Emily Thompson

Involvement in a variety of projects, notably including on the software development for a real-time, 3D cardiac mapping tool, an orthodontic monitoring system, a gynecological surgical tool and continued maintenance of the HuCE-microCert quality management system. Primary leader for clinical trial applications, audit preparation tasks, and management of the many aspects of a single project to prepare for a marketable product. Research tasks include development of algorithms in Python and MATLAB, statistical analysis of patient data from clinical trials, as well as completion of feasibility studies and mechanical designing of new product concepts.

Focus on establishing and maintaining a quality management system for a new spin-off department within the BFH (HuCE-microCert) and installing necessary regulatory affair compliance to bring the esophageal ECG recorder project to ISO 13485 certification and clinical trial approval. Installation and validation of ISO 7 clean room, ultrasonic cleaning process, catheter tipping process, labeling and sterile packaging systems for the production and protection of medical devices manufactured by HuCE-microCert. Planned and executed steps for the design validation of the esoECG device, including biocompatibily and corrosion testing. Additionally worked on developing and constructing manufacturing tooling to aid in mass assembly processes.

PCB and mechanical design engineer for an electrical engineering company specializing in wireless technology and mobile platform development for both government and commercial markets. Specific projects include developing a wireless, ultra-low power EEG system and a Doppler radar system that assesses vital signs remotely from up to 50 m away. Writing SBIR Phase I & II grant proposals and progress reports, as well as researching, planning and executing experiments for testing design elements for each project. Other tasks include printed circuit board layout design and mechanical heat sink design for other projects within the company.

Thesis: Development of an in silico and in vitro Lung Microvasculature Model Project studying the effect of extracellular matrix support and the dynamic mechanical environment on microvascular network formation. Multilayer microvascular platform fabricated using PDMS softlithography techniques, allowing for in vitro breathing conditions mimicking in vivo lung conditions. Development of a FE model of the system, used for increasing understanding of the dynamics of the cyclic breathing behavior and optimizing in-vivo-like strain and stiffness conditions. Experimental model analyzed for various changes in microvascular network such as morphology, permeability, and cell viability when incubated in dynamic conditions.

Coursework includes: Biomechanics (2 quarters lecture, 1 quarter lab), Cell & Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Engineering Graphics & Design, Computational Methods, Computer-Aided Design, Bioinstrumentation, Linear Circuits, Continuum Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Mass Transfer, Mechanical Engineering Experimental Techniques, Nonlinear Dynamics, several upper-division writing courses and a year-long senior design project.