Undergrad Research Projects

 We're seeking motivated undergraduates, with a background in biomedical engineering or related fields, who are interested in gaining hands-on lab experience. No prior research experience is required — we're happy to work with the right students. If you're interested in any of the projects below, or has an idea that you wish to discuss, please reach out to Dr. Chao.

Open-Source Pressure Myography

Pressure myographs are used to study how blood vessels regulate their diameter in response to pressure, flow, and pharmacological agents, and are central to research on hypertension, diabetes, and vascular disease — but commercial systems can cost upwards of 2M TWD. This project builds a low-cost, open-source alternative based on the VasoTracker platform, with the added goal of extending it to work on an inverted fluorescence microscope for real-time fluorescence imaging alongside standard pressure-diameter measurements. You'll work across mechanical assembly and CAD, embedded electronics (Arduino-based pressure and temperature control), and scientific software development. A great fit for students with strong interest in electronics/embedded systems and mechanical design; software and image-processing background is a welcome plus but not required. 

Laminated Elecrospun Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering

The enthesis is uniquely structured with a graded transition that facilitates efficient stress transfer between the mechanically disparate hard bone and soft tendon. This project uses electrospinning to build laminated scaffolds with layers of differing fiber alignment, modeling that native transition. You'll work hands-on with our aligned-fiber electrospinning system, screen fabrication parameters, and characterize the resulting materials by SEM, fiber-orientation analysis, and mechanical testing. Great fit for students interested in biomaterials or musculoskeletal tissue engineering. 

Ultrathin Electrospun Scaffolds for Microscopic Imaging

Standard electrospun mats are too thick and optically dense for live-cell fluorescence imaging. This project develops a fabrication approach for ultrathin fiber mats that cells can be imaged on directly during culture, along with a mounting frame that makes these fragile materials practical to handle and culture. You'll work on fabrication parameters, basic frame design/fabrication (CAD, laser cutting or 3D printing), and live-cell imaging validation and quantification. A good fit for students interested in biomaterials, microscopy, device design, and cell biology.

updated July 2026