Finding Ideal Projects for the Bioengineering Design Course BME-IDEA Maria Oden, Ph.D.

Capstone Projects Successful capstone design experiences depend on having projects that truly engage the students Students want to work on a ‘real’ problem Because particular teaching goals need to be met, finding appropriate projects can be a challenge

Outline for Design Course Teams of 4-5 students work on a design problem for two semesters Each team has their own unique problem** Experience the design process from problem formulation and brainstorming solutions through prototyping and testing Teams also develop business and marketing plans for their devices

“Criteria” for Projects Real problem with an technical solution that is within the capabilities of a team of 4-5 seniors Focus on a bioengineering need such as a medical tool, device or research tool Significant enough problem to challenge the team for two semesters Clear needs that the students can evaluate Appear to have a feasible solution that is within the budget of the project or course

“Criteria” for Projects Have a business and marketing/ entrepreneurship potential –Some teams file invention disclosures Technical and/or clinical mentors available to the team Not repeat (too closely) a project from previous years

Primary Sources for Projects Physicians at our local medical center –Full of ideas –Short on time to implement or test these ideas –VERY receptive to having students work with them –Technology transfer offices interested in pairing a physician with a design team Rice- Texas Medical Center Technology Design Forum

Projects with Physician Partners Gait Activated Venous Return Device Gall bladder removal in laproscopic surgery Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis Non-slipping trocar for laproscopic surgery Modifications to Taylor Spatial Frame Elastic Attachment Whistle Opening

Primary Sources for Projects Departmental faculty research needs –Often the research labs need specialized tools or devices Mechanical testing for heart valve leaflets –New research often provides a technology that enable new devices to be created Nanoshell Technology –Optical Immunoassay System –Nanoshell Sorting Device –Laser Tissue Welding

Primary Sources for Projects World Health Technology Program: Beyond Traditional Borders Local Partners Peaks the interest of students Student internships –Medical Lab in a Backpack –Medicine Refrigeration –Medicine Dosing Device

Finding Projects is a Challenge Significant effort is required each year to find the right projects Currently have more project options than student teams Strong projects that meet our criteria result in excellent opportunities for our students to learn the process of design from initial concept to final device in a way that truly engages them