One of the primary missions of the Oregon State University College of Engineering is to translate laboratory discoveries into devices, systems, and processes that create a better future for everyone. At Oregon State, we are focusing on five research areas with the potential to deliver significant, real-world solutions to global challenges: robotics, artificial intelligence, climate science, clean energy, and integrated health and biotechnology. While each of these areas features the work of Oregon State Engineers, in this issue, we’re highlighting just a handful of our research projects related to integrated health and biotechnology. This highly interdisciplinary endeavor brings together biological, chemical, and environmental engineering with computer science, artificial intelligence, and electrical engineering: • Morgan Giers and her spin-out company, Spine by Design, are trying to take the guesswork out of spine surgery by creating machine-learning-driven, personalized surgery treatment programs. • Through experiments with algae and zebrafish, Stacey Harper studies the effects of microplastics and nanoplastics on the environment and human health and translates this knowledge into recommendations for manufacturers to design safer products. • Using machine-learning tools to predict the behavior of thousands of chemical compounds, Adam Higgins hopes to identify chemicals that prevent ice formation during the freezing and longterm storage of human organs for transplantation and research. • Matthew Johnston is miniaturizing traditional lab equipment into portable, wearable medical devices that can monitor health, diagnose disease, and even guide treatment. • In collaboration with a medical device manufacturer, V John Matthews builds machine learning algorithms to predict the onset of epileptic seizures. • Stephen Ramsey utilizes artificial intelligence to uncover hidden connections between drugs and diseases, and to discover new therapeutic uses for approved and well-understood medications. • Parichehr Salimifard develops tools to assess indoor air quality in schools and other public places, creating toolkits and guidelines for adjusting HVAC systems and building operations to reduce exposure to harmful pollutants. There is no better feeling than seeing the hard work of engineers directly improving people’s lives. Each of the projects featured in this issue provides a clear pathway for our faculty, students, and staff to have the impact that all engineers aspire to when they first envision joining the profession. Forrest J. Masters, Ph.D., P.E. (FL) Kearney Dean of Engineering Oregon State University College of Engineering Leading the way in the fields of integrated health and biotechnology
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