Medical Design Innovations Laboratory

Combining Research Excellence with Student Advancement

The MDI Lab’s primary mission is to further medical science and improve patient outcomes through innovative device designs. This objective is pursued from a perspective and culture focused on training tomorrow’s engineers within a radically inclusive environment: everyone is welcome. We prioritize two things: people and research, in equal measure. We believe that everyone is always learning, so we maintain an informal environment that welcomes student ideas… even those that need a lot of development. Truly outside-the-box thinking will only happen when students are comfortable voicing their thoughts. The MDI Lab provides space and resources for students to engage with real medical device design problems, hone their scientific skillsets, and further their personal and professional development. We firmly believe that success is only achievable through team effort; therefore, we incorporate a diverse array of graduate and undergraduate students into research collaborations with professors, doctors, medical caregivers, and business professionals.

Implementing

Modern Drug Delivery Systems

Watch as our MultiStage Polymer Device Team explains their current progress and goals for an innovative approach to a controlled drug delivery implant. 

Collaborating

Working with multiple organizations to solve the toughest problems.

We are developing several projects that collaborate with our nation’s top military and healthcare providers that address some of the greatest challenges facing emergency medicine. By applying a multidisciplinary approach, we are creating innovative devices for airway management including: a portable suction device, an alternative to the classic laryngoscope, and a redesigned endotracheal tube. We provide opportunities to work closely with MDs at UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA) and with Army personnel at the Institute for Surgical Research (ISR).

Utilzing

State of the Art Facilities and Equipment

Located in the Biotechnology, Science and Engineering Building (BSE), the MDI Lab has access to a variety of resources, which include Department and Graduate Research facilities. Our project teams consist of students from Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Biomedical Engineering. Please feel free to contact us! Our lab is open to the public with a scheduled appointment.