SENIOR DESIGN PROJECTS 2015
OPUS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
industry sponsors
2014–2015
2008–2009
GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI
Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Rowheels, Fitchburg, WI
DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., Warsaw, IN
Siemens Medical Solutions, Hoffman Estates, IL
GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI
ACTRA Rehabilitation Associates, Brookfield, WI
Gauthier Biomedical Inc., Grafton, WI
Stevenson Industries, Simi Valley, CA
2013–2014
Cytophil, Inc., East Troy, WI
DesignWise Medical, Loretto, MN
GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI
Siemens Healthcare, Hoffman Estates, IL
Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, MN
2012–2103
NeoCoil, LLC, Pewaukee, WI
Gauthier Biomedical, Grafton, WI
3M, Minneapolis, MN
2011–2012
GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI
Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Innovator of Disability Equipment
and Adaptations, LLC, Pewaukee, WI
2010–2011
Cardiac Science Corporation, Deerfield, WI
DePuy Orthopedics, Inc. Warsaw, IN
GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI
Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, MN
2009–2010
DePuy Orthopedics, Inc. Warsaw, IN
GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI
3M, St. Paul, MN
2007–2008
3M, Saint Paul, MN
Siemens Medical Solutions, Hoffman Estates, IL
Baxter Healthcare, Deerfield, IL
2006–2007
Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, MN
DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., Warsaw, IN
Siemens Medical Solutions, Hoffman Estates, IL
GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI
2005–2006
Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, MN
Guidant Corporation, St. Paul, MN
AKSYS, Ltd., Lincolnshire, IL
U.S. Navy Institute for Dental and
Biomedical Research, Great Lakes, IL
2004–2005
Medtronic USA Inc., Minneapolis, MN
DePuy Orthopedics, Inc., Warsaw, IN
Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Center, Milwaukee, WI
Discovery World Museum, Milwaukee, WI
Animark, Inc., Aurora, CO
ON THE COVER: Team members create and assemble parts in the Discovery Learning Laboratory for a portable mount to allow spinal
cord injury patients to exercise with a hand ergometer while recovering in bed. See page 10 for details.
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering • Department of Biomedical Engineering
to our industry partners
W
e are pleased to present the Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Projects completed during the 2014–2015
academic year at Marquette University.
The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Marquette University is dedicated to preparing students for their
professional and personal lives after graduation. Undergraduate students can specialize in biomechanical,
bioelectrical, or biocomputer engineering. In addition to courses in engineering, mathematics, and the life
sciences, students are required to complete several design challenges in the freshman year and a year-long projectbased capstone design course in the senior year. Students develop their teamwork skills, learn about the product
development process used in industry, and are made aware of the unique requirements and constraints of medical
device design. They consider legal and regulatory issues, use standards where applicable, conduct economic
analyses, and learn about packaging, sterilization, and testing of medical devices. Several project deliverables, similar
to those used in industry, are required. This capstone design experience provides students with the knowledge
base and skill sets needed to be effective, contributing members of a medical device company, clinical engineering
department, or academic research laboratory.
This year we continued our 10-year collaboration with the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD). Five of our
project teams collaborated with industrial design students from MIAD during the spring semester. This was the fourth
year of external funding for service learning, assistive technology, and other projects. We appreciate this support made
possible by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
At Marquette University, students may enhance their design experience and preparation for careers in the engineering
profession through work experience. At the Les Aspin Center for Government Studies, students can work as interns for
the US Food and Drug Administration and learn first-hand how the FDA functions and what is required to market a
regulated medical device. Students participating in our highly popular and nationally recognized Cooperative Education
Program gain work experience at medical device companies prior to graduation.
As you read through this report and learn of the benefits of industry sponsorship of senior design projects, please
consider becoming a sponsor. We recognize the value to our students and program of strong ties to industry, and we are
interested in working with additional companies to help us prepare our students for careers in biomedical engineering.
Respectfully,
Jay R. Goldberg, Ph.D., P.E.
Clinical Professor of Biomedical Engineering,
Senior Design Course Instructor
Senior Design •
Lars Olson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Interim Chair,
Department of Biomedical Engineering
3 • 2014–2015
industry sponsorship
Senior Design Course Sequence:
Benefits of Sponsorship:
At Marquette University, all senior biomedical engineering
students are required to successfully complete a set of
project-based capstone design courses (BIEN 4920,
Principles of Design, and BIEN 4998, Senior Design).
The objectives of this two-course sequence are to:
Benefits to companies sponsoring design projects
include:
• develop students’ knowledge of the engineering
design process, project management, and the product
development process;
• provide students with the opportunity to apply and
develop their design, analytical, project management,
interpersonal, and communication (oral and written)
skills via a team based project experience; and
• prepare students for careers in biomedical engineering.
Senior Design Project:
The major component of the course is a design project
that is managed by a multidisciplinary team of three to
five students for an entire academic year. During the year,
project teams identify customer needs, develop potential
designs, construct and test prototypes, and deliver
a design and/or working prototype to their industry
sponsors. Project teams develop project schedules,
maintain project notebooks, conduct economic and
risk analyses of their design solutions, and develop and
present written and oral project proposals and final
reports.
• Additional resources at little or no cost to company.
Three to five senior engineering students will be
dedicated to each project for two semesters.
The sponsoring company can specify the composition
of the project team (biomedical, electrical, computer,
and mechanical engineering students).
This can be very beneficial to companies with limited
engineering resources and can allow companies to
focus efforts on higher-priority projects.
• Involvement and participation in the training of new
engineers and potential employees.
• On-campus advertisement of the sponsoring company.
Involvement in the senior design project will provide
the company access to and a higher profile among
graduating engineers.
Many of the projects are industry sponsored and provide
students with an opportunity to learn about the needs
of the medical device market and the operations of a
company. Experience gained from industry sponsored
projects helps prepare students for careers in the medical
device industry. Teams are advised by a biomedical
engineering faculty member and a representative from the
sponsoring company.
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
4 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
Benefits to students of industry-sponsored
projects:
• Opportunity to work on real-world problems important
to industry.
• Exposure to the medical device industry and market.
• Experience with project management and product
development.
• Familiarity with requirements and constraints of
medical device design.
Requirements for Industry
Sponsorship:
Personnel: Sponsoring companies must identify at least
one company representative to act as an industry advisor
to the project team. The industry advisor would be the
company contact for the project team, advise students
on issues involving customer needs, provide technical
expertise and advice, and approve design concepts
and prototypes. Faculty advisors will be responsible
for administrative issues (grading, meeting deadlines,
monitoring progress of teams, dealing with team
personnel issues, etc.) and providing guidance to
the team.
Time: At a minimum, industry advisors must be available
to discuss project requirements, customer needs, and
potential designs. Communications can be in-person
or by phone, e-mail or video conference. The advisor
determines the frequency of communications.
Other: Students have access to Marquette University’s
computer network, libraries, Discovery Learning
Laboratory (machine shop, collaboration space,
prototyping resources), faculty expertise, and engineering
laboratories. Sponsors may want to provide additional
resources (prototyping facilities and/or personnel,
laboratories, etc.) to their project teams if desired.
Types of Projects Appropriate for a
Senior Design Project:
• Lower priority projects for which the company lacks
resources
• Projects that can be completed in nine months or less
• New products (hardware or software)
• Product improvements (new features, packaging,
materials, etc.)
• Process improvements
• Development of test procedures and/or test equipment
Protection of Proprietary Information:
Sponsors can request that members of their project
teams sign non-disclosure agreements to protect
confidential and trade secret information.
To Sponsor a Biomedical
Engineering Senior Design
Project:
Travel:The sponsoring company determines the need
for travel.
If you have any questions about our senior design
program or if you are interested in sponsoring a
senior design project please contact Dr. Jay Goldberg
at (414) 288-6059 or jay.goldberg@mu.edu.
Funding: Depending upon the needs and expectations of
the sponsor, a fund of $1000 may be necessary to pay for
prototypes and testing.
We look forward to working with you.
Senior Design •
5 • 2014–2015
projects • 2014–2015
projects
Improved Design of a Head
Holder for GE Revolution
CT Scanner
Project Team:
Isaac Gerke
Nicole Gibson
Honnalee Fern Go
Antonella Mantovano
Alexander Matzuk
Kevin Vanneman
MIAD Partners:
Evan Hoffman
Emilie Troedson
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Taly Gilat-Schmidt
Sponsor: Michael Vaz,
GE Healthcare
C
omputed tomography (CT) provides a fast, accurate,
and reliable way to noninvasively see inside of a
patient. When scanning, it is important to realize that,
like other scanning procedures, some level of radiation
exposure does come with a CT scan. For the head, the typical
absorbed dose of radiation is 56 milligray, higher than
most other body parts. This is a sensitive part of the body
for radiation, so it is important to take proper precautions
when preparing for a scan.. With proper head positioning,
the eyes can avoid a large amount of radiation by not being
on the same plane as the part of the brain being observed
through the scans. The new Revolution CT machine from
GE Healthcare allows for a patient friendly experience while
providing doctors with the most advanced images possible.
The implementation of a proper head holding device can
increase patient comfort and safety while further assisting
doctors in properly positioning any patient’s head.
Currently, GE has only one option to assist with proper
head alignment during CT scanning. This involves two foam
wedges to position the head at two different angles. Due to the
limited positions for head arrangement, a device needs to be
created to allow a technician to easily adjust the head in more
than two positions when using the new Revolution CT scanner.
The device should be easily applied, removed, and adjusted by
the technician performing the CT scan. Through adjustment,
the head should be easily and comfortably maneuvered along
the x- and z-axis for different angles, which must allow proper
imaging, as well as comfort for the patient. Additionally, the
material used must be easily cleaned and sterilized. Since the
purpose of the design is to make imaging clearer, the material
must also not disrupt imaging. The end goal of this new design
is to make not only the technician’s job easier, but to improve
the patient’s experience.
The final head holder prototype fits all the functional needs
specified by GE and the hospital technicians. Measurements
taken from the original CT head holder ensured that the new
design would easily slide into the CT bed as well as fit inside the
bore of the machine. As expected, the device easily slides into
the slot of the CT bed, and its weight allows for easy positioning
of the device. A head mold provided by GE was used to ensure
a human head could fit into the device and that the head holder
could withstand the weight of a human head. The nylon used in
the final prototype has similar radiolucent properties as carbon
fiber, so minimal artifacts would be expected. Angle adjustment
between 0 to 25 degrees can easily be performed after the head
holder is placed in the CT bed.
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
6 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
Project Team:
Carlos Peña Andrew Summers
Andrew Tran
Colton Rujevcan
Abdulla Al Falasi
William Thompson
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Said Audi
Sponsor: Val Eisele,
Medtronic USA Inc.
V
irtual Interactive Patient III is a cardiac waveform
simulator that is used to internally test implantable
devices developed by Medtronic. Implantable
devices are common in many people, especially the
elderly, and in order to verify that these devices meet safety
requirements, as well as the appropriate response to a
stimulus, it is of extreme importance to have a reliable
testing method. Previous versions of the Virtual Interactive
Patient (I and II) are not versatile enough to keep up with
the technological advancement of implantable devices.
Therefore, a modular, reliable, and versatile version of the
simulator is needed.
The generated ECG waveforms met the specifications of
a sinus rhythm at 60 beats per minute and 20 mV peakto-peak amplitude, and the waveform morphology of an
atrial fibrillation. The hardware specifications were also
successfully met. Future developments will include extending
the software specifications to allow for the simulation of
other types of cardiac arrhythmias, as well as the ability to
detect and display the response of an implantable device to a
given stimulus.
The purpose of the project was to develop the software
and hardware needed for the new simulator to generate
and display an analog sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation
electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. This was
accomplished using a Xilinx Zedboard Field Programmable
Gate Array (FPGA), a digital-to-analog convertor (DAC)
integrated circuit DAC0808, a 741 operational amplifier
which drives the current of the DAC output, as well as a
low-pass filter to remove unwanted noise that can distort the
signal. The generated analog ECG waveforms were externally
detected and displayed using an oscilloscope. The output
programmability was achieved through Xilinx SDK, which is
an Objective C compiler.
Senior Design •
7 • 2014–2015
projects • 2014–2015
Virtual Interactive Patient III
projects • 2014–2015
Dynamometer for Testing of a
Novel Wheelchair Wheel
Project Team: Ian Novotny
Mark Dimas
Paul Koster
Kevin Cortes
Colin Liedeka
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Robert Scheidt
Sponsor:
Salim Nasser,
Rowheels
S
pinal Cord injury patients not only deal with the
burden of limited mobility, but also find themselves
at risk of repetitive strain injury due to extended use
of wheelchairs. Studies have shown that people who use
wheelchairs are subject to high amounts of shoulder stress
that could lead to severe disability of upper extremity function.
Unfortunately, the high cost of electronic wheelchairs sway
people to use manual propulsion methods with the associated
long-term health consequences. Rowheels seeks to address
this dilemma and has designed a wheelchair that utilizes
rowing-like motions to generate forward propulsion in an
attempt to mitigate these health risks.
The purpose of this project was to create a device that will
measure the force applied by the user to the hand rim of the
wheelchair, and through custom computer coding, wirelessly
transmit the amount of applied torque to an off-board
computer. A major design constraint was that the device should
not interfere with normal use and motion of the wheelchair.
This constraint allows for a more accurate representation of
applied torques. To measure the applied force, strain gauges
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
were used and calibrated to set known voltages coinciding with
known applied forces. Using the known radius of the hand
rim, the software then transformed the measured force values
into torque values. All necessary hardware machining and
embedded systems programming was performed by the team.
Testing to verify the design involved comparing theoretical
torque calculations to the actual values found during testing.
When comparing these values, the average error was around
1.4%. Use testing found that the device did not interfere with
user motion and comfort.
8 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
projects • 2014–2015
Biofeedback System to
Improve Body Alignment
Project Team:
Jasmine Balangue
Christopher Bauer
Rebecca Heinen
Krista McClure
David Mysliwy
Timothy Vernon
MIAD Partners: Charles Martin
Maddy Straka
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jack Winters
Clinical Advisor: Christine Cayo
T
he purpose of this project was to design a
biofeedback system to improve the body alignment
of our client, an eleven year old girl born with
Trisomy 14. She suffers from constant flexion in her
lateral trunk on her right hand side, as well as torticollis
causing flexion in her neck on the same side. By
developing a biofeedback system to alert our client of her
recurring body misalignment, she would be able to regain
independence in understanding and correcting her posture
without continuously relying on therapy sessions and
orthotic braces. It was also important to develop a design
that was discrete and non-disruptive so as not to draw
unnecessary attention to her nor distract her from activities
of daily living.
With the implementation of the 1-sided suspender beltclip design as well as the head-clip design, both of our
client’s issues with trunk misalignment and torticollis are
adequately addressed. Through the use of an analog linear
position transducer concealed within a sleek housing
attached to our client’s hip and the free end of the linear
position transducer attached to an elastic band around
our client’s chest, the 1-sided suspender device produces
a gentle vibration at the hip alerting her when her trunk
Senior Design •
translates to an angular displacement of approximately 10°
to her right from vertical. The head-clip design similarly
produces a gentle vibration near the client’s ear when her
head displaces approximately 10° to her right from vertical,
using a tilt sensor cleverly concealed within a hair clip. With
the unique housings of both designs, the team was able to
not only address the issue of our client’s recurring body
misalignment in her trunk and head but also was able to do
so in a way that was gentle enough not to disturb her and
subtle enough not to alert the surrounding public.
9 • 2014–2015
projects • 2014–2015
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Hand Cycle Mount to Provide
Exercise for SCI Patients in
Hospital Beds
Project Team: Rebecca Avena
Eric Holakiewicz
Kevin Lang
Stanko Pilipovic
Devin Roach
Matthew Roegner
MIAD Partners:
Natalie Quinnies
Luis Hernandez
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Brian Schmit
Clinical Advisor:
Linda Schweisberger,
Zablocki VA Medical Center
S
pinal cord injury (SCI) is an injury which involves
significant trauma to the spinal column and can result
in partial or total paralysis. Such injuries require
extensive amounts of rehabilitation and exercise, as well
as periods of bed rest. During long periods of bed rest,
patients may develop pressure sores, which would make
moving a patient to a separate room for rehabilitation
painful and even dangerous. Such occurrences usually
result in longer periods of bed rest. While on bed rest,
spinal cord injury patients at the Clement J. Zablocki VA
Medical Center have limited access to exercise equipment.
Without an opportunity to exercise, patients on bed-rest
will face longer recovery times and negative health effects.
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
By stimulating the cardiovascular system and the upper
body muscles, patients will reap positive benefits that aid
in recovery and can reduce the length of a hospital stay. To
solve this problem, the team’s clinical advisor requested
a mounting device for a Monark© hand ergometer. This
mounting device would allow use of the ergometer by
patients on temporary or permanent bed rest, aiding in a
swift recovery.
The final design consists of a large bridging device
capable of fitting over a hospital bed with angle
adjustment capabilities. The device was constructed
primarily of aluminum in order to minimize weight
while providing enough stiffness for use with the
ergometer. Extensive testing verified that the mounting
structure is both safe and stable, and could therefore be
used in a hospital environment. Furthermore, the device
allows for a change in angle from 0 to 30 degrees.
The swivel-locking casters and handles added to the
device, ensure that the structure is simple and easy to
move from patient to patient. The device can drastically
increase patient access to exercise equipment, and
therefore greatly reduce the length of hospital stays.
10 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Project Team:
Joel Haberkorn
Ryan Haberkorn
Kelly Molinaro
Heidi Reichert
Mara Thompson
Rachel Wilk
MIAD Partners:
Jean-Marc Bastien Shannon Ingles
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Jay Goldberg
Clinical Advisor:
Dr. Maya Evans,
Medical College of Wisconsin
M
otor conditions, such as cerebral palsy and
arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC),
limit the range of motion of joints and
affect muscle control. Both of these conditions can
severely impact a child’s gait to the point where he
or she needs a walker to ambulate. Current pediatric
walkers provide support for gait only on smooth
surfaces, limiting children to paved areas when
outside. Commercially available walkers are not able
to maneuver on alternate terrains such as grass and
woodchips, which are typically found in playgrounds.
position lock swivel wheels. The treaded wheels allow
the walkers to traverse rough terrains. The walkers
can fold flat so that they can easily fit into the trunk
of a compact car to be transported. The position lock
swivel casters provide maneuverability for a child
with more independence and when locked, provide
stability for a child who needs more support.
Verification testing indicated that the walkers
1) could travel more easily on rough terrains than
existing walkers, 2) were able to be folded quickly
into a small enough size to be easily transported, and
3) were easily maneuvered.
The purpose of this project was to design and build
two pediatric all-terrain walkers for two specific
clients. The walkers were required to successfully
travel on rough terrains such as grass, woodchips,
and rubber mulch, and be easily portable and
maneuverable. The walkers have treaded robotic
wheels, an easy-to-use folding mechanism, and
Senior Design •
11 • 2014–2015
projects • 2014–2015
All-Terrain Walker for
Improved Playground
Access
projects • 2014–2015
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Human-Powered Nebulizer
Project Team: Ghadeer Alsultan
Sims Chacko
Morgan Loeb
Kurt Mess
Zach Nelson
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Lars Olson
R
espiratory diseases are major causes of death
in many developing countries in South and
Central America. The spread of these diseases
are caused by air pollution and low socioeconomic
status. The use of appropriate medical treatment is
limited due to their expense and inadequate access
to electricity.
The idea of designing a human powered nebulizer
started in 2004. When the project advisor
traveled to Guatemala with a group of Marquette
University students he found that many children
with respiratory diseases were unable to afford the
nebulizer due to its cost and lack of electricity.
Two attachment options were designed in the
process of developing the human-powered nebulizer
(HPN) project: the leg-powered and hand-powered
HPN. The leg powered HPN used common bicycle
components. However, due to cultural constraints in
El Salvador, the design did not pass the trial phase.
The hand- powered HPN, which was driven manually
by operating a crankshaft, can be very exhausting.
independence, compatibility with the current HPN
device, and fit with the cultural requirements of the
potential users. A treadle design provided a solution
to almost all the problems that were encountered in
the previous two designs.
The device was tested to ensure that the treadle
design met the customer needs and target
specifications. The device provides a constant flow of
the inhaled drug passively using only the foot of the
operator to power it.
The purpose of this project was to provide an
alternative option for powering the HPN. The new
attachment needed to satisfy specific criteria,
including low cost, ease of use, electricity
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
12 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Project Team:
Jacob Vildibill
William Boswell
Jack Lawinger
Adam Hurrle
Ryan Kammerer
MIAD Partners:
Peter Morris
Adam Carter
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Lars Olson
A
mong the common deficiencies in developing
world medical care is the lack of reliable
access to concentrated oxygen. This absence
is significant as oxygen is used to treat malaria and
neonatal medical problems, two major causes of
death in these regions. While oxygen concentration
technologies exist, they rely on the electrical grid
for power which in these regions is unreliable and
can lead to long periods without access to oxygen.
This project involved the development of an oxygen
concentration system that does not rely on electrical
power. This way, medical oxygen supply to rural
hospitals in poorer regions could be reliable and
consistent. Correspondence with providers in these
medical facilities confirmed the need for the creation
of such a device.
The multi-year scope of this project encompasses the
creation of a system that can provide medical- grade
oxygen to several patients at once. Since this project
is in its very beginning stages, much of the work done
Senior Design •
was to prove the concept that oxygen could, in fact,
be concentrated without using electricity and that the
proper specifications in order to do so could be met.
In both respects, this project was successful. Oxygen
was successfully concentrated seven times greater
than that achieved previously. The amount of pressure
required to concentrate oxygen was achieved using
a bike-powered compression system. This indicates
great potential for future success in the creation of a
non-electric solution to this global problem.
After months of experimentation it was discovered that
crushed, dehydrated Zeolite, with maximum surface
area, could concentrate oxygen at 60 psi. Preliminary
testing concentrated oxygen to over 34%. An apparatus
was also constructed that connected a flywheel to a
road bike. The flywheel was connected to pistons that
were capable of compressing air. The compression
system was capable of producing more than the
required 60 psi.
13 • 2014–2015
projects • 2014–2015
NEOX: Non-Electric
Oxygen Concentrator
projects • 2014–2015
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
EMG-Controlled Hand
Prosthesis
Project Team: Brock Brilowski
Erin Davis
Nicholas Grassel
Nicholas Jelacic
Valay Shah
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Scott Beardsley
T
he goal of this project was to develop a signal
processing and control method that will allow realistic
hand motion and individual control of the prosthetic
hand digits using residual EMG signals from the forearm.
Control of the human hand by the brain requires the ability
to continuously manipulate multiple degrees of freedom via
sensory and peripheral information. Nerves forward this
information to muscles in the forearm to control the hand. A
wide range of prostheses and control options are available to
amputees, ranging from completely passive systems, primarily
providing cosmesis, to active systems which are used for
everyday activities. Active systems can either be body powered
or externally powered. Body powered systems use body
motion to control the prostheses while externally powered
systems use EMG, or electromyography, signals and external
battery power to control the prosthesis.
Myoelectric prosthetic devices are some of the most
promising and advanced devices on the market because of
their functionality and usability. However, the devices are
relatively expensive, ranging from $25,000 to $40,000, and
they are hindered by the use of discrete, classification based,
control methods. A control method that allows for continuous
motion in the prosthetic hand digits would allow amputees to
perform many tasks that they would otherwise be unable to
complete using current methods.
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
The final device focused on independent control of the fingers,
providing realistic hand motion using an intuitive EMG-driven
control interface. The device utilizes an array of six surface
electrodes, each of which is connected to an EMG shield that
provides filtering and envelope functions. An Arduino Due was
used to implement a nonlinear autoregressive model that used
EMG signal inputs to provide real-time prediction and control
of finger angle in a mechatronic hand (Roemotion, Inc.). Five
servo motors were used to move each of the five fingers on
the hand, and the entire system was powered by two 11.1 V
lithium ion batteries.
The final design was portable and provided power for 6 hours
of continuous use. The controller provided a low lag time
of about 30 milliseconds between receiving an EMG input
and producing an output, and finger flexion speeds of up to
472.42 mm/second.
The final design offers a promising solution for consumers
in the field of prosthetics. The combination of an electrode
array, together with an autoregressive model to predict future
digit location, enables continuous and independent control of
the fingers and provides an avenue for development of lowcost yet highly functional terminal devices.
14 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Project Team:
Tanner Basten Casey French
Maxwell Lindell
William Lundin Michael Potocnik
Brendan Ryan
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dean Jeutter
Clinical Advisor: Dr. Christine Schindler, Marquette University
College of Nursing
tress induced hyperglycemia has recently become a
target of interest in Intensive Care Units (ICU) across the
country because of studies showing its association with
increased mortality rates, especially in critically ill patients.
Insulin therapy is currently used to combat hyperglycemia
and induce normoglycemia which reduces the mortality rate
and optimizes patient stability. As a result, all ICU patients in
the United States have their blood glucose levels monitored.
The blood glucose reading is taken every hour. This is done
with the traditional method of pricking the patient’s finger
and placing the blood sample on a test strip. The test strip is
placed into a glucometer and the blood glucose level is then
displayed. Next, the nurse scans the patient’s identification
band, followed by her identification card, before docking the
glucometer. Finally, the patient’s blood glucose level is uploaded
to the patient’s electronic records. This total process typically
takes an ICU nurse approximately two to three minutes.
S
The purpose of this project was to develop a device that
streamlines the blood glucose monitoring processes
currently used in the ICU. The Glusync system needed
to 1) increase the testing speed without comprising the
accuracy of the blood glucose readings, 2) minimize the
patient anxiety that results from seeing the lance prick the
Senior Design •
finger, and 3) be user-friendly. The Glusync system is a two
component design including a single-use disposable piece
and a main body to house the hardware and blood glucose
sensor. The single-use disposable piece is a 3D-printed
component with an internal lancing mechanism and
test strip that combined three steps in current practice:
sanitizing the patient’s finger; pricking the patient’s finger;
and placing the blood sample on the test strip. The
disposable piece has an open cavity to insert the finger, and
a mechanical pushbutton within this cavity that triggers the
lance and pricks the finger. The main body is 3D-printed
and is the instrument the nurse holds to administer a blood
glucose test. It has a cavity for the single-use disposable
piece to be inserted before each blood glucose test. The
main body also houses the digital components necessary for
outputting a blood glucose reading to the instrument’s LCD
screen. The main body also contains the system that sends
the glucose reading to the Glusync’s iPhone application in a
manner that mimics a healthcare records system.
projects • 2014–2015
Automated Blood Glucose
Monitoring Device
Verification testing of the Glusync prototype design indicated
that the device does output blood glucose readings that are
accurate within + 5 mg/dL of commercially available products.
Additionally, the prototype reduces the time required to obtain
a blood glucose reading from 2–3 minutes to an average of
27 seconds. To bring this product to market, clinical
trials need to be performed in an ICU setting to verify the
functionality and practicality of the Glusync system.
15 • 2014–2015
projects • 2014–2015
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Enabling Use of Real
Diagnostic Devices to
Measure Vital Signs of
Mannequins
Project Team:Jerome Kolf
Tomas Fandel
Daniel Tournoux
William Ebel Jr.
Matthew Mesko
Zachary McKeown
Faculty Advisor: Dr. John LaDisa
Clinical Advisor:
Mary Paquette,
Marquette University
College of Nursing
T
he College of Nursing at Marquette University has
a simulation facility where nursing students learn
practical skills. The simulations need to be as realistic
as possible in order to train the students properly before
they work with real patients. The students use real medical
equipment to evaluate high tech mannequins or hired actors.
There are a few vital signs that the mannequins and actors
are still unable to simulate. The most critical of these is
temperature. In current simulations, temperature is simulated
by placing a note on the thermometer or by announcing
temperature changes verbally. Another vital sign that is critical
for simulations is blood pressure. In current simulations, the
blood pressure of patients (typically actors) is not able to be
simulated to any desired value. The simulation is only able to
use the actual blood pressure of the patient (actor).
pressure from the lab simulation control room while
nursing students were participating in clinical simulations.
The devices also had to wirelessly communicate with the
control room, and have the same look and function as
the normal devices used in a real clinical setting. Trial
simulations were performed with the completed devices
and the clinical simulation staff to verify they functioned as
needed. The devices will be used and further evaluated over
the next year to enhance the learning environment for all
Marquette Nursing students.
The purpose of this project was to provide a new
thermometer and blood pressure cuff to further enhance the
Marquette College of Nursing lab simulations. The devices
were required to receive an input of a temperature or blood
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
16 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
This project was supported by R25 EB013070 from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.
Project Team:
Daphne Gutierrez
Criselda Harsono
Richard Schroeder
Miguel Sotelo
Kelly Vonderhaar
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Scott Beardsley
harcot-Marie-Toothe (CMT) disease is a genetically
acquired peripheral neuropathy that destroys the
myelin sheath around the peripheral nerve cells.
As a result, muscles at the extremities do not receive the
electro-chemical signals from the central nervous system
and eventually atrophy. This has consequences on the
gait cycle. Drop foot is a gait abnormality that results
from weak or non-existent dorsi-flexor muscles and is a
common symptom of CMT disease. Drop foot can result in
the person tripping, or eliciting their knee and hip flexors
to compensate for lost range of motion, which increases
energy expenditure. Current solutions for individuals with
muscle atrophy include passive ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).
These solutions dorsi-flex the ankle at all times. However,
by applying all of the dorsi-flexor moment, the user cannot
exercise their muscles and therefore their muscles continue
to atrophy. Active AFOs have been developed for research,
however, the systems are often large and heavy.
C
The purpose of this project was to develop an active
AFO that provided dorsiflexion only during the swing
phase of the gait cycle. The device was developed to
provide stability during the stance phase and mimic
the range of motion during the swing phase. The use of
low torque motors to provide compensatory movement
about the ankle resulted in a lightweight AFO that
provided compensatory lifting of the foot while also
Senior Design •
engaging the remaining force generation capability
of the users’ muscles. The solution was developed to
prolong the onset of atrophy. The active AFO consists of
custom-made pulleys which couple the torque created
by servomotors (one on each medial-lateral side of the
ankle) to the tension propagators (high-tension strings).
The custom-fit AFO shell is made of polypropylene with
an inner foam lining for added comfort. Two forcesensing resistors detect the phase of the gait cycle, and a
flex sensor detects the ankle angle. An Arduino was used
to control the servomotors and continuously adjust the
ankle based on location in the gait cycle as measured by
the external sensors.
projects • 2014–2015
Active Ankle Foot Orthosis
Testing confirmed that the device dorsiflexes the ankle at the
correct times of the gait cycle at a speed that is consistent
with the user’s gait cycle. Although the AFO was wider
about the leg compared to commercial passive AFOs, it was
less bulky than current active AFOs. Further testing across
a range of ambulation speeds is needed to validate the
robustness of the system.
17 • 2014–2015
department of biomedical en
B
iomedical Engineering is a discipline that
advances knowledge in engineering, biology
and medicine to improve human health.
Students in biomedical engineering participate
in cross-disciplinary activities that integrate the
engineering sciences with the biomedical sciences
and clinical practice. Biomedical engineers
develop strategies to effectively solve challenging
problems in medicine and biology.
Most graduates secure employment working
in the medical device/biotechnology industry.
Some graduates use our “renaissance” training
as a stepping stone for careers in fields such
as medicine, law, healthcare management, and
academics.
Distinctive Features of
Biomedical Engineering at
Marquette University
Marquette’s Department of Biomedical
Engineering is the largest at a Catholic university,
larger than all others combined at both the
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
undergraduate and graduate levels, and one of
two such accredited programs.
The program has strong linkages with the
Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW), Zablocki
Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, and the
Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, and manages
a number of Centers including the Orthopaedic
Rehabilitation and Engineering Center (OREC),
the Falk Neurorehabilitation Engineering Research
Center and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research
Center on Accessible Medical Instrumentation.
The department has unique laboratory
capabilities including CT and SPECT microfocal
imaging, biotelemetry, implantable devices,
telerehabilitation, and neurorehabilitation robots,
in areas including neurorehabilitation, imaging
systems, and cardiovascular technologies.
Marquette’s Biomedical Engineering department
offers degrees at the bachelors, masters and
doctorate levels.
18 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
ngineering
Co-op and Internship Program
Marquette University has developed one of the
leading co-op/internship programs among
Biomedical Engineering Departments in the
nation. Seventy percent of the undergraduate
biomedical engineers gain co-op or internship
experience before graduation. The Biomedical
Engineering department has forged partnerships
with many major medical device companies in
the Midwest who rely on the excellent reputation
established by our students as co-ops, interns and
permanent employees. The Co-op and Internship
Program offers students the opportunity to gain
meaningful practical and professional experiences
in the health care industry, in addition to their
on-campus educational experiences.
completed at the Food and Drug Administration,
Office of Science and Technology in Rockville, MD.
Marquette University began its Engineering Co-op
Program in 1919. Students usually enter the
Co-op program at the end of their sophomore
year and complete three to four terms of offcampus employment. The employment experience
is alternated with semesters of on-campus
study, extending graduation by only one year.
Internships, in comparison, are summer only
engineering experiences.
Undergraduate Offerings
Les Aspin Center for Government
(FDA Internships)
The Les Aspin Center for Government at
Marquette University and the Department of
Biomedical Engineering offer internships on
biomedical research and regulatory issues. The
Les Aspin/Biomedical Engineering Internships
began in 1997 with Biomedical Engineering
undergraduates participating in this innovative
program in Washington, D.C. To date, more than
100 biomedical engineers have completed Les
Aspin Biomedical Internships. The internships are
All undergraduate tracks in Biomedical
Engineering are compatible with other programs
offered by the Opus College of Engineering. Each
track contains the requisite humanities courses,
and requires 132 credit hours for graduation.
Students automatically earn a minor in biology,
and can earn an optional minor in areas such as
mathematics, electrical, mechanical, or computer
engineering. In addition, all tracks retain most of
the core courses of the initial year, which allows
the student flexibility to transfer to other curricula
if so desired.
Choose from Three Specializations
The Biomedical Engineering Program at Marquette
offers a strong undergraduate education. There
are three tracks in the Biomedical Engineering
curriculum:
• Bioelectronics
• Biomechanics
• Biocomputing
Senior Design •
19 • 2013–2014
The Biomedical Engineering curriculum is
interdisciplinary in nature, incorporating courses
in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics,
computer science and engineering.
We provide a solid foundation in the mathematical,
physical, and life sciences necessary for the
engineer to function effectively in a medically or
biologically oriented problem solving environment.
Social science and humanities courses prepare
students to deal with contemporary ethical,
cultural, and social issues.
In addition, we prepare biomedical engineers to
communicate with life scientists, physicians and
other health care providers to describe and model
complex biological systems, collect and analyze
experimental or clinical data, understand the
capabilities and limitations of sophisticated
instrumentation, and understand the principles
of design.
Undergraduate Design
Curriculum
Biomedical engineering students at Marquette
University learn about design throughout the four
year curriculum.
Freshman Year:
Students first gain experience with the design
process in the freshman year during BIEN
1100 and 1110 (Introduction to Biomedical
Engineering Methods I and II). In these courses,
they participate in several team design challenges
such as
• Physiological monitoring: Design of an
algorithm for analysis of ECG, blood
pressure, and other waveforms
• Medical imaging: Design and testing of an
imaging phantom
• Biomaterials/Biomechanics: Design of a
wound care material
• Entrepreneurship: Design of a medical
device, includes elevator speech, business
plan, and oral presentation to potential
student investors/fellow classmates
These experiences help develop teamwork
skills, and teach students about the engineering
design process, including technical, legal/ethical,
regulatory, and economic design constraints.
Students learn to identify customer needs,
develop a list of performance requirements and
specifications, convert requirements into design
concepts, and build and test prototypes. At the
end of BIEN 1110 students learn about basic
business concepts and entrepreneurship followed
by a team-based design project in which teams
try to sell their new product ideas to potential
student investors (The Business of Biomedical
Engineering).
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
20 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
Sophomore and Junior Years:
During the sophomore and junior years of the
biomedical engineering curriculum, students take
courses that include individual and team-based
design projects which allow them to apply what
they are learning in the course to the solution of
a related problem. This helps them relate theory
with practice.
In the junior year, students can take BIEN 3400
Clinical Issues in Biomedical Engineering
Design, an elective in which students observe
procedures in the clinical environment and learn
to identify unmet clinical needs and opportunities
for new product development. Their final project
proposals can serve as the basis of their senior
capstone design projects.
Senior Year:
During the senior year, students are required to
take BIEN 4920 Principles of Design and BIEN
4998 Senior Design. These courses require
students to apply what they have learned during
their previous years of the undergraduate
curriculum in a multidisciplinary team-based
project experience. They further develop
their design, analytical, project management,
communication, time management, and teamwork
skills. They learn about the product development
process, the medical device industry, testing for
safety and efficacy, design validation, standards and
regulations, risk management, project scheduling,
patent issues, and a variety of design issues.
Students complete a design project from problem
definition to design validation (per ISO 9001 and
13485) and gain experience in generating the
same project deliverables as required in industry.
Five Year B.S./M.S. Program
This program allows qualified students to receive
a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of
Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering in
just five years. Students with qualifying grade
point averages apply to the program during their
Junior year. They begin their thesis research
the summer between their Junior and Senior
years, and continue their research during the
summer between their Senior and fifth years and
throughout their fifth year, culminating in the
preparation of a written thesis and defense.
Research in Biomedical
Engineering
BIEN faculty and students at Marquette are engaged
in a wide range of research activities, with many
opportunities available for students at both the
graduate and undergraduate levels.
Research-oriented Faculty
More than 60 faculty who are active in research
have primary (12), secondary (10), or adjunct (43)
appointments in our department, and are available
for supervision or co-supervision of students.
Senior Design •
21 • 2014–2015
Research Laboratories
and Centers
The number of research laboratories and
centers within our department has been growing
dramatically, with the BIEN department now
housing ten research laboratories and three
centers.
Most recently, the NIDRR awarded our
department a Rehabilitation Engineering
Research Center on Technologies for
Children with Orthopedic Disabilities
(TECH4POD). Faculty, students, clinicians,
and researchers from six area institutions are
developing a national center with a focus on
advancing engineering research and development
based on innovative technologies addressing
children with orthopedic disabilities.
Externally Funded Research
More than $3 million/year in externally funded
research, the largest of any department on
campus, flows through the Department of
Biomedical Engineering (BIEN). Research and
training grants are managed by BIEN core faculty
and support research projects for 45 graduate
students. Additionally, other graduate students
are funded through projects led by BIEN adjunct
faculty whose primary appointment is at The
Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) or the
Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Strong Partners
We are a member of the Clinical and
Translational Science Institute of Southeast
Wisconsin. Supported by a $20M grant from
NIH, this consortium of eight Milwaukee
institutions is dedicated to transforming
biomedical research in southeast Wisconsin,
accelerating the translation of research
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering •
discoveries, and advancing patient care and
education. The eight member organizations
include the Medical College of Wisconsin,
Marquette University, Milwaukee School of
Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,
BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Children’s Hospital
and Health System, Froedtert Hospital, and the
Clement Zablocki VA Medical Center.
Targeted Areas of National
Leadership
While our students and faculty are engaged in
many areas of research, three areas of excellence
stand out: Functional Imaging, Rehabilitative
Bioengineering, Systems Physiology, and
Biocomputing.
Department of Biomedical
Engineering Mission Statement
The Department of Biomedical Engineering is a
dedicated team committed to the Jesuit tradition
of the pursuit of truth. We develop leaders and
problem solvers skilled at applying engineering,
science and design principles to improve health in
the service of humanity by:
• Discovering and disseminating new knowledge
• Providing excellent undergraduate and graduate
education
• Promoting critical thinking and lifelong learning
• Guiding students to meaningful and ethical
professional and personal lives
• Fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative
research and education through academic and
industrial alliances
• Continuing innovative leadership in education,
research and industrial relationships
• Inspiring faculty and students to serve others
• Valuing diversity and uniqueness of the
individual
22 • Department of Biomedical Engineering
faculty
Olson, Lars E., Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Interim
Chair. Optical instrumentation, tissue
engineering, biological transport and
circulation physiology, mathematical
modeling of physiological systems,
biosensors
Audi, Said H., Ph.D.
Pulmonary mass transfer, tracer
kinetics, pulmonary hemodynamics
Beardsley, Scott, Ph.D. Neuroengineering, computational
modeling, perceptual learning,
functional imaging
Gilat-Schmidt, Taly, Ph.D.
Medical imaging, image processing
and reconstruction, systems
engineering
Goldberg, Jay R., Ph.D., P.E.
Director, Healthcare Technologies
Management Program
Harris, Gerald F., Ph.D.
Quantitative assessment of
neuromuscular function, human
motion analysis, orthopedic
biomechanics, data acquisition and
control, real time analysis
LaDisa, John F., Jr., Ph.D.
Cardiovascular biomechanics, adult
and congenital heart disease, stent
design and development
Jeutter, Dean C., Ph.D., P.E.
Implantable transcutaneous
radio frequency power transfer,
biotelemetry, biomedical
instrumentation, radio frequency
circuit design and development
Ropella, Kristina M., Ph.D
Professor and OPUS Dean
Signal processing, cardiac and
neuro-electrophysiology, functional
magnetic resonance imaging
Scheidt, Robert A., Ph.D.
Human motor control, systems
identification, rehabilitation
engineering, embedded systems,
product development
Schmit, Brian D., Ph.D.
Spinal cord injury,
human neurophysiology,
neurorehabilitation, instrumentation,
biomechanics
Silver-Thorn, M. Barbara, Ph.D.
Prosthetic limbs, soft tissue
mechanics, rehabilitation
engineering, orthopaedic and dental
biomechanics
Winters, Jack M., Ph.D.
Neuromuscular control systems,
movement and tissue biomechanics,
rehabilitation engineering,
telehealth, neurofuzzy computing
Senior Design •
23 • 2014–2015
Associate Faculty
Cariapa, Vikram, Ph.D.
Rapid prototyping, process
controls, neural networks, design of
experiments
Clough, Anne V., Ph.D.
Mathematical and computer
modelling of biomedical
systems, image processing and
analysis, modeling of pulmonary
hemodynamics, integral equations
Josse, Fabien J., Ph.D.
Biochemical sensors, acoustics,
acousto-electronic devices
Krenz, Gary S., Ph.D.
Mathematical modeling of
hemodynamic properties of the lung,
microangiographic measurements,
pulmonary vascular morphogenesis
Marklin, Richard W., Ph.D.
Ergonomics in office and industrial
settings, human factors, cumulative
trauma disorders
Nagurka, Mark L., Ph.D., P.E.
Biomechanics, vehicle dynamics and
controls, and control system design
Voglewede, Phillip A., Ph.D.
Lower limb prostheses, dynamics,
kinematics
OPUS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
S
ince 1908, the Marquette
University Opus College
of Engineering has been
uniquely blending professional
engineering preparation with a
liberal arts education to provide the
world with well-balanced leaders in
their profession.
Our Mission
The mission of the College is to
excel in four critical areas:
• To prepare all students for
successful careers based on
a strong moral and ethical
foundation
• To advance the state-of-the-art
in engineering
• To serve our professional and
technical communities
• To contribute to our global society
The Opus College of Engineering offers six
undergraduate degrees in eleven programs/majors
through four departments: Biomedical Engineering;
Civil & Environmental Engineering; Electrical and
Computer Engineering; and Mechanical Engineering.
Marquette also offers a wide range of graduate and
doctoral programs.
Accreditation
All undergraduate programs offered by the
Marquette University Opus College of Engineering
are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation
Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050,
Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, 410-347-7700.
The University
Founded in 1881 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
Marquette University has been educating people
of faith to be leaders in their professional lives,
their communities and in society for more than
120 years.
Since the first graduating class of five men were
awarded bachelor of arts degrees in the 1880s,
Marquette has grown into a modern coed campus
of more than 11,000 students who learn and
grow through nationally admired undergraduate,
graduate and professional programs.
Opus College of Engineering
Department of Biomedical Engineering
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881
www.marquette.edu/engineering/biomedical
150/TFC/07-15