Curriculum Vitae · Research Assistant Professor
Asad Mirza
Department of Biomedical Engineering · Florida International University
10555 West Flagler St, Miami, FL 33174 · ORCID: 0000-0003-4515-2203
10+
Publications
1
Patent
30+
Conf. Abstracts
8yr
Teaching
600+
Students
$28K+
Fellowships
Computational biomedical engineer and early-stage investigator whose research is directed at understanding and ultimately preventing cardiovascular disease, with a focus on calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Working at the intersection of fluid mechanics, mechanobiology, and multiscale computational modeling, he develops patient-specific simulations that identify hemodynamic biomarkers of early disease, inform valve design, and reveal the mechanistic link between disturbed blood flow and pathological cell behavior. Current work spans cerebrovascular network modeling, stochastic calcium signaling in brain capillary endothelial cells, orbital shaker CFD optimization, and biomedical image analysis pipelines. Dedicated educator with 8+ years of MATLAB-intensive teaching across undergraduate and graduate BME curricula.
"Computational Model for Aortic Valve Calcification Prediction Through Hemodynamic Biomarkers"
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) persists as the primary global cause of mortality, with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) emerging as a significant subset. Typically, CAVD remains undetected until advanced stages when symptoms appear alongside observable changes in hydrodynamic measurements. Wall shear stress (WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) have been shown to correlate with atherosclerosis in arteries; this dissertation proposed the existence of analogous biomarkers for CAVD detectable before symptomatic onset.
Wall metrics in fluid simulations depend on the viscosity model (Newtonian vs. non-Newtonian). Results showed lower shear rates on the fibrosa side of severely calcified valves — below the Newtonian threshold, especially in crevice regions — leading to artificially underestimated WSS. Thus, precise FSI modeling of severe CAVD requires a non-Newtonian viscosity model (e.g., Carreau, Quemada) to accurately capture wall metrics.
PSIS bioscaffolds shaped into valves were used to explore early-stage CAVD dynamics. While hydrodynamic testing showed no significant difference between healthy and mildly calcified groups, nanoindentation revealed significant stiffness differences (p<0.05) and FSI simulation demonstrated marked changes in TAWSS and OSI — supporting these as measurable early-stage, pre-symptomatic biomarkers. Parameterized computational models across multiple valve sizes and calcification levels further validated the trackability of TAWSS and OSI with increasing CAVD severity.
Wall metrics in fluid simulations depend on the viscosity model (Newtonian vs. non-Newtonian). Results showed lower shear rates on the fibrosa side of severely calcified valves — below the Newtonian threshold, especially in crevice regions — leading to artificially underestimated WSS. Thus, precise FSI modeling of severe CAVD requires a non-Newtonian viscosity model (e.g., Carreau, Quemada) to accurately capture wall metrics.
PSIS bioscaffolds shaped into valves were used to explore early-stage CAVD dynamics. While hydrodynamic testing showed no significant difference between healthy and mildly calcified groups, nanoindentation revealed significant stiffness differences (p<0.05) and FSI simulation demonstrated marked changes in TAWSS and OSI — supporting these as measurable early-stage, pre-symptomatic biomarkers. Parameterized computational models across multiple valve sizes and calcification levels further validated the trackability of TAWSS and OSI with increasing CAVD severity.
Capstone — "System for Whole Field Fluorescent Microscopy Imaging In-Vivo" (Team 1, Fall 2017). A novel dual-modality imaging system for studying epilepsy mechanisms in the cerebral cortex. Epilepsy affects roughly 65 million people worldwide with no known cure; the difficulty lies in recording neural activity of cerebral cortical cells where epileptic events occur. Using calcium and voltage sensitive dye imaging (VSDI), the system allows researchers to record action potential and ion dynamics propagated across the cerebral cortex simultaneously.
The system features a synchronized fast CMOS camera for VSDI paired with a slower CCD for calcium imaging, aimed at a stereotaxic stage holding a rat with a 1 mm² exposed cranial window. A custom-built MATLAB GUI controls the cameras and stage, enabling dynamic spatial imaging across the cranial window — allowing faster and more accurate data acquisition to identify underlying causes of epilepsy.
Sponsor: Dr. Jorge J. Riera's Neuronal Mass Dynamics Laboratory
The system features a synchronized fast CMOS camera for VSDI paired with a slower CCD for calcium imaging, aimed at a stereotaxic stage holding a rat with a 1 mm² exposed cranial window. A custom-built MATLAB GUI controls the cameras and stage, enabling dynamic spatial imaging across the cranial window — allowing faster and more accurate data acquisition to identify underlying causes of epilepsy.
Sponsor: Dr. Jorge J. Riera's Neuronal Mass Dynamics Laboratory
Directing computational and experimental research across Tsoukias Vascular Physiology Lab, Hutcheson Cardiovascular Matrix Remodeling Lab, and Prasad Lab. Research projects include:
• Multiscale modeling of nitric oxide (NO) transport in cerebral microvascular networks using Green's Function methods (PI: Dr. Tsoukias)
• Patient-specific FSI simulations of asymmetric calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) progression (PI: Dr. Hutcheson) — NIH-funded
• Stochastic modeling of IP₃R-mediated calcium signaling in brain capillary endothelial cells (with N. Khakpour, M.T. Nelson, N. Tsoukias)
• Biomedical image analysis pipelines for electrospun fiber characterization (Prasad Lab)
• Contributing computational expertise to SBIR/STTR proposals (>$200K combined requested)
• Multiscale modeling of nitric oxide (NO) transport in cerebral microvascular networks using Green's Function methods (PI: Dr. Tsoukias)
• Patient-specific FSI simulations of asymmetric calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) progression (PI: Dr. Hutcheson) — NIH-funded
• Stochastic modeling of IP₃R-mediated calcium signaling in brain capillary endothelial cells (with N. Khakpour, M.T. Nelson, N. Tsoukias)
• Biomedical image analysis pipelines for electrospun fiber characterization (Prasad Lab)
• Contributing computational expertise to SBIR/STTR proposals (>$200K combined requested)
Pioneered computational pipeline for predicting early-stage aortic valve calcification using hemodynamic biomarkers (WSS, OSI) — published in Bioengineering 2024. Engineered parameterized patient-specific aortic valve model enabling high-throughput FSI simulation across 50+ virtual geometries. Validated models against ex-vivo Vivitro Left Heart Pulse Duplicator hydrodynamic data and nanoindentation mechanical data (R² > 0.85). Led CFD analyses in ANSYS Fluent; post-processing and visualization in MATLAB.
Developed mathematical models of pericyte electrophysiology and neurovascular coupling (systems of ODEs) to investigate neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Performed FSI simulations in COMSOL Multiphysics of brain arterioles under dilation/constriction. Presented at BMES 2018, World Congress for Microcirculation 2018, and Experimental Biology 2018 — travel funded by McNair Program.
Lead TA for BME 1054L (Introduction to BME Computing) across 6 semesters. Redesigned course modules; created instructional video library for each module with live coding demonstrations. Developed a new Biosignal Processing module covering Fourier analysis, filtering, and biomedical signal applications (ECG, EEG). Supported BME 3632 Biotransport with 2-class MATLAB PDE series; aided BME 6266 by building ANSYS CFD aneurysm analysis module and pre-processing 12 patient-specific geometry files.
Patent covering novel methods for enhancing exosome production from stem cells subjected to oscillatory shear stress conditioning, and the application of these exosomes in preventing and treating scar tissue formation.
In: Liao J, Wong JY (eds) Integration and Bridging of Multiscale Bioengineering Designs and Tissue Biomechanics. Springer, Cham. Pp. 291–307. Covers elastin-rich tissue engineering strategies for pediatric heart valve replacement, including scaffold conditioning, decellularization, and ECM remodeling outcomes.
Co-development of a novel in vitro bypass flow model capable of generating spatially localized regions of disturbed, physiological, and stagnant flow within the same device — designed to study endothelial cell mechanotransduction in an arteriovenous fistula context. CFD was used to characterize local flow profiles. High-content imaging revealed ECs exposed to disturbed flow exhibited loss of alignment, disrupted adherens junctions, and increased activation marker expression, validating the model's physiological relevance for intimal hyperplasia research.
Developed FSI simulations of mildly calcified PSIS bioscaffold valves compared to healthy controls. Hydrodynamic testing showed no significant difference between groups, yet mechanical nanoindentation revealed significant stiffness differences (p<0.05). FSI simulation demonstrated marked changes in time-averaged WSS (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI) — supporting these metrics as measurable biomarkers for early-stage, pre-symptomatic CAVD when standard hydrodynamics show no indication of disease.
Bioreactor-based two-phase culture system in which hMSCs deposit elastin-rich ECM on PSIS scaffolds. Dynamically cultured scaffolds were decellularized to yield allogeneic ECM with ~8% elastin content, significantly enhancing collagen production by native valve interstitial cells in vitro.
Quantified role of oscillatory shear stress in driving maladaptive crosstalk between valve endothelial cells (VECs) and interstitial cells (VICs). VECs conditioned by highly oscillatory flow enhanced calcific signaling to VICs, underscoring the importance of flow-induced endothelial signaling in valvular disease.
Demonstrated that in severely calcified aortic valves, regions of low shear rates (<100 s⁻¹) on the fibrosa surface invalidate the Newtonian fluid assumption. Only non-Newtonian models (Carreau, Quemada) yield accurate WSS and OSI predictions in these flow regimes — directly relevant to sub-clinical thrombosis risk assessment.
hMSC-seeded constructs exposed to physiologically relevant oscillatory shear stress showed enhanced endothelial marker expression (CD31), reduced smooth muscle marker activation (α-SMA), and suppressed fibronectin secretion — indicating a shift toward a favorable valvular phenotype without pathological remodeling cues.
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based label-free platform for dynamically measuring cardiomyocyte contraction in response to cardiac drugs. Demonstrated high spatiotemporal resolution for detecting cell motion in real time, offering a low-interference platform for cardiac tissue function analysis and drug screening.
Linked elastin degradation to altered leaflet curvature under cyclic flexure — revealing a potential structural biomarker for early CAVD remodeling. Curvature mapping methodology developed and applied to both healthy and elastin-depleted tissue strips.
Presented a pedagogical approach to MATLAB Live Scripts as a tool for making computational code readable and approachable for undergraduate biomedical engineering students — showcasing modules from BME 2740 and BME 1054L.
Oral presentation of dissertation findings on fluid-structure interaction modeling of early-stage calcified aortic valves. Won 1st place in the oral competition at FIU Graduate Research Day 2024.
Pre-recorded oral presentation at HVS 2021 on non-Newtonian fluid modeling accuracy for severely calcified aortic valve geometries — the foundation of the 2022 J Biomech Eng publication.
CFD analysis of pulsatile blood flow patterns in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) stent geometries and their relationship to thrombosis risk metrics.
International conference presentation on hydrodynamic performance of cylindrical PSIS-based tissue-engineered mitral valves in pulse duplicator testing.
Mathematical model analysis of the conditions required for electrical hyperpolarization to propagate regeneratively through cerebral capillary networks — relevant to neurovascular coupling mechanisms.
CFD-based parameter optimization for orbital shaker flow conditions used in endothelial mechanobiology experiments — enabling systematic matching of shear stress magnitudes to physiological targets.
Multiscale simulation framework for NO transport in cerebral microvascular networks using Green's Function method — capturing diffusion, consumption, and production at the vessel wall and tissue scale simultaneously.
CTMC-based stochastic model of IP₃R calcium channel gating in brain capillary endothelial cells, capturing the stochastic n and h gate dynamics with quasi-steady m gate — enabling simulation of spontaneous and IP₃-triggered calcium events.
Teaches MATLAB-based numerical methods for solving linear and nonlinear systems, numerical integration and interpolation, optimization, and an introduction to neural networks, with applications to physiological modeling and simulation (39–46 students/semester, 4 sections). Course covers ODE solving (Euler, RK4, stiff solvers), PDE discretization, and signal processing, with MATLAB Live Scripts throughout. Topics span pharmacokinetic compartment models, finite difference heat transfer, and biomedical system simulation.
Sp 2026
Modeling and Simulation
39 students
Fa 2025
Modeling and Simulation
40 students
Sp 2025
Modeling and Simulation
40 students
Fa 2024
Modeling and Simulation
46 students
Developed and teaches an original Biosignal Processing module covering Fourier analysis, frequency filtering of ECG/EEG signals, and MATLAB-based signal decomposition workflows, alongside foundational programming (variables, loops, functions, matrix operations) and numerical methods (67–76 students/semester). Course redesigned with interactive modules and video walkthroughs. Features MATLAB Live Scripts for improved student engagement.
Sp 2026
Introduction to BME Computing
76 students
Fa 2025
Introduction to BME Computing
67 students
Sp 2025
Introduction to BME Computing
70 students
BME 6715 — Mathematical Modeling of Physiological Systems: Covers analytical solution techniques for ODEs/PDEs (Laplace transforms, separation of variables), numerical methods (interpolation, integration, differentiation, finite element method), and hands-on implementation in MATLAB and COMSOL to model cardiovascular, respiratory, neural, and musculoskeletal systems (4–5 students/semester).
BME 6705 — Nonlinear Systems with Applications to Life Sciences: Explores nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory, bifurcation analysis, stability of 1D/2D systems, limit cycles, matrix algebra for systems of ODEs, and advanced numerical methods (finite differences for ODEs/PDEs, finite element analysis, integral equation techniques) with applications to biological and physiological systems (4–5 students/semester).
BME 6705 — Nonlinear Systems with Applications to Life Sciences: Explores nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory, bifurcation analysis, stability of 1D/2D systems, limit cycles, matrix algebra for systems of ODEs, and advanced numerical methods (finite differences for ODEs/PDEs, finite element analysis, integral equation techniques) with applications to biological and physiological systems (4–5 students/semester).
Sp 2026
BME 6705: Nonlinear Systems with Applications to Life Sciences
4 students
Fa 2024
BME 6715: Mathematical Modeling of Physiological Systems
5 students
Redesigned course modules with accompanying video walkthroughs for each module; created a new Biosignal Processing module covering Fourier analysis, filtering, and BME signal applications (ECG, EEG). Held weekly seminar hours (computer lab), graded assignments, and developed interactive MATLAB demos. Worked with Dr. Tsoukias and Dr. Jung over Summer 2019 to overhaul the entire course structure based on student feedback.
Held weekly remote office hours, graded MATLAB assignments with detailed feedback, wrote lecture codes to supplement instruction, and created interactive MATLAB Live Script demonstrations.
Developed and delivered a 2-class module on solving PDEs using MATLAB for team transport projects (energy, mass, momentum). Wrote template code distributed to all students for energy/mass/momentum-based projects.
Developed an ANSYS Fluent-based arterial aneurysm CFD module: pre-recorded geometry import → mesh → setup → solve → post-processing walkthroughs; pre-processed 12 patient-specific geometry files to simulation-ready state for student use.
Browser-based interactive implementation of the Hodgkin–Huxley (1952) neuron model developed as an educational resource for BME students. Features 4th-order Runge–Kutta integration (dt = 0.01 ms) with real-time plots of V(t), gating variables m/h/n, ionic currents INa/IK/IL, steady-state curves (x∞ vs V), time constants (τx vs V), and a V–n phase portrait. Students adjust all HH parameters, apply channel blockers (TTX/TEA), scale kinetics by temperature (Q10=3), and explore threshold, refractory period, and tonic firing.
Browser-based 2D ideal-gas molecular dynamics simulation demonstrating the emergence of the Maxwell–Boltzmann speed distribution from elastic hard-disk collisions. Features spatial-hash O(N) collision detection (500+ particles at 60 fps), real-time speed histogram with running average and theoretical MB curve, speed-colored particle rendering, and an adaptive x-axis. Educational content includes a full derivation from first principles, historical background on Maxwell and Boltzmann, and 6 cited references.
Browser-based 2D compressible Euler flow solver using the Rusanov (Local Lax-Friedrichs) finite-volume scheme. Students explore subsonic and transonic flows around 8 preset geometries (NACA 0012 airfoil at 4° and 8°, circular cylinder, sphere, square block, backward-facing step, arterial stenosis, convergent-divergent nozzle) and draw custom obstacles. Adaptive CFL-stable timestep (CFL=0.40), under-relaxation slider, plasma colormap, 200 stream tracers, and real-time stats (Δt/Δx, M_max, FPS). Full mathematical derivation — Euler conservation laws, Rusanov flux formula, CFL condition, boundary conditions — with 6 cited references including Price (2023) MIT OCW.
Designed a 42-slide lecture covering 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS, bioprinting), materials selection, a step-by-step SolidWorks bone plate modeling tutorial (7 steps from sketch to STL), slicing software (OrcaSlicer), and print optimization settings. Created a companion hands-on modeling assignment for senior BME students.
Developing a suite of three MATLAB AI/ML modules to accompany the Medical Instrumentation course. Each module includes a step-by-step tutorial (m-file + document), a graded lab assignment, synthetic biomedical datasets, and an instructional video:
- Module 1 — Unsupervised Learning: PCA and k-means clustering applied to clinical patient data (MATLAB patients dataset, Fisher Iris). Students explore dimensionality reduction and cluster visualization.
- Module 2 — Supervised Learning (PPG & ECG): Decision Tree, SVM, and Logistic Regression for PPG-based tachycardia detection and ECG-based AFib classification. Full signal processing pipeline: load → denoise → feature extraction → classification → evaluation.
- Module 3 — Supervised Learning (PCG & PFT): Phonocardiogram classification (Normal vs. Abnormal cardiac) and pulmonary function test diagnosis (Normal, Obstructive, Restrictive, Mixed), integrating signal features with patient demographics.
Co-mentoring on a stochastic CTMC model of IP₃R-mediated calcium signaling in brain capillary endothelial cells, in collaboration with Dr. Mark T. Nelson (University of Vermont). Model evaluates how channel stochasticity, store depletion, and clustering geometry govern calcium puff statistics, with implications for endothelial–smooth muscle coupling and cerebrovascular tone regulation. Resulted in BMES 2025 poster presentation.
Co-mentoring on multiscale Green's Function computational models for nitric oxide (NO) transport and consumption across 3D cerebral microvascular networks. Framework enables prediction of spatially resolved NO gradients at the network scale — a capability not achievable experimentally — and evaluates how vascular geometry, flow distribution, and endothelial dysfunction alter tissue-level NO bioavailability. Resulted in BMES 2025 oral & poster presentations.
Co-mentoring on multiscale computational models integrating endothelial and smooth muscle cell Ca²⁺ dynamics, endothelial-derived hyperpolarization (EDH), NO-mediated signaling, red blood cell tracing, 1D Poiseuille flow, and oxygen transport within 3D cerebral microvascular networks. Framework connects subcellular Ca²⁺-dependent signaling and vasoactivity to emergent blood flow regulation and tissue oxygenation — enabling mechanistic interpretation of how cellular-scale dysfunction propagates to organ-level fMRI signals.
Co-developing CFD/VOF multiphase models simulating flow and wall shear stress in 6-well orbital shaker plates, systematically mapping effects of orbital radius, RPM, and media height on undisturbed vs. disturbed flow generation. Provides validated guidelines for selecting shaker settings that balance biological relevance and experimental practicality for endothelial mechanobiology studies. Manuscript under review, Annals of Biomedical Engineering (2026); BMES 2025 poster.
Research intern on the CAVD Hemodynamic Biomarker Project. Co-author on "Importance of Non-Newtonian Modeling of Blood Flow for Calcified Aortic Valves" (Structural Heart 2021) and "Constitutive Properties of Mitral Valve Tissues via Nanoindentation" (Structural Heart 2021). Also contributed to curvature mapping work on elastin-degraded aortic valve tissue strips.
Research intern contributing to non-Newtonian blood flow modeling work in calcified aortic valve geometries. Co-author on conference abstract presented at Graduate Research Day 2021.
Research intern contributing to early CAVD computational model development.
Asad Mirza, Juan Pinzon, Natalia Fuenzalida, Edwin Robledo
Epilepsy affects roughly 65 million people worldwide and has no known cure, largely due to difficulties in recording neural activity of cerebral cortical cells where epileptic events occur. Using the modalities of calcium and voltage sensitive dye imaging (VSDI), researchers can record action potential and ion dynamics propagated across the cerebral cortex simultaneously.
The team designed a novel system featuring a synchronized fast CMOS camera for VSDI paired with a slower CCD camera for calcium imaging. Both cameras are aimed at a stereotaxic stage, attached to a motorized XY stage, holding a rat with a 1 mm² exposed cranial window. A custom-built MATLAB GUI controls the cameras and stage, allowing dynamic spatial imaging across the cranial window — enabling faster and more accurate data acquisition to identify the underlying causes of epilepsy.
The team designed a novel system featuring a synchronized fast CMOS camera for VSDI paired with a slower CCD camera for calcium imaging. Both cameras are aimed at a stereotaxic stage, attached to a motorized XY stage, holding a rat with a 1 mm² exposed cranial window. A custom-built MATLAB GUI controls the cameras and stage, allowing dynamic spatial imaging across the cranial window — enabling faster and more accurate data acquisition to identify the underlying causes of epilepsy.
Team F3 — Wearable Postoperative Device for Mitigation of Capsular Contracture in Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction Patients (IDD 2.0)
Team: Maria Parra, Anthony Arenas, Maria C. Gonzalez, Ashley Simpson
A wearable pneumatic vest (IDD 2.0) that automates therapeutic massage to mitigate capsular contracture — affecting up to 30% of breast augmentation and reconstruction patients. Three air bladders deliver sequential 1.5–2.0 cm displacement at 18-second intervals. Integrated pressure sensors and flex strain gauges compute apparent Young's modulus across three zones (Baker Grades I–IV), governed by an ESP32 microcontroller with custom PCB.
Contributions: Guided breast bag inflation simulations for pneumatic actuation characterization; designed and advised design-of-experiment (DOE) framework for verification testing across all five design inputs; assisted with ESP32 firmware and PCB electronic coding; supported iterative product development through prototype evaluation cycles.
Contributions: Guided breast bag inflation simulations for pneumatic actuation characterization; designed and advised design-of-experiment (DOE) framework for verification testing across all five design inputs; assisted with ESP32 firmware and PCB electronic coding; supported iterative product development through prototype evaluation cycles.
Team F5 — Automated Processing System for Optimized Microbiota Extraction
Team: Jennifer Boquin-Ciru, Natalie Hidalgo-Gato, Marco Garcia, Camila Jacome
Semi-automated fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) processing system with an auger-driven filter mechanism and high-speed homogenizer to minimize clogging and maintain continuous flow for C. difficile treatment preparation.
Contributions: MATLAB-based parametric analysis of stool viscosity vs. RPM effects on wall shear stress (WSS); structural analysis of the coupler mechanism including deformation and stress analysis; advising on FEA mesh convergence strategy.
Contributions: MATLAB-based parametric analysis of stool viscosity vs. RPM effects on wall shear stress (WSS); structural analysis of the coupler mechanism including deformation and stress analysis; advising on FEA mesh convergence strategy.
Team F7 — A Phantom Model for Assessing the Performance of Cannulation Devices in Stenotic Femoral Arteries
Team: Christopher Tarafa, Oscar Rosendo, Alejandra Arrazcaeta, Rachel Puerto
Modular benchtop ECMO phantom model with a controllable stenosis femoral artery module and glycerol-water blood analog for real-time proximal/distal flow and pressure measurement — targeting the 15–25% distal limb ischemia risk in ECMO therapy.
Contributions: Assisted with CAD design and geometry preparation of the femoral artery phantom; guided meshing strategy and initial ANSYS Fluent implementation; instructed team on blood flow simulation methodology in partially occluded vessels, including boundary condition selection and stenotic flow dynamics.
Contributions: Assisted with CAD design and geometry preparation of the femoral artery phantom; guided meshing strategy and initial ANSYS Fluent implementation; instructed team on blood flow simulation methodology in partially occluded vessels, including boundary condition selection and stenotic flow dynamics.
Team F8 — RESTORE: Reduced Effort System for Tibia Orthopedic Removal and Extraction
Team: Gianella Escusel, Evan Gonzalez, Moshe Huaco, Jacob Motta
First automated orthopedic extraction tool designed to reduce surgeon fatigue during intramedullary nail removal from the tibia — addressing the ~97% prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries among orthopedic surgeons through consistent, motorized impact delivery.
Contributions: Motor driver CAM control programming in Arduino; circuit setup, wiring, and functional testing of the actuation and control electronics.
Contributions: Motor driver CAM control programming in Arduino; circuit setup, wiring, and functional testing of the actuation and control electronics.
Team F2 — Low-cost EMG-controlled 3D-printed Prosthetic Hand
Faculty: Dr. Godavarty · Sponsor: Bio Engineering Labs, Corp. · Members: Shirel Belilty Benmergui, Anja Mihajlov, Elise Minami Ino
Low-cost, fully 3D-printed EMG-controlled prosthetic hand with single-sensor open–close activation, internal string-driven actuation, and total prototype cost under $1,000.
Team F3 — Fully Mechanical Prosthetic Ankle: A Mobility Lifeline for Transtibial Amputees in Low Resource Environments
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Asad Mirza · Sponsor: Bio Engineering Labs, Corp. · Members: Giuliana Mesa, Laura Guerrero, Nicholas Mohammed
Fully mechanical, low-cost prosthetic ankle using a ball-and-socket mechanism (aluminum ball in TPU-lined socket) to deliver controlled multiaxial motion reflecting natural ankle biomechanics.
Team F4 — Novel Hydraulic Spinal Rod Cutter for Use in Lumbar Spine Revision Surgery
Faculty: Valentina Dargam · Sponsor: Shukla Medical · Members: Mia Roman, Ivan Page, Jose Acosta, Samy Mudholker, Gian-Marco Montero
Compact hydraulic spinal rod cutter (<20 mm cutting head) delivering >28 kN cutting force with >10% reduction in user input. Enables precise, low-effort in-situ rod cutting within the narrow interpedicular space.
Team 3 — Fully Mechanical Prosthetic Ankle
Prosthetic ankle joint designed for passive mechanical energy return during gait.
Team 4 — NPCore
Neuropathic pain management device.
Team 6 — IUSDRx
Intrauterine device drug delivery system.
Team 1 — Garrison Gauge
Force/tension measurement device for gastrointestinal surgical procedures.
Team 3 — Wearable Transdermal Isoflurane Monitoring Device
Non-invasive sensor for real-time anesthetic gas monitoring.
Team 7 — Tremor Tranquil
Wearable device for tremor suppression in essential tremor patients.
Fellowships & Grants
2023
Dissertation Year Fellowship — $17,000
University Graduate School, FIU
2021
Koerner Family Foundation Fellowship — $10,000
Koerner Family Foundation
2023
SGA Graduate Scholarship — $1,000
Student Government Association, FIU
2017
McNair Undergraduate Fellowship — $1,000
Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
2017
Braman Scholars Completion Grant — $1,000
Braman Family Foundation
Competitive Awards
Feb 2024
Oral Competition — 1st Place
Graduate Research Day 2024, FIU
Feb 2024
Poster Competition — 1st Place
Miami Heart Day 2024, FIU
Feb 2022
Poster Competition — 2nd Place
Miami Heart Day 2022, FIU
Sep 2018
Trainee Poster Award
11th World Congress for Microcirculation, Vancouver, CA
Dec 2017
2nd Place Oral Presentation — Senior Design Competition
FIU Biomedical Engineering Department
2017
McNair Scholar — 14th Cohort
Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, FIU
2014–17
Dean's List (4 consecutive years)
Florida International University
2014
FIU Presidential Scholarship
Florida International University
Simulation & Computation
MATLAB / SimulinkExpert
ANSYS Fluent & MechanicalExpert
COMSOL MultiphysicsAdvanced
LS-DYNAIntermediate
Programming
PythonAdvanced
JavaScript / HTML / CSSAdvanced
Processing / p5.jsIntermediate
MATLAB Toolboxes
CAD & Design
Experimental
Languages
Professional Memberships
University & Professional Service
Mar 2026
Faculty Judge — Undergraduate Research Practice Presentations
Honors College, FIU (URFIU)
Sum 2024
BME Senior Design Oral Judge
Biomedical Engineering Society, FIU
2019–2020
BME Senior Design Poster Judge (4 sessions)
Biomedical Engineering Society, FIU
Community Outreach
2019
EMBS BME Presentation — 3D Printing & Simulation
Pinecrest Cove Preparatory Academy — middle-school outreach on BME simulations and 3D printing
2017
Guest Lecture — MATLAB/Python for BME Simulations
Southwest Miami Senior High School — AP Physics students
Professional Certification
2017
Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification
Florida International University