INNOVATION May-June 2012

in this important, wide-ranging area. In terms of developing sensors to detect changes in tissues, Dr Peter Wild PEng is developing fiber optic pressure sensing systems that detect changes in intervertebral discs and in the esophagus. Dr Nick Dechev is working on engineering biosensors to detect muscle movement in injured limbs with the eventual goal of using these signals to control an advanced prosthesis. Dr Rustom Bhiladvala and Dr Reuven Gordon PEng are developing sensing applications at the nanoscale to study various types of biological molecules, including RNA (ribonucleic acid) and proteins. Dr Bhiladvala’s work focuses on the use of nanoresonators to enable early detection of diseases such as cancers through the sensing of individual RNA molecules. Dr Gordon’s group uses optical manipulation to trap and examine small particles (<100 nm in size) for applications including isolation of individual viruses and earlier detection of cancers. Medical Imaging – Dr Alexandra Branzan Albu PEng and her research group are analyzing ultrasound images with the hope of producing new, non-invasive techniques for monitoring stress urinary incontinence that frequently afflicts elderly female patients. Dr Peter Oshkai, in collaboration with ViVitro Labs, a Victoria-based company, is performing experimental visualization of fluid flow through bioprosthetic valves to determine the fundamental physics of how these different devices work and how to improve their efficiency.

Tissue Engineering – One of the most exciting areas of biomedical engineering related research is tissue engineering, where novel materials are combined with cells to generate replacement tissues and organs. Dr Willerth and Dr Martin Jun have been investigating methods of engineering a variety of tissues, including bone and nerves, through the use of biomaterial scaffolds and stem cells. The new stand-alone biomedical engineering program at the University of Victoria represents a unique and exciting opportunity for medical training and research here in British Columbia that we expect to contribute to improving the quality, and reducing the cost of health care for years to come. v Dr Stephanie Willerth PEng is Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering holding joint appointments in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Division of Medical Sciences at the University of Victoria. Her current research interests include tissue engineering through the use of biomaterials scaffolds to control stem cell differentiation. She can reached at willerth@uvic.ca. Companies interested in hiring students from the University of Victoria’s Biomedical Engineering program can contact engrcoop@uvic.ca.

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