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PhD student wins national award for fluids research in stroke therapy

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:43:07 +0000

PhD student wins national award for fluids research in stroke therapy Alexander Jame… Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:43

Alexander Servantez

Nick Rovito, a first-year PhD student in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, was living on top of the world.

After submitting a technical publication to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Fluids Engineering Division, he was named one of five finalists for the Young Engineer Paper Competition and was invited to present his research at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE) conference in Portland, Oregon.

Nick Rovito, first-year PhD student and winner of the American Society of Mechanical Engineer's Young Engineer Paper Competition.

Rovito’s award-winning research article is titled “In Silico Analysis of Flow-Mediated Drug Transport For Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke.” The piece featured a multi-physics model coupling fluid dynamics, drug transport and reactions that emulates the clot-dissolving process in stroke treatment.

Simply being recognized amongst the other finalists at such a prestigious gathering was already the honor of a lifetime, he said. With over 1,600 research leaders across nearly 20 technical tracks, the IMECE conference features one of the largest and most diverse conference communities that ASME has to offer. It’s often touted as the largest mechanical engineering conference in the country.

But when presentations had concluded and the judges were done deliberating, Rovito wasn’t just a finalist. He was the winner.

As a graduate research assistant in the FLOWLab, led by Assistant Professor Debanjan Mukherjee at the ��«��Ƶ, Rovito conducts computational fluid dynamics research analyzing the mechanisms of thrombolysis in the blood vessels of the brain. This primary mode of stroke therapy involves administering medication to help restore blood flow by dissolving blood clots that may be causing a stroke.

“The FLOWLab is very multidisciplinary,” Rovito said. “We study stroke and medicine by analyzing fluid motion and transport through the cardiovascular system. Recognizing this allows us to apply principles of mechanical engineering to an otherwise medically focused field.”

His work aims to answer two questions: why do stroke treatments fail, and how can we increase their efficacy in the future?

“When you have a stroke, there’s an artery in your brain that is being blocked by a blood clot. Tissue plasminogen activator is the only drug approved by the FDA to treat this, but nearly 50 percent of patients don’t actually see the clot fully dissolve,” Rovito said. “A stroke left untreated could spell permanent disability or death, so we want to study the fluid mechanics within the vascular structure and see exactly how that drug is being delivered to the blood clot.”

Thrombolysis is known to present other dangerous issues, as well. Tissue plasminogen activator is categorized as an anticoagulant or a blood thinner. The drug’s job is to interfere with the clotting process and prevent blood clots from forming or growing.

However, the drug is not capable of targeting specific blood clots. It will dissolve any blood clot, including those that are not causing the stroke. Rovito says this can lead to severe bleeding if the drug goes elsewhere in the brain, or if it is overused.

Assistant Professor Debanjan Mukherjee (left) and Nick Rovito (right). Rovito is a graduate research assistant in the FLOWLab, led by Mukherjee.

“Around twenty percent of the patients who receive this drug experience major bleeding whether the stroke treatment is successful or not,” he said. “Understanding drug delivery from a flow physics standpoint helps us understand what the drug is doing when it’s administered so we can potentially mitigate those issues in the future.”

“I felt confident about my work,” Rovito said. “But I was just happy to be there. Everybody’s work was phenomenal. Any of the finalists could have won. So when the results came out, I was thrilled.”

Mukherjee, a co-author of the publication, had no doubt that Rovito’s work had what it took to win.

“Drug delivery investigation is at the core of our research group, and a lot of the strides we’ve made in modeling and simulation tools have been because of Nick’s efforts,” said Mukherjee, also a faculty member in biomedical engineering (BME) at CU ��«��Ƶ. “This is a very complicated problem, and his research is novel. The fact that he was able to win this award three semesters into his PhD pursuit speaks to his great ability to accomplish these technical tasks.”

Rovito hopes to continue improving this model and solving problems related to the clinical challenges of today. Their next steps in this project related to stroke therapy will be in collaboration with the neurology team at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, a frequent collaborator with the FLOWLab.

Beyond his research, Rovito also hopes to translate his technical skills into a long-term teaching career.

“One of my passions is teaching and scientific communication,” he said. “CU ��«��Ƶ is a great place for me to continue my technical work and develop as an educator.”

First-year PhD student Nick Rovito has been named the winner of the Young Engineer Paper Competition at this year's International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE) held by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His novel research aims to answer two questions: why do stroke treatments fail, and how can we increase their efficacy in the future?

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PhD student Nick Rovito (middle right) accepting the Young Engineer Paper Competition Award during the International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE) conference in Portland, Oregon.

Tom's Guide calls Segil, Afference "the future of digital touch"

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 21:51:52 +0000

Tom's Guide calls Segil, Afference "the future of digital touch" Alexander Jame… Wed, 01/15/2025 - 14:51

Research Professor Jacob Segil is also the CEO of ��«��Ƶ startup Afference. The company traveled to Las Vegas for this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to showcase what's being called "the new frontier" of spatial computing: a neural haptic ring that allows users to feel something even when touching nothing.

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Interning at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation

Katherine Pickens McConnell — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:19:21 +0000

Interning at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation Katherine Pick… Mon, 01/13/2025 - 17:19

Bryce Sohayda is an undergraduate student in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering. He interned at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation during summer 2024.

Where did you intern over the summer and what was exciting for you about that opportunity?

Bryce Sohayda during his summer internship with XPCC.

This summer, I had the opportunity to work at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation (XPCC) in Denver, Colorado. They specialize in Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to create power solutions for customers of all types. What excited me the most about this company was the opportunity to work for a supervisor with both entrepreneurial business skills and an engineering background. I appreciated being able to learn from his journey through different areas of engineering and gain an insight into the fast-growing industry of battery back up.

What kinds of projects have you had a chance to work on over the summer?

This internship was very hands-on and allowed me to work on several different projects. At the beginning of the internship, I worked on recharge and repair for the on-hand inventory and I used my basic circuits background to know voltage and current loads for an efficient recharge and restock system. Through the middle of the summer, we worked on a large value project including over 400, 3-part units where I got to rewire a user plug-in for modular enclosures and private label each unit. Toward the end of the summer, I switched to building 120V battery trays for large backup power units, where 40 of the trays go into one power unit. I got a very in-depth understanding of the UPS world and how many solutions there are to meet growing customer demand.

How did what you learned look different than the way you learn engineering in class?

One thing I learned from our engineering classes is that they teach us to problem solve more than anything else. There is no specific formula to use on some of these projects and it is up to you to figure out the process needed to complete the project. Unless you are in a position specific to a topic from class, don’t worry too much about the nitty gritty parts of that class. Instead, think about what processes and skills you gain from learning that subject.

What has been the most impactful part of your internship experience?

The most impactful part of my internship was understanding the model of an engineering company and learning what it takes to manage, build, or run a company. I got to experience each moving part of the business. At the simplest level, the company is all UPS based. A company may have great people but a mediocre product. A company may also have a great product, but mediocre people. However, when a company has both of these working simultaneously, that is when you see a company grow and succeed, and that is what I experienced at XPCC. Learning and experiencing this allowed me to combine all of my technical skills from engineering and social skills from business to provide XPCC with quality work.

What advice do you have for other students interested in pursuing a similar opportunity?

If you are interested in business-related engineering, first find a field that interests you. The best way to use your engineering degree in this way is to understand the field and product down to its smallest components and build from there. Because of the engineering knowledge that our degree gives us, we can understand the product intricately which provides us with the opportunity to share that information with customers and other companies. That allows us to grow the company because we understand the company starting with the technical fundamentals and moving all the way to the sales, management, and distribution phases. In my opinion, the best part of engineering is that you can make the degree as small or big as you want, so keep your eyes open for opportunities to join a company or start a company to change the world.

Bryce Sohayda is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. He interned at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation during summer 2024.

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Celebrating the 80th birthday of former ME professor Roop L. Mahajan

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 23:07:26 +0000

Celebrating the 80th birthday of former ME professor Roop L. Mahajan Alexander Jame… Wed, 01/08/2025 - 16:07

The mechanical engineering community is celebrating the 80th birthday of former CU ��«��Ƶ Professor Roop. L Mahajan. With over 60 years of service in the engineering profession, Mahajan's remarkable career embodies research excellence and educational impact. He served as a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at CU ��«��Ƶ for 15 years from 1991-2006. He also served as the Interim Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science from 2001-2002.

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Graduating student Aria Mundy receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:53:39 +0000

Graduating student Aria Mundy receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award Alexander Jame… Tue, 12/17/2024 - 14:53

Alexander Servantez

Aria Mundy, a dual-major mechanical engineering and applied mathematics student graduating this fall, has been selected to receive the CU ��«��Ƶ College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

The award is given to an undergraduate student who maximized their educational experience in a holistic way, with accomplishments across several areas.

Mundy is the fourth ME student to win the award since 1994.

A home-grown love for engineering

Aria Mundy, recipient of the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

Born and raised in the ��«��Ƶ area, Mundy always dreamed of studying engineering at the ��«��Ƶ. She loved math, she loved science and with encouragement from her early educators, she learned the importance of women in engineering.

“I was one of just a few girls in my physics class during high school,” Mundy said. “One of my teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in STEM and inspired me to explore engineering.”

Mundy started her undergraduate journey in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU ��«��Ƶ. But after her freshman year, she decided to explore different areas of study in the college, eventually settling on the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.

“The awesome part about ME is how versatile it is,” she said. “I’ve held some different internships across different industries. It’s been awesome to jump around and get exposure to many exciting areas.”

Success in-and-out of the classroom

During her time at CU ��«��Ƶ, Mundy demonstrated a talent for academic success. She was awarded a scholarship by the BOLD Center and was a part of the CU ��«��Ƶ Esteemed Scholars Program and CU Engineering Honors program. In her sophomore year, she was accepted into the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program.

Aria Mundy crossing the finish line at the USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships.

Mundy also exhibited success outside of the classroom. She has been a part of the CU Cycling and Triathlon Teams all throughout her college career, holding leadership positions on both teams. In the 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships, Mundy brought four national championships back to ��«��Ƶ, taking first in the Women’s Club Team Time Trial, Road Race, Criterium, and Omnium events.

Success has found Mundy as a member of the CU ��«��Ƶ Wind Team, as well. In 2023 and 2024, the squad took home two top-3 finishes in the Collegiate Wind Competition.

“Being a part of the different scholarship programs helped expand my opportunities and community,” Mundy said. “As for athletics, being a part of sports has always been my escape whenever I feel overwhelmed in class.

“It’s been amazing to find some success at races. But at the end of the day, it’s really just about being a part of such a great community and finding balance alongside academics.”

Creating an inclusive culture

Mundy attributes her success in multiple arenas to the support of peers and mentors who took her under their wings.

Aria Mundy guiding middle school students through a science experiment.

“When I was a freshman, stepping into sports felt intimidating at times. Cycling has few women and engineering has long been male-dominated,” she said. “But I’ll never forget the women who went out of their way to make me feel included. As I grew older, I felt the responsibility to create that same sense of belonging for others, too.”

In many ways, Mundy was on the front lines fighting for diversity and gender parity in engineering. As a member of CU ��«��Ƶ’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE), she helped organize local workshops encouraging young women to explore STEM career opportunities.

She also participated in the Project-Based Learning in Rural Schools Soil Quality Inquiry Program (SQIQ). This experience took her to Paonia, Colorado where she partnered with Paonia K-8 to guide young students through soil-quality experiments, fostering their curiosity about science and research.

“CU ��«��Ƶ is a very welcoming place for women and underrepresented students,” Mundy said. "I strive to share my excitement and enthusiasm for engineering and community, showing others that they have a support system and can succeed in this environment.”

Making a broader impact

A strong love for engineering and outreach opened the door for Mundy to make an impact beyond the CU ��«��Ƶ campus, too.

Aria Mundy during her time at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

In summer 2022, Mundy traveled to Rwanda as a member of the CU Engineers Without Borders (EWB). She worked with her peers to design and implement a rainwater catchment system. She said it was “a true embodiment of what it means to be an engineer.”

“This project was a powerful reminder of how engineering can bring people together to create solutions that make a lasting difference,” Mundy said.

She also completed internships at companies in various engineering industries such as Tendeg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, NIST, Specialized Bicycle Components and LASP. Mundy’s award nominator says she has contributed to new ideas and technologies at each company.

“My philosophy has been to try as many different things as possible,” Mundy said. “I’m truly grateful to receive this award, and for CU ��«��Ƶ’s support in providing so many avenues for me to learn and grow.

“If I had more time, I would love to keep exploring new things. I’m sad my journey is coming to a close, but I’m excited for what comes next.”

The Outstanding Undergraduate Award will be presented to Mundy at the College of Engineering and Applied Science Graduation Ceremony on Dec. 19. Mundy is considering pursuing a master’s in mechanical engineering while exploring full-time opportunities.

Aria Mundy, a dual-major mechanical engineering and applied mathematics student graduating this fall has been selected to receive the CU ��«��Ƶ College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award. Mundy has displayed a vast level of achievement during her time on campus in areas such as academics, outreach, professional development and inclusion.

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Aria Mundy during her time in Rwanda as a member of the CU Engineers Without Borders (EWB).

Pioneering sodium-ion batteries: a sustainable energy alternative

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 23:16:06 +0000

Pioneering sodium-ion batteries: a sustainable energy alternative Alexander Jame… Fri, 12/13/2024 - 16:16

Associate Professor Chunmei Ban and her research team are exploring the use of sodium-ion batteries as an alternative to lithium-based energy storage. Sodium is widely distributed in the Earth's crust and is an appealing candidate to remedy concerns over resource scarcity with lithium-ion batteries.

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NASA selects crew for 45-day simulated Mars mission in Houston

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 16:42:59 +0000

NASA selects crew for 45-day simulated Mars mission in Houston Alexander Jame… Mon, 12/09/2024 - 09:42

Robert Wilson (PhDMechEngr'20), a senior researcher and project manager at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, has been selected by NASA to participate in the last simulated mission to Mars in 2024. NASA scientists use these simulated missions to study the effects of deep space on human health.

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Climate change is encouraging unsanitary toilet practices among vulnerable communities

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:34:09 +0000

Climate change is encouraging unsanitary toilet practices among vulnerable communities Alexander Jame… Fri, 12/06/2024 - 12:34

In a study conducted by Assistant Teaching Professor James Harper and his consultation company Realize Research, LLC, it was found that regions where heavy storms and floods are more prevalent cause households in those areas to stop using and maintaining their toilets. Toilet dysfunction is a huge source of pollution, can increase the burden on water treatment systems and is a major risk of human health.

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University of Colorado students are taking part in advancing robotics to help first responders

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:35:53 +0000

University of Colorado students are taking part in advancing robotics to help first responders Alexander Jame… Fri, 12/06/2024 - 11:35

Sean Humbert, professor in mechanical engineering and director of the Robotics graduate program, chats with CBS News Colorado about some of the technology him and his students are working on at CU ��«��Ƶ. One of their builds is a robot that the ��«��Ƶ County Sheriff's Office uses to support their bomb squad team.

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Behind the Blades: How Paula Pérez Engineers Equitable Wind Energy Solutions

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:28:32 +0000

Behind the Blades: How Paula Pérez Engineers Equitable Wind Energy Solutions Alexander Jame… Mon, 12/02/2024 - 11:28

Paula Pérez (MechEngr'22; MCivEngr'23) is a Wind Energy Analyst and Equity Researcher for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) who has used engineering to help local communities across the globe find sustainable solutions to water and energy challenges.

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