Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductors whose emission wavelengths vary in response to external stimuli such as mechanical strain and temperature, making them promising candidates for multifunctional sensing systems. This work establishes a repeatable process for fabricating QD-embedded PDMS-based core–shell optical structures using the existing additive manufacturing technology. The final prototype shows a complete optical sensing system, where light from an LED source is coupled into the waveguide to excite the embedded quantum dots, and a sensor at the output measures wavelength variations in the transmitted light to evaluate the response to strain and temperature.

Our goal is to develop a machine learning model to autonomously perform surgical incision closure for the knee arthroplasty procedure whilst improving data collection infrastructure with the dVRK for future users.

Hypersomnolence is a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) or the inability to stay awake despite frequent naps and consistent sleep. Central disorders of hypersomnolence (CDH) include Narcolepsy Type 1, Narcolepsy Type 2, and Idiopathic Hypersomnia. The gold standard test for CDH is an overnight polysomnography (PSG) followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT). However, 20% of MSLTS result in a false negative, and over 50% of those with CDH remain undiagnosed even after an MSLT. Adults that have been prescribed an MSLT need a diagnostic aid that reduces the effects of environmental factors on data in order to stratify and treat a greater proportion of NT1, NT2, and IH patients. Our solution approach is an in-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) device capable of remote, continuous monitoring of sleep metrics to facilitate identification and treatment of CDH.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that causes the tongue and soft palate to relax and fall back into the throat, causing pauses in breathing. Under anesthesia, suppressed reflexes worsen this obstruction, leading to rapid oxygen desaturation. This is especially dangerous during endoscopies, where patients must breathe independently. As a result, OSA patients are 3.3x more likely to suffer critical hypoxemia and require ICU transfers. When patients experience apnea, anesthesia providers open the airway by manually pulling the jaw forwards (jaw thrust). While effective, this intervention only provides temporary relief and is physically demanding for anesthesia providers. ApniBloc is a novel device that continuously maintains an open airway by maintaining a hands-free jaw thrust throughout an endoscopic procedure. ApniBloc easily integrates into the existing anesthesia workflow, adding negligible cost and procedural time while reducing provider burden and improving post-operative patient outcomes.