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The Biomedical Data Science (BDS) Research Lab at Michigan Technological University contains a multidisciplinary team with expertise in clinical, biomedical data science, chemistry, cybersecurity, human factors, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine/deep learning modeling, providing our team of researchers and developers with the experience and expertise to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare.
The BDS Lab's research projects demonstrate our commitment to developing robust solutions that enhance patient care and outcomes.The following illustration displays the Lab's focus areas:
People
Director - BDS Research Lab
Dr. Guy C. Hembroff, PhD
Dr. Hembroff is a visionary leader in the field of biomedical data science, health informatics, and healthcare technology innovation. As the founding director of the Biomedical Data Science (BDS) Lab, Dr. Hembroff's research bridges the gap between effective AI model development and deployment with cutting-edge technology and compassionate healthcare. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, medical imaging, mental health interventions, healthcare interoperability, large scale healthcare architecture privacy and security, and internet of medical things (IoMT). Dr. Hembroff's work has been recognized through numerous publications in prestigious journals and presentations at national and international conferences. His commitment to translating research into real-world impact can be seen by his leadership in commercializing Mindaigle, an AI-powered mental health application for K-12 schools, supported by the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps™) program. With a passion for improving patient outcomes and transforming healthcare delivery, Dr. Hembroff continues to push the boundaries of biomedical data science, inspiring the next generation of researchers and innovators in this rapidly evolving field.
If you would like to know more about Dr. Hembroff's research, the BDS Lab, or the graduate programs he directs, you can can message him through the Contact Us tab or directly at hembroff@mtu.edu.
Additional Research Faculty
Dr. Chad Klochko, MD
Dr. Chad Klochko, MD, is a leading musculoskeletal radiologist and AI researcher at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. Board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology, he combines expertise in musculoskeletal imaging with pioneering research on AI applications in radiology. Dr. Klochko's work, particularly his study on ChatGPT-4 Vision's performance in radiology exams, has been published in prestigious journals. He continues to advance the field of AI-assisted radiology while maintaining a critical approach to its clinical implementation, striving to improve patient care through innovative technologies.
Dr. Klochko is a graduate faculty of Michigan Tech, provides clinical leadership on our collaborative research associated with Henry Ford Health, and serves as a committee member on Harikrishnan Changarnkothapeecherikkal's PhD committee.
Dr. Ronghua Xu, PhD
Dr. Ronghua Xu, PhD, is an innovative researcher and Assistant Professor of Applied Computing at Michigan Technological University. His expertise spans network security, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, edge computing, and NextG networks. Dr. Xu earned his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Binghamton University - SUNY, building on his prior industry experience at Siemens. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions for digital forensics, blockchain applications, and cybersecurity challenges. Dr. Xu's work bridges the gap between academic research and practical applications, contributing to advancements in secure and efficient computing systems. As a member of the ICC Center for Cybersecurity, he continues to push the boundaries of applied computing, inspiring future generations of researchers and innovators in this rapidly evolving field. Dr. Xu serves as a committee member on Tim Van Wagner's PhD committee.
PhD Students: 2025-2026
Ananna Biswas, B.Sc
Ananna Biswas is a Ph.D. student in the Computational Science and Engineering graduate program at Michigan Technological University, under the supervision of Dr. Guy Hembroff. She is currently working on biomedical signal classification and AI-based health diagnostics. Ananna completed her B.Sc. in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh. Her current research interests include machine learning for healthcare, neural signal analysis, and wearable health technologies. To learn more about Ananna's work, please visit the links below:
PhD Advisor: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Harikrishnan Changarnkothapeecherikkal, MS
Pursuing a PhD in Computational Science & Engineering at Michigan Tech, Harikrishnan's doctoral research is focused on Medical Image Analysis using Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Techniques. Harikrishnan holds an MS in Data Science.
PhD Advisor: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Chethana Kadirimangalam, MS
Pursuing a PhD in Computational Science & Engineering at Michigan Tech, Chethana's doctoral research is focused on Clinical Intervention efficacy, Resource Optimization Modeling and Cost-effective Strategic Mental Health Intervention Modeling. Chethana holds an MS in Health Informatics.
PhD Advisor: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Tim Van Wagner, MS
Pursuing a PhD in Computational Science & Engineering at Michigan Tech, Tim's doctoral research is focused on Blockchain for Secure Distributed Patient Data Exchange and Auditing. Tim holds an MS in Health Informatics.
PhD Advisor: Dr. Guy Hembroff
MS Students: 2025-2026
Ram Bagaria
Pursuing an MS in Data Science, Ram is a research assistant (RA) currently working on a project with Henry Ford Hospital aims to fill a critical gap in lung cancer screening by harnessing AI/ML and radiomic features to enhance the predictive power of the Lung-RADS classification over a temporal period. By identifying low-risk nodules with higher malignancy potential, we can enable earlier and more tailored interventions, potentially improving patient survival rates and reducing the burden of lung cancer. Additionally earlier detection of malignant transformation may allow for intervention with targeted radiation therapies which might avoid more invasive surgical options.
This project represents a novel approach to lung cancer screening, integrating radiomic analysis with existing classifications.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Shrobanti Banerjee
Pursuing an MS in Data Science, Shrobanti is a research assistant (RA) focused on advancement of open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) to continue Dr. Hembroff's existing of health literacy of text simplification by extending grade reading level literacy assessment and LLM response with added intelligence of complex word assessment to simplify unfamiliar terms to the user. This work is aimed at enhancing a user's experience and understanding of information, leading to an improvement in their health engagement and outcomes. The research includes the integration of LLMs over FHIR-based health data exchanges with block chain technology to enable more intelligent, secure, and accessible clinical decision-making.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Uttam Kumar Bellamkonda
Pursuing an MS in Health Informatics, research assistant (RA) Uttam's work is focused on developing a secure application of patient wearable devices, their efficacy and limitations, within a mHealth/web a patient-centric blockchain compliant mobile/web Personal Health Record (PHR) architecture.
The findings will provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of blockchain-integrated patient health record systems, potentially influencing future developments in healthcare data management, patient monitoring and empowerment.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Karthik Kumar Chollet
Pursuing an MS in Data Science, Karthik is a research assistant (RA) focused on developing Large Language Models (LLMs) user agents for mining multimodal data (e.g, EHR, PGHD, image) data for improved care management with Dr. Hembroff. The research includes the integration of LLMs over FHIR-based health data exchanges with block chain technology to enable more intelligent, secure, and accessible clinical decision-making.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Sucharitha Reddy Dammareddygari
Pursuing an MS in Health Informatics, Sucharitha is a research assistant (RA) working on developing and testing Large Language Models (LLMs) user agents to assist primary care physicians (PCPs) with valuable pediatric mental health education and information for their patient. This project also includes the development of a fullstack web server providing resources and increased mental health screening for clinics within the Upper Peninsula of Michigan using iPads and other devices to help improve the region' proactive mental health care management.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Frederick Damptey
Pursuing an MS in Health Informatics, Frederick is a research assistant (RA) currently working on a project with Henry Ford Hospital aims to fill a critical gap in lung cancer screening by harnessing radiomic features to enhance the predictive power of the Lung-RADS classification over a temporal period. By identifying low-risk nodules with higher malignancy potential, we can enable earlier and more tailored interventions, potentially improving patient survival rates and reducing the burden of lung cancer. Additionally earlier detection of malignant transformation may allow for intervention with targeted radiation therapies which might avoid more invasive surgical options.
This project represents a novel approach to lung cancer screening, integrating radiomic analysis with existing classifications.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Abby Jurewicz
Pursuing an MS in Health Informatics, Abby's research is focused on Development and Efficacy Assessment of a Blockchain-Enabled Data Exchange using Cross-Platform Personal Health Record Architecture.
MS Thesis Advisor: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Vyshnavi Priya Kasarla
Pursuing an MS in Data Science from Michigan Tech, Vyshnavi is a research assistant (RA) working on a funded Public Health Disease Surveillance Architecture and Modeling project focused on the development of: 1) FHIR interoperability models to establish longitundial patient records, combining physical and mental health data for enhanced analysis; 2) AI/ML models aimed to advance disease prediction and surveillance; and 3) secure full-stack dashboards providing real-time insights and visualizations for improved clinical decision-making and public health outcomes.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Raja Muppidi
Pursuing an MS in Health Informatics, Raja is a research assistant (RA) on a funded project aimed at the Development of a Customized Behavioral Health Network (BHD through an Integrated Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) Patient Registry. The registry records valuable information about patients’ behavioral health, permitting care management personnel to make informed clinical decisions. By translating data into critical visualizations and analytics, the project enhances healthcare and outcomes for patients.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Raja also serves as a data scientist and analyst with Dr. Hembroff's AI-driven company to improve human-health called Mindaigle.
Royal Dennis Owusu
Pursuing an MS in Health Informatics, research assistant (RA) Royal's work is focused on deep-level analysis of secure Personal Health Records (PHR) mobile/web applications and corresponding patient wearable devices (wireless/BlueTooth), including their efficacy and limitations within a healthcare blockchain compliant architecture.
The findings will provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of blockchain-integrated patient health record systems, potentially influencing future developments in the safety and security of healthcare data management, patient monitoring and empowerment.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Sana Patekari
Pursuing an MS in Data Science from Michigan Tech, Sana is a research assistant (RA) working on a funded Public Health Disease Surveillance Architecture and Modeling project with her focus consisting of 1) FHIR interoperability of mental health data to establish longitundial patient records with physical longitudinal data, combining physical and mental health data for enhanced analysis; 2) development of NLP models of behavioral health clinical notes aimed to provide enhanced value-based care management and safety for patients; and 3) AI/ML models aimed to advance disease prediction and surveillance;
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Madhava Narasimha Ajay Varma Penmatsa
Pursuing an MS in Data Science, research assistant (RA) Madhava's work is focused on developing the efficacy and limitations of using mHealth/web a patient-centric blockchain compliant mobile/web Personal Health Record (PHR) application to improve self-management, engagement.
The findings will provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of blockchain-integrated patient health record systems, potentially influencing future developments in healthcare data management and patient empowerment.
Project PI: Dr. Guy Hembroff
Undergraduate Students: 2025-2026
Seth Francois
Pursuing an BS in Cybersecurity, Seth is a GPU Server Developer for the research and development conducted for the BDS Lab.
Kohl Goldsmith
Pursuing an BS in Cybersecurity, Kohl plays a key role as the lead GPU Server Developer for the research and development conducted for the BDS Lab.
His UG research project aims to contribute to the fields of health informatics and cybersecurity by exploring the client-side security and processes involved in a LLM based healthcare application.
Alumni Members
Dr. Abel Reyes, PhD
Compeleted his PhD in Computational Science & Engineering at Michigan Tech. Abel's doctoral research focused on Medical Image Segmentation and Computer Vision using Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Techniques. Abel also holds an MS in Electrical Computer Engineering (ECE).
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