Education
Pilot Seminar Course
MSE1025H: Special Topics in Materials Science III: Biomedical Device Design for Clinical Medicine
Co-instructors: Prof. Alan Moody & Prof. Naomi Matsuura
The BioMC is running a Special Topics Seminar Course for the Fall 2023 term at the University of Toronto. This interdisciplinary course provides an opportunity for graduate students from BME, Chem, ECE, MIE, and MSE, to study current health issues directly from local clinical and industry guest lecturers. Students will broaden their understand and knowledge of medical problems based on body site (e.g., the heart, vascular system, and brain) and apply their engineering background to propose solutions (e.g., a new biomedical device, biomaterial, etc.). The format is highly interactive between students and faculty, with student groups preparing proposed solutions, presented in class and receiving real-time feedback.
MSE1025 is proud to feature the following guest lecturers:
- Adam Waspe, PhD, SickKids, Cross–appointment MSE
- Mark Chignell, PhD, MIE
- Darren Kraemer, PhD, Light Matter Interactions, Inc., Adjunct MSE
- Navneet Singh, MD, Trillium Health, Adjunct MSE
- Sebastian Mafeld, MD, UHN
- Blair Warren, MD, UHN
- Yuri Chaban, U of T
- Meredee Shaw, Inari Medical
- James Hong, Penumbra Inc.
Dr. Alan Moody during the first MSE1025H lecture (September 14, 2023).
Thank you to all the students, guest lecturers, and special guests who joined us for the final showcase for MSE1025 (November 30, 2023).
Undergraduate Capstone Projects
APS490Y1: Multi-Disciplinary Capstone Design
The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto runs a multidisciplinary capstone design course where students from across the Faculty can apply their skills to real world, externally sourced engineering design projects. The BioMC is currently supervising 3 different projects to provide a learning opportunity for students to refine their existing skills and learn new tools and skills.
DynamicRad Phantom: An Advanced Medical Phantom for Simulating Realistic Radiation Treatment Planning in Metastatic Cancer
Supervisors: Prof. Hani Naguib & Prof. Naomi Matsuura
In this capstone project, we propose the design and development of a dynamic medical phantom to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of stereotactic radiation planning and delivery for metastatic cancer in multiple organs. The project aims to create a versatile and adaptable phantom that simulates tumor movement or anatomical variations in real-time, thereby providing a more realistic testing environment for medical professionals and engineers alike. The medical phantom will incorporate advanced materials and sensors allowing for precise control and monitoring of various parameters including tumor size, location, and motion. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, the team will create a sophisticated and user-friendly platform to better assess and optimize radiation treatment strategies, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Lab-scale braiding machine for multifunctional and smart textiles
Supervisor: Prof. Hani Naguib
The TSMART lab has been exploring ways to improve the durability, strength, and moisture-wicking properties of fibres as part of their research into smart and functional materials. They are also interested in using multilayer designs for the sensing and energy harvesting applications of functional textiles. In order to facilitate their research, the TSMART lab has identified that they need a lab-scaled machine that can braid fibres in a core-shell structure. A core-shell structure will increase the strength and durability of fibres as a function of the braiding angle and will also create a cross-sectional area of yarn which will increase the functionality of fibres. Braiding of the fibers will provide a method of improving strength and durability while also adding functionality with a multilayer design. To fill this gap, we are designing a maypole braiding machine that can braid a wide range of fibres with a core-shell geometry.
Develop an enhanced virtual reality platform to study social interactions
Supervisor: Prof. Qian Lin
This project will improve a closed-loop virtual reality (VR) system and provide an enhanced interactive environment for head-fixed juvenile zebrafish to study social attractions. The proposed VR system will present high-resolution natural scenes and provide a large visual field. The high-speed behavioral recording will be empowered by online movement tracking via deep learning-based tools and the behavioral outcome will instruct the update of the visual scene in real-time. In this VR, a virtual fish will constantly update its locations and angles in real time. The system will provide an ethologically relevant environment, real-time visual feedback, and compatibility with whole-brain optical neural recording, which will enable us to capture neural dynamics that support moment-by-moment social decision-making.
MIE490/MIE491: MIE Capstone Design
The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering (MIE) undergraduate students in their final year of study participate in a Capstone design course where they work in teams to address real-world challenges presented by industry and community clients.
Designing a device to facilitate rotation of a heavy body on the autopsy table at the Forensic Pathology units
Supervisor: Prof. Fatemeh Jazinizadeh
The Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit (PFPU) located in Toronto, Ontario, performs many autopsies for sudden and violent deaths. Over the past few years, the number of autopsies has been raised from 3000 annually to over 6000. Within this number of autopsies, the PFPU also performs autopsies on heavy bodies, which is defined as heavily obese between the ranges of 400-800 pounds. When performing autopsies, the pathologist is required to take many photographs for recording purposes. As such, the body must be manipulated and rotated in order to offer the best angles. When needed, the lead pathologist will request the aid of other staff in the area to assist in rotating this body. Depending on the weight of the body, sometimes a full rotation is not possible. Not only does this issue take staff away from their own duties, but the bigger issue lies in safety. Manipulating such a heavy body can lead to bodily harm in both sudden injuries and long exposure to strains. The main goal of this project is to design a new device to facilitate rotation of the heavy bodies on the autopsy table to avoid potential injuries to the staff.