Bioengineering Measurement, Experimentation, and Statistics Lab
January 2024 - April 2024 | Boston, MA
In this lab course, I gained hands-on experience with experimental design, data analysis, and computational modeling. I worked with tools like MATLAB, SolidWorks, and 3D Slicer to analyze biological data and develop problem-solving skills through lab-based projects. If you would like to read the full write-up for any of these labs, feel free to click on the titles.
Using 3D Slicer, I modeled the T12 vertebra from a set of CT images to assist in addressing lower back pain. The segmentation process involved manually refining the vertebra’s structure using tools like paint, erase, and smooth to ensure anatomical accuracy. Once the 3D model was generated, I exported it for further analysis and determined its volume to compare manual and semi-automated modeling methods. Statistical analysis in MATLAB revealed that manual modeling provided more consistent results, while semi-automated methods exhibited greater variability.
In this lab, I worked on analyzing and improving the design of hip implants by conducting stress testing on 3D-printed models. Using mechanical testing, I evaluated whether the implants could withstand 5.09 × 10⁵ Pa of stress. Based on the results, I designed an improved implant in SolidWorks, modifying the femoral neck to enhance stress distribution and durability. Simulations showed that the redesign had a significantly higher failure stress than the original models. This project strengthened my skills in mechanical testing, computational modeling, and biomechanical design.
In this lab, I analyzed the viability of murine fibroblasts in sodium alginate hydrogels under different salinity conditions using a live-dead assay. Fluorescent imaging was performed to differentiate viable and non-viable cells, and a MATLAB script was used to automate the cell-counting process. Statistical analysis showed that cell viability was highest in the control group and lowest in the hypotonic group. These results suggest that variations in salinity do not significantly impact cell survival in sodium alginate hydrogels. This lab enhanced my skills in biomedical imaging, MATLAB scripting, and statistical analysis for bioengineering applications.
