My
Projects

This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Restor3d, a Durham based startup that focuses on providing custom 3D printed orthopedic implants in the lower extremity space. Through this experience, I was able to see the design process from beginning to end, and develop several total talus and ankle cage implants for manufacturing.

Modern day cystoscopes are typically 20cm long metal rods used to access the bladder through the urethra. Although they are straightforward and effective, cystoscopes are quite intimidating to patients and could be greatly improved to increase both patient and physician comfort. As a part of my Advanced Design for Manufacturing class, I was challenged to redesign the cystoscope to improve ergonomics and make the process of getting a cystoscopy a just little less terrifying.

Growing up and dealing with the judgment of our friends and peers can be difficult at times. For kids with disabilities and health issues, it can be even more difficult. Asthma affects 5 million kids in the US today. Although the condition is manageable through the use of an inhaler, up to 60% of medicine administered through an inhaler isn't making it to the patient's lungs. In order to improve drug administration, inhaler spacers are recommended to help make breathing in the medicine easier. However, inhaler spacers can be bulky, difficult to transport, and can be an insecurity for kids with asthma. The goal of this project was to create a fun, compact, and destigmatizing spacer that helps make kids more comfortable with getting the treatment they need. 

As 3D assisted design becomes more and more prevalent in the medical device industry, designing custom fitted parts specific to patient anatomy is becoming increasingly feasible. As a part of my medical device design certificate, we were challenged to design a custom mitral valve sewing cushion using a patient CT scan. Using medical image reconstruction, I was able to render the 3D model of the patient's mitral valve and design a custom sewing cushion ring that fits along the circumference of the valve. 

As a part of my Senior Design Capstone, I developed a transparent, anatomically realistic, kidney phantom for use in a translational research setting. The phantom was adapted from a patient's CT scan, and later refined for ease of manufacturing. This model is currently being used in the Zhong lab in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Duke University to study the mechanisms of kidney stone fragmentation and dusting during Laser Lithotripsy procedures.

As a part of an inside joke, I used Fusion 360 to 3D print a custom attachment for a music box that would play the tune "All Star."