Two Biomedical Engineering undergraduate students from the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA) at the University of Hartford have been selected to present their exceptional research at the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 2025 Annual Meeting, held October 8–11, 2025, in San Diego, California.
This prestigious national conference brings together students, researchers, educators, and industry leaders from across the world to share groundbreaking advancements in biomedical engineering and healthcare innovation.
Jasmin Enriquez
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Colleen E. Krause-Badalucco
Poster Title: 3D-Printed Microfluidic Electrochemical Platform for Early Pancreatic Cancer Detection
Jasmin Enriquez’s research addresses one of the most urgent challenges in oncology—early detection of pancreatic cancer. Often called a “silent killer,” pancreatic cancer is typically diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to a survival rate below 10%. Enriquez and her team designed a low-cost, disposable biosensor capable of detecting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a biomarker for pancreatic cancer, in bodily fluids.
The innovative microfluidic biosensor, functioning similarly to a glucose test strip, aims to make early detection more accessible, affordable, and effective—potentially transforming diagnostic practices in clinical settings.
Elia Bllani
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Seong Hyun Moon
Poster Title: Assessment of Gait Velocity and Fall Risk Potential during Stair Walking Using Wearable IMU Sensors
Elia Bllani’s study explores gait velocity and fall risk during stair walking compared to level-ground movement using wearable Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors. Conducted at the University of Hartford, the research revealed that gait velocity was significantly higher during both upward and downward stair walking—a behavior that could paradoxically increase fall risk, especially on non-ergonomic stair designs.
The findings underscore the critical role of stair design, balance control, and movement adaptation in fall prevention, with implications for improving environmental safety and rehabilitation strategies.
Connecting with UHart Alumni
During the BMES 2025 conference, current students and alumni from the University of Hartford’s Biomedical Engineering program met and shared their research experiences, career paths, and valuable advice.
Among the alumni in attendance were:
- Ian Anderson ’25, who plans to continue his education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering.
- Dr. Michael (Christopher) Kohler, who earned his Ph.D. in Engineering (Bioengineering) from the New York Institute of Technology.
The students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with these alumni, gaining insight into graduate studies, research pathways, and the evolving landscape of biomedical engineering careers.
Celebrating UHart’s Excellence in Research and Mentorship
These accomplishments exemplify the University of Hartford’s commitment to undergraduate research, innovation, and experiential learning. Under the mentorship of dedicated faculty, UHart students continue to contribute to advancing science and technology, fostering meaningful solutions that improve health and quality of life.