Major Qualifying Project
The Major Qualifying Project (MQP) is a high-level research project required for all WPI students. It focuses on your major field and involves solving real-world problems or tackling challenging research issues, similar to what you may encounter in your professional career.
For Biomedical Engineering students, the MQP provides an opportunity to delve deeply into research, develop essential skills, and generate original ideas in this fast-paced field. Recent projects are described below.
Each MQP spans a significant portion of the academic year and concludes with a public presentation at the Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase (URPS), held annually in the spring. Completing an MQP enhances your resume, giving you a competitive edge for launching your career or gaining admission to top graduate schools.
To meet ABET accreditation and departmental requirements, all MQP groups must fulfill the following, regardless of the advisor’s department or the number of biomedical engineering students on the team:
- Maintain a Design Notebook: Document the design process and relevant project details. The notebook becomes department property upon completion and is available through the department.
- Complete an MQP Report: Submit a comprehensive report detailing the project.
- Present Results Orally: Present findings at the Biomedical Engineering Department’s Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase (URPS) during D-Term.
If all advisors are from outside the Biomedical Engineering Department, students may present at their advisor’s department URPS event instead. However, they are encouraged to also present at the Biomedical Engineering URPS. If presenting solely outside the department, students must notify the Biomedical Engineering Department in advance.
Examples of recent MQPs in Biomedical Engineering
Nanomechanical Properties and Structures of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Cells/Tissues
The Problem: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. It tends to be more aggressive and challenging to diagnose early and treat compared to other types of breast cancer due to its heterogeneity and lack of targeted therapy options.
The Project: The aim of this project is to critically study the nanomechanical properties and structures of TNBC cells/tissues in ways that the outcome provide valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC.
Areas of Study: Nanomechanics, Biomaterials, Cell/Tissue Engineering
Students: Yasaman Ganjineh, Delaney Lippert, Eleni Xhupi
Advisors: John Obayemi
Ultrasound-Guided Needle Insertion Device
The Problem: Percutaneous needle insertion, commonly used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, relies heavily on the accuracy of needle placement. Ultrasound (US) is the primary guidance tool, but its operation is complex and can be challenging for clinicians, potentially affecting the precision and effectiveness of the procedure.
The Project: Develop an innovative ultrasound-guided needle insertion device that simplifies and improves the accuracy of percutaneous procedures, such as nephrolithotomy (kidney stone removal) and cancer treatments. The key concept involves using a mirror-based US imaging system to provide an intuitive, forward-view visualization of the needle insertion path by adjusting the angle between the mirror and the ultrasound probe.
Areas of Study: CAD Modeling, Biomedical Imaging
Students: Vishali Baker, Emerson Shatouhy (RBE), Ethan Zhong (RBE)
Advisors: H. Kai Zhang, Brenton Faber, Dr. Igor Dorokin (UMCMS)
AI Equipped Ultrasound for In-field Identification of Traumatic Bleeding
The Problem: Ultrasound can identify fluid. Can a smart-ultrasound be trained to differentiate different types of fluid or an abnormal collection of fluid such as a hematoma?
The Project: Design an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to work with a portable ultrasound system that can identify and differentiate internal bleeding. Working with collaborators at a rural engineering school, you will design and test a system to aid in the recognition of internal bleeding.
Areas of Study: Biosensors, Biomechanics
Students: Jennifer Chaves, John Peabody, Lauren Simonian
Advisors: Brenton Faber, Mahesh Banavar (Clarkson U)
Antimicrobial-Loaded Bacterial Cellulose Membranes for Delivery and release
The Problem: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biomaterial studied for many biomedical applications including dermal wound dressings. However, BC doesn’t inherently have antimicrobial activity. The Coburn lab has been exploring the use of antimicrobial peptides non-covalently immobilized onto BC via cellulose binding peptides (e.g., CBP-KR12, where KR-12 is the antibacterial peptide). Alternatively, loading with small or macromolecules with antimicrobial activity is an avenue to investigate.
The Project: Design, develop, and evaluate antimicrobial-loaded bacterial cellulose membranes. This could be using small molecule or macromolecule antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides and/or various binding peptides (e.g., cellulose binding peptides, antibiotic bind peptides).
Areas of Study: Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Drug Delivery
Students: Isabella DeFronzo, Kelly Kane, Jewel Pauly, Joana Ripa
Advisors: Jeannine Coburn
Community Partnerships
WPI works closely with area industries to provide outside project opportunities and ideas. At UMass Medical Center in Worcester, students work with physicians on projects that range from redesigning surgical tools to developing new monitoring equipment. At Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in nearby Grafton, students find many animal-related MQP opportunities.
MQP/Projects Laboratory
Because project work is a significant component of a WPI education, the Biomedical Engineering Department maintains a dedicated laboratory for MQPs, IQPs (Interactive Qualifying Projects), and independent projects (Goddard Hall 006).
The facility contains network-attached PC-based computers, computer-based data acquisition systems, general electronic testing equipment, biomechanical and biomaterial testing equipment, and other common laboratory equipment and supplies. It also has equipment used in the study of cell culture, including biosafety cabinets, incubators, and microscopes.