechanics is so important to do biological research in the Ferguson lab.

One of the most important parts of this opportunity was learning how to develop consistent testing procedures to ensure that the data we collected would be precise and accurate, meaning that every day there were places to apply engineering principles and problem-solving approaches.

What has been the most impactful part of your research experience?

Anterior-lateral portion of mid-diaphysis mouse femure cross-section. Taken using a Keyence Microscope to perform analysis of surface roughness to enable collection of Raman spectra.

Learning how to work efficiently when being faced with an immense learning curve was really important for me. For the project I worked on, I had to do a lot of literature review and training on different instruments in the lab for sample preparation and testing, so it was important to ask questions if I was ever unsure about something I was doing. Funmi was a great mentor and taking advantage of the chain of communication/collaboration among the people in our lab group made sure that questions never went unanswered or unexplored.

What advice do you have for other students interested in pursuing a similar opportunity?

Before the SPUR program, I lacked perspective on how much of what we learn as engineers has direct applications to so many scientific (especially biological) research fields. It’s important to be open minded to all types of lab opportunities, no matter how niche they seem, and I would highly recommend connecting with your (or other) professors about joining their labs for SPUR or DLA!

Asaiah Gifford is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. She participated in the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) during summer 2024.

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Undergraduate research in the Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Bioinspiration

Anonymous — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 23:07:44 +0000

Undergraduate research in the Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Bioinspiration Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/31/2024 - 17:07

Jack Printup

Jack Printup is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. He participated in the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) during summer 2024.

Working in the lab assembling a fin prototype

Where did you work over the summer and what was exciting for you about that opportunity?

Over the summer I had the opportunity to work in the Laboratory for Advanced Materials & Bioinspiration (LAMB). This lab is run by Professor Francois Barthelat and is focused on research in materials science, currently with two major focus areas: Granular materials and bioinspired mechanisms. What drew me to this position was definitely my fascination with bioinspired robotics. The variety and versatility of life is as astonishing as it is beautiful, and I have always felt that if we engineers could harness even one percent of nature's adaptability, it could result in a total revolution within the field of robotics. However, doing so requires an unbelievable amount of research on the academic level. Incredibly, I can now consider myself a part of this field of research, thanks to this project, the LAMB lab and the SPUR program.

What kinds of projects have you had a chance to work on?

My main project in the lab has been designing a mechanical fish fin that utilizes a bioinspired structure that my mentor, Prashant Kunjam, is currently in the process of researching. I also have been helping out some of my labmates with manufacturing materials to perform experiments with. The process has definitely tested my design and manufacturing skills in really unexpected and unique ways.

Was there a particular challenge you encountered that really pushed you to learn something new?

Definitely. This was my first time trying to design a system from scratch, and so to achieve my desired result I needed to do a ton of research on prior artificial research designs. The thing is, being able to effectively read research articles is a skill unto itself and one that I still have not mastered!

Mechanical fish fin

Did you have any "aha!" moments when you realized that you could apply something that you'd learned in class?

When I was first trying to figure out how to design my mechanical fin, I was really struggling to find a way to create a mechanism that would pull from the same direction even when the fin was at an arbitrary angle. Then (after some helpful nudging from my grad mentor, Prashant) I remembered a fact that I learned in my statics class: the defining characteristic of a string is that it can only provide a force in one direction. Perfect! It was just what I needed to solve the problem, and has served as the cornerstone for the entire project ever since.

What was it like to work in a research lab? Has the experience changed your idea of what research means in engineering?

Working in a research lab is honestly an experience like no other. It was really eye-opening to see how much time and effort goes into advancing our understanding of the world around us, and knowing that there are many, many people putting in that effort every day. That being said, the main difference I’ve noticed between engineering as a field of research and engineering as an industry is the timeline. Research tends to move a bit slower than industry due to the exploratory nature of the work. From what I’ve seen, PhD students can spend months trying to perfect a single experiment and work in a lab for years before publishing their first paper in a journal. It’s tough work, but all the more rewarding for it.

What advice do you have for other students interested in pursuing a similar opportunity?

My advice on this is the same as everyone else who goes through SPUR: If you want to take part in the SPUR program like I did, make sure to reach out to the faculty members who post the projects you’re interested in. I know it takes a fair bit of time and effort to send all those emails, but it gives the faculty a chance to see just how enthusiastic about the project you are. The difference in the results you’ll receive is like night and day. Also, make sure to read up on the professors’ research before meeting with them!

Jack Printup is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. He participated in the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) during summer 2024.

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