Requests for New Projects

If you have a possible project idea or a problem to solve, please contact Scott Seidman to discuss consideration for next year's class.

Types of Projects

Projects can be anything related to biomedical engineering: research instruments, clinical devices, home health care products, assistive technology, etc. They should not be exclusively research projects, and should involve the creation of some kind of prototype, device, or instrument.

The ideal project is:

  • An idea that needs brainstorming, significant improvements, or a fresh look
  • Of significant interest to your group
  • Not something that funding or company success is dependent on
  • Realistic in scope and time frame for both development and prototyping
  • One with an existing but flexible design concept

Each team is mentored, and receives technical guidance from at least one member of the biomedical engineering faculty, ensuring that your project will benefit from the expertise of technical experts over the course of the year.

Costs

Students are allowed a reasonable budget for this development, but you may be asked to contribute for specialized components especially if the device prototype is destined to be delivered to your clinic or laboratory.

Requirements

All customers will be asked to present their problem to the students in a special class meeting in early September.

As a part of the program you will need to:

  • Provide students with ideas about problems to be solved (not the solution!)
  • Be willing to meet with students periodically to serve as the "customer" or “client”
  • Supply students with customer expertise related to the problem
  • Cover expenses for specialized materials or parts greater than the students' allocation (this will only be requested after a thorough proposal, and with your approval)

Results

By participating in our senior design program you will receive:

  • A thorough consideration of your problem, with a clear definition of the problem and its constraints
  • Consideration of alternatives (benchmarking the competition, if appropriate)
  • Concept generation and selection
  • A working prototype or device (in most cases)
  • Some test data, and suggestions for further testing
  • Consideration of patentability (you could be a member of the team, if appropriate)
  • Consideration of market, and other implementation issues (FDA, OSHA, etc.)
  • Evaluation of future employees