Research Areas
Simulation & Education
Simulation training through virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality is becoming an important tool in training the medical professionals of tomorrow. We develop these systems to train a simulated procedures like intubation, situations like patients coding, or processes like food safety in a low-risk environment to prevent harm to real patients. Incorporating these engineering and technology components into medical education results in well-rounded health care providers. We develop curriculum based around the principles of simulation technology and smart health for universities, continuing education, and certification programs. We manage the Jump Simulation Center and provide simulation training for the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and local health care organizations.
Smart Health & Human Factors
With the advent of wearable sensors, voice-assisted devices, seamless network data collection, cloud processing, and more, health care is becoming smarter than ever. But no matter how technological health care becomes, it will always be about the encounter between the patient and the provider: their utmost safety, comfort, and care is the most important goal. Research in human factors strives to reduce human errors, increase success of health care procedures, and enhance patient safety and comfort. We focus on pioneering solutions focused on the aging population, health monitoring, and personalized patient care.
Health Data Analytics
The Health Care Engineering Systems Center manages the Health Data Analytics Initiative for The Grainger College of Engineering, a central hub that connects clinical investigators with engineers, data scientists, and artificial intelligence experts from across the university. We're committed to enabling and driving fundamental medical research and improving health care delivery by designing tailored AI and data retrieval solutions for our partners. We've won grants from C3.ai, NSF, and more, and work with private companies to government agencies.
Medical Robotics
Advances in robotics and image-guided surgery are improving procedure outcomes by providing the surgeon with precision tools to perform. We are developing novel simulators, devices, and algorithms that will advance the field through training physicians and improving consistency. COVID-19 has ushered in a new need for robots, from diagnostic processing tools to disinfecting solutions.