Collaborators

Collaborators

MDI Labs is at the forefront of collaborative efforts, engaging with various entities such as internal and external laboratories, across state borders. The focus on advancing science and healthcare is evident through their innovative designs tailored for medical applications, with a special emphasis on the needs of military personnel. Through strategic partnerships with startups, government agencies, and academic institutions, MDI Labs plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of medical devices and technologies. For those interested in collaboration opportunities, please reach out to Dr. Lyle Hood.

EmergenceMed, LLC, a dynamic startup, has emerged as a spin-off from UT Health San Antonio and UTSA, bringing a unique focus to airway management and innovative technologies, particularly in the realm of suction devices. Specializing in advancing solutions for airway management, EmergenceMed is at the forefront of pioneering technologies that promise to enhance healthcare practices and contribute to the well-being of patients.

Explore the cutting-edge research at the Advanced Materials and Mechanical Systems Laboratory (AMMS Lab) within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio. The lab is dedicated to pushing the boundaries in the design and synthesis of advanced materials and mechanical systems, incorporating innovative concepts from bioinspired design and architected materials. Employing a multifaceted research approach that integrates computational simulations, theoretical analysis, fabrication, and experimental testing, the AMMS Lab strives to revolutionize various fields such as healthcare, defense, robotics, civil infrastructure, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

Our research at the crossroads of nanotechnology and biophysics focuses on advancing label-free sensing and single-molecule studies using various techniques. We specialize in the synthesis and characterization of metallic nanoparticles with diverse applications. Utilizing advanced imaging methods, we study nanoparticle behavior and investigate their potential in targeted therapies. Collaborating with MDI Lab, we explore novel approaches in nanotechnology with broad implications for healthcare.

Our research focuses on soft robotics, multifunctional materials, and design optimization, exploring how novel materials can turn lithium-ion batteries into smart actuators. Using design optimization based on analytical models and simulations, our focus includes recent work on energy harvesters for unmanned aerial systems and predicting metrics for liquid crystalline elastomer actuators. Our applications span multifunctional actuators, soft robotics for improved rehabilitation, and optimized energy harvester geometry. With nine publications and one provisional patent, topics of interest encompass magneto-mechano electrical energy harvesting, analytical modeling of actuators, silicon anode-based lithium-ion batteries, and design optimization of smart materials. Join us in pioneering transformative research at the intersection of innovation and practical applications.

Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Department of Emergency Medicine

Dedicated to the core missions of research, education, patient care, and community service, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, widely known as UT Health San Antonio, stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment to improving the health of the local community and its surroundings. With relentless dedication, UT Health San Antonio strives to advance medical knowledge, educate future healthcare professionals, provide exceptional patient care, and actively engage in community service to contribute positively to the overall well-being of individuals in San Antonio and the broader region.

 

The Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM) provides clinical services at University Hospital, the largest emergency department in metropolitan San Antonio and a specialized trauma, stroke, cardiac, and pediatric unit. DEM educates a broad array of medical and health professions students including physician assistants, paramedics, and sponsors an accredited three year postgraduate medicine emergency medicine residency program. DEM also sponsors an accredited emergency medical services (EMS) fellowship, and fellowships in ultrasound, global medicine, wilderness medicine, disaster medicine and a postdoctoral PhD fellowship in biomedical engineering. DEM research focuses on clinical trials for emergent conditions such as open fractures, suicide, snakebite, Covid 19, and other life-threatening conditions. DEM also has a robust innovation initiative focusing on medical device technology development in airway management, hyperthermia, and lifesaving interventions.

Trinity University

Emma Treadway, Ph.D.

Emma Treadway, an alumna of Trinity’s Engineering Science program (class of 2011), has returned to her alma mater as a faculty member. With a background in industrial automation and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, she is excited to share her passion for engineering with students both in the classroom and through research. Her work delves into physical human-robot interaction, emphasizing the identification and resolution of barriers in applications like haptic rendering, prosthetics, and rehabilitation.

Professor Brightman, a leader in engineering education research since 2012, spearheads a multidisciplinary team funded by the NSF. Their innovative pedagogy, Scaffolded, Integrated, Reflective Analysis (SIRA), blends in-class and online elements to train engineering students in ethical reasoning. Built on Reflexive Principlism (RP), a framework developed by Brightman and collaborator Jonathan Beever, the model explores historical and current cases in emerging technologies. Beyond this, Brightman co-teaches a Biomedical Engineering Ethics course for 15 years. Currently, his focus extends to studying the ethical experiences of engineers in the health products industry and responsible conduct of research in Biomedical Engineering. Appointed as an inaugural Fellow of the Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Science, Professor Brightman is establishing a Community of Practice for Ethics Education in Biomedical Engineering, aiming to disseminate best practices. Join the journey of shaping ethical standards in engineering education and practice.

North Carolina State University

Mike Sano, Ph.D.

Passionate about combating the devastating impact of cancer, the individual behind www.bioelectricitylab.com and www.mikesano.com is on a personal mission to find and develop improved techniques for detecting, managing, and treating this disease. Specializing in electromagnetics and biophysics, their expertise encompasses focal cancer therapies, microfluidic processing, and electronics development. Proficient in microfabrication, Comsol Multiphysics, finite element analysis, CAD, SPICE software, and various programming languages including Python, C++, Java, Basic, Assembly, MATLAB, ASP, PHP, and SQL.

Olifant Medical stands at the forefront of addressing both acute and chronic care challenges by offering innovative solutions. With a dedicated focus on enhancing patient and provider experiences, Olifant Medical is committed to revolutionizing healthcare delivery. Through their cutting-edge approach, they aim to provide comprehensive solutions that not only tackle medical complexities but also prioritize creating exceptional and positive interactions between patients and healthcare providers.

As a leading government contractor in scientific research, SAIC excels in Mission Support, leveraging Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Engineering, Systems Integration, and more. Their commitment extends to platforms like Ground Vehicles and Weapon Systems, supporting scientific exploration. In Information Technology, they provide Cloud, Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation, and Software solutions. Trusted for their role in advancing scientific discovery, we contribute to shaping the future of innovation.

The Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) stands at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation in aerospace technology and defense research. As a premier research institution within the United States Air Force, AFRL is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, technological breakthroughs, and strategic capabilities that ensure air and space superiority. With a mission focused on delivering game-changing solutions, AFRL plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of air and space operations, strengthening national security, and fostering innovation in defense technologies.

The USAISR mission revolves around optimizing combat casualty care, with a vision to be recognized as the world’s premier research organization. Their focus is on enabling readiness and delivering evidence-based solutions for the optimal care of the combat wounded. In pursuit of excellence, USAISR is committed to advancing research and innovations that contribute to the well-being and preparedness of military personnel in the face of challenging circumstances.