Introduction | Projects | Contact | Home

Introduction to BERG

The Biomechanical Engineering Research Group (BERG) is an informal assembly of engineers and their collaborating scientists and research MDs, all interested in the fundamentals of biomedical engineering with applications to the design, analysis, prototyping and testing of medical devices. Specifically, in order to understand biomechanical processes and to bring safe and effective medical devices to market, multidisciplinary research teams are needed, covering biomechanics and biomaterials, biofluid dynamics and biotransport phenomena, as well as bio-robotics, bio-probes, bio-imaging, and related research area. The goals of BERG activities are: (a) publication of seminal journal articles, book chapters and patents; (b) education of good Ph.D. students; and (c) attraction of major funding. Each BERG member is an expert in his/her field (see listings below); thus, in response to specific R&D tasks, governmental RFPs, and industrial needs, collaborative teams can be formed which deliver sound and innovative research results. Previous, well-documented accomplishments for both government and industry include: (i) design improvements and best operational conditions for industrial white rooms and large inhalation test chambers; (ii) optimal graft-end and implant designs to achieve normalized blood flow and assist in surgical bypass operations; (iii) prediction of ambient particle depositions in the human airways for dosimetry-and-health-effect studies; and (iv) development of a controlled air-particle stream methodology for optimal deposition of drug aerosols in desired lung target areas.

Ongoing BERG projects include:

–Development and testing of a smart inhaler system (C Kleinstreuer, S Seelecke, W Roberts); –Optimal stent-graft placement and design for improved endovascular repair of aneurysms (C Kleinstreuer, S Seelecke, O Harrysson); –Terascale computing of large BME systems (J Edwards, M Kumar, C Kleinstreuer); –Microfluidics studies as applied to bio-MEMS, bio-probes, etc. (C Kleinstreuer, T Nagle); –Human-induced motion effects on indoor particle transport (J Edwards); –Control algorithms for actuators and positioning of novel bio-force microscopes (S Seelecke); –Coating techniques for biomedical implants (A Rabiei); –Tools and techniques for robot-assisted cardiac surgery (G Buckner).

Contact Information:

For additional research information and new project work contact: C. Kleinstreuer, BERG Leader E-mail: ck@eos.ncsu.edu Phone: (919) 515-5261 Fax: (919) 515-7968 For the establishment of graduate fellowships and endowed chairs, or general BERG sponsorship, contact: M. Noori, Mechancial and Aerospace Engineering Department Head E-mail: mnoori@eos.ncsu.edu Phone: (919) 515-2368 Fax: (919) 515-7968

Introduction | Projects | Contact | Home