Currently, anesthesiologists guide ventilator settings by relying primarily on blood oxygen measurements. Unfortunately, no monitoring tools are currently available which are able to predict lung desaturation and allow proactive adjustment of ventilator settings. We were specifically concerned with two patient groups that are difficult to ventilate adequately because of the challenging breathing physiology: 1m) robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in the Trendelenburg (head down) position, and 2) obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Our research objective was to assess the feasibility of a novel ventilation monitoring tool (EIT) for the operating theatre, able to help optimize patient ventilation and robustly predict lung desaturation events.

As a Biomedical and Electrical Engineering student, it is important to understand technologies and their application in health care and research for improvement of life. I have gained experience with writing research protocols. I have become well versed in REB requirements and standards in research involving human participants. I have understood some methods of applications of technology for improving healthcare. This research gave me the opportunity to apply these skills in the workplace.

To future I-CUREUS students: “Have conversations with your professors and take advantages of the resources they have available for you.”

Cecilia Odonkor

I joined a group of graduate students who are aiming at enhancing aerosol drug delivery systems, mainly for pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDI), commonly known as asthma inhalers. My role was to investigate deposition of salbutamol sulphate inside a cylindrical asthma spacer device and the extrathoracic airways. This was accomplished using experimental analysis using a spacer replica as well as Computational Fluid Dynamic techniques.

How does it relate to your course work?

As my field of study is Biomedical and Mechanical engineering, the concepts   and procedures I used to successfully complete this research project were directly related to my academic curriculum. It required the application of previously acquired knowledge of biological, chemical and engineering concepts while developing new skills.

What have you gained from the experience?

This research project has resulted in developing my analytical skills, my abilities to complete independent research and has given me invaluable experience, similar to that of a Master’s student. I have also had the opportunity to gain considerable numerical analysis experience using ANSYS CFX.

What would you tell future students considering participating in I-CUREUS?

I would tell future students to take any chance they get to apply for I-CUREUS. This project has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people and has offered me invaluable experience. I-CUREUS is an opportunity to explore your interests and to gain experience in the real world with authentic challenges. I’d like to thank Dr. Edgar Matida for the mentoring and Nick Ogrodnik for all his help during the past year.

Victor Azzi