Projects/Experiments

Developing a modular muscular atrophy detection system through force-feedback using cable driven systems

The proposed project addresses muscular atrophy in clinical rehabilitation and long-duration spaceflight, where disuse, neuromuscular impairment, and micro-gravity lead to progressive strength loss in the upper limbs. Existing resistance exercise systems can mitigate atrophy but are often bulky, mechanically complex, and lack early-stage detection of declining force output. In response to this need, the project proposes a modular, cable-driven force-feedback system that measures upper-limb strength via tension-based sensing. Dynamixel actuators mounted on an aluminum frame and connected to a central knob via cable provide controlled motion and embedded torque sensing. The system is supported by admittance control, biomechanical modeling, and cable-driven transmission principles to interpret measured torque and displacement as user-applied force. 

Modular Reconfigurable Lighting System for Spacecraft Habitats Beyond Low Earth Orbit 

This project developed a modular, reconfigurable lighting system (MRLS) designed for spacecraft habitats beyond low Earth orbit, addressing constraints in mass, space, thermal dissipation, and repairability. The system integrates warm (4000K) and cool (6000K) LEDs, pulse-width modulation (PWM) dimming, and a liquid-cooling system to manage thermal loads in microgravity environments where convection and conduction are limited.

The MRLS was designed as a three-module configuration consisting of an LED module, a battery and control module, and an optical lens module. Modular connections using magnetic connectors and Velcro enabled rapid reconfiguration, portability, and ease of maintenance. Electrical control was implemented using an Arduino-based system with selectable duty cycles, dynamic lighting schedules for circadian rhythm support, and real-time temperature monitoring.

Experimental testing demonstrated effective thermal regulation, with the cooling system maintaining LED temperatures near 32 °C across multiple PWM settings, compared to temperatures approaching 70 °C without cooling. Optical testing showed stable lux output and efficient beam control, while a second-generation prototype achieved significant reductions in size and improved modular efficiency. The results indicate that the MRLS provides a compact, adaptable, and repairable lighting solution suitable for ISS operations and future long-duration space missions.

Project findings were presented at the Latin American Congress on Automation and Robotics LACAR, November 2025. 

Characterizing the mechanical properties of biofilms

This project investigated the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of static-grown bacterial biofilms using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Escherichia coli were probed in situ using AFM nanoindentation to measure deformation and relaxation behavior without disrupting the biofilm structure. A viscoelastic analysis framework based on Ting’s integral and the Standard Linear Solid (SLS) model was applied to extract elastic moduli and viscosity from force–deformation (FD) curves. Results revealed distinct mechanical signatures and significant heterogeneity within biofilms, highlighting the complexity of their material properties. This work established a non-invasive experimental and analytical approach for quantifying biofilm mechanics under static growth conditions.

Project findings were presented at the American Physical Society Conference APS in the Division of Fluid Dynamics November 2024.

Characterizing the mechanical properties of circulating tumor cells CTCs

This project investigated the viscoelastic properties of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to explore their potential as mechanical biomarkers for cancer detection and prognosis. Live CTC-derived cancer cell lines, including prostate, breast, and lung carcinomas, were probed using AFM-based nanoindentation to capture force–deformation behavior. A data analysis framework based on Hertzian contact mechanics and Ting’s viscoelastic model was implemented to extract membrane elasticity and relaxation properties from FD curves. Results revealed distinct, cell-type–dependent viscoelastic signatures and heterogeneous mechanical responses under varying loading regimes. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using membrane viscoelasticity as a site-specific mechanical fingerprint for differentiating cancer cell types.

Work was presented at the American Physical Society Conference APS in the Division of Fluid Dynamics, November 2023 and November 2022.

Super magnetic nanoparticles for the treatment of periodontal disease

Contributed to a multidisciplinary research project investigating magnetically activated iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential treatment for periodontal disease. My work included cell culturing, nanoparticle synthesis and functionalization, experimental setup development and data collection. Assisted in manuscript preparation and journal review. This project integrated nanomaterials engineering with in vitro biological models to evaluate antimicrobial effectiveness and biocompatibility.

During the later stages of this project, I assisted in mouse testing and validation. My contributions included designing and fabricating a mouse restraint bed, assisting with experimental procedures, and analyzing imaging data of cavities developed in the animal model. 

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) 

Towards Evaluating Astronaut’s Performance via Propioception-Perception Analysis through Stimulation of the Nervous System

This project focused on developing a methodology to evaluate astronaut sensorimotor and cognitive performance during long-duration space missions using proprioception–perception analysis. The study combined Vicon Nexus motion capture and K-Invent wireless force sensors to quantify joint kinematics, body coordination, and force output during interactive movement tasks. Motion and force data were processed using MATLAB to extract joint angles, trajectories, and force profiles, enabling the identification of potential performance decrements related to attention, coordination, and motor control. The proposed framework aims to support early detection of sensorimotor or cognitive decline, with potential applications in performance monitoring, prevention strategies, and targeted intervention programs for astronauts. 

This work was presented at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Conference October 2022.

DoW/DoD DEVCOM U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Command Internship 

Programed a ground robot to navigate an unknown environment autonomously. Used Linux operating system, Robot Operating System (ROS) software, and Python3 to program the robot. 

Work was presented to the branch, internship symposium, and 2024 SPIE conference in April/May.

Texas Space Grant Consortium TSGC Design Challenge (Team Leader) 

This project developed a modular, reconfigurable lighting system (MRLS) for spacecraft habitats beyond low Earth orbit, addressing constraints in mass, volume, thermal dissipation, and maintainability. The system integrated warm (4000 K) and cool (6000 K) LEDs with PWM dimming, an Arduino-based control hardware, and an active liquid-cooling loop/system to manage thermal loads in microgravity environments. The MRLS was developed and evaluated as part of the NASA Texas Space Grant Consortium (TSGC) Design Challenge, undergoing formal design reviews, iterative prototyping, and technical evaluation through posters, presentations, and hardware demonstrations. The project achieved top-tier placements across two NASA competition cycles, earning distinctions including Top Design Team, Best Prototype, Best Oral Presentation, and Top Peer Review, and secured $7,500 in competitive scholarships. This project also served as the capstone project and was selected as the best capstone team.

Experimental Infrastructure Design and Fabrication - Shear Flow Facility 

This project developed a custom rotating shear flow facility capable of generating controlled, repeatable wall shear stress for the experimental evaluation of high-resolution shear and pressure sensors. The facility was designed and fabricated to generate precisely controlled wall shear stress while preserving optical access for digital holographic microscopy measurements. Contributions focused on CAD mechanical design, generating machining documentation, fabrication planning, and system assembly, including outsourced and in-house personal machining, welding, and additive manufacturing. The resulting testing facility provided the structural stability, alignment precision, and modularity necessary to generate well-controlled, repeatable wall shear stress for repeatable experimentation and accurate data collection results.