RESEARCH

Independent Research Project: Sensorineural Hearing Loss

In my research project I focused on determining if there was a way to enhance the hearing of deaf individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, a loss of hearing due to damaged hair cells in the inner ear. In my research I looked at different genes and their effects on mechanosensation, which is an integral part of hearing. Through research I found that a certain membrane protein, SID-1, aided cells in RNA inteference. In my thesis I explain how I used these observations in detail -->

Assistive Technology Project: Sit-to-Stand Aid Device

In this project I lead a group of peers in creating a device able to aid people who experience difficulty standing and sitting.

During the initial stages of the designing process, we researched pre-existing products on the market and brainstormed different designs by drawing rough sketches. The general idea of our designs were two platforms connected by a hinge, that could be forced apart by one of the three systems: a spring powered system, a pneumatic system, or a manual system. This led to our prototype creations. After careful analysis of each of the designs using input from our client, as well as our decision matrix, we ultimately decided to use our spring prototype as our final design.