Josh Leighton

Researched techniques of creating a drug-releasing PEG-diacrylate and ETTMP hydrogel for use in human pain relief applications. Controlled and varied properties that allowed for cross-linking under normal human physiological conditions. The swelling properties based on the weight percentage of polymer was determined by utilizing water absorption swelling and freeze-drying. This project required the utilization of column purification/ inhibitor removal techniques for the polymers as well as… Show more

Researched techniques of creating a drug-releasing PEG-diacrylate and ETTMP hydrogel for use in human pain relief applications. Controlled and varied properties that allowed for cross-linking under normal human physiological conditions. The swelling properties based on the weight percentage of polymer was determined by utilizing water absorption swelling and freeze-drying. This project required the utilization of column purification/ inhibitor removal techniques for the polymers as well as analyzing of the purity of the samples using HPLC and Mass Spectrometer techniques. Show less

In partnership with Geisinger Health Systems and Bucknell University Biomedical Engineering Department, I worked on the design and creation of a novel neuromuscular transmission monitoring device. The fall 2013 semester was utilized to identify the clinical problem and to develop the project design with the help of an anesthesiologist and internal engineering adviser. Specific steps within the engineering (medical device) design process included- problem identification, technical background… Show more

In partnership with Geisinger Health Systems and Bucknell University Biomedical Engineering Department, I worked on the design and creation of a novel neuromuscular transmission monitoring device. The fall 2013 semester was utilized to identify the clinical problem and to develop the project design with the help of an anesthesiologist and internal engineering adviser. Specific steps within the engineering (medical device) design process included- problem identification, technical background research (physiology, market analysis , FDA regulations/IP, etc.), problem definition (users, needs, functions, specifications), problem solution (evaluation of proposed solution ideas), feasibility testing (costs, concerns, etc.), prototype development plan (plans for spring 2014, developmental costs, potential challenges). The spring 2014 semester was used to fabricate prototypes of the proposed device and conduct verification and validation tests. Show less

Designed a computational fluid dynamics model of blood flow through the pulmonary artery in the COMSOL program. This study was used to compare wall shear stress values as a function of cardiac output in normal patients versus patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Performed and presented on a benchmarking process for the Sonoline® Fetal Doppler Device. This project entailed identification of flaws/problems, comparison with competing devices, intellectual property analysis, regulatory analysis and sales/market analysis.

Electromyography and force plate data for a stepping motion were obtained and normalized to compare with a maximal isometric contraction where the muscle length was held constant. Changes in the quadriceps outputs were related to the patellar tendon’s power amplification due to viscoelasticity.

Designed an optically controlled light system using a headlamp, electrooculogram sensors, light sensor, power amp and Vernier system. This device controlled the light output of a headlamp by relating the measurable electrooculogram signal from eye movements to a proportional voltage through a negative-feedback controller.

Designed a syringe using the CAD program Solidworks and then fabricated the syringe out of polycarbonate plastic in the Bucknell Project Development Laboratory. Designed other various medically related devices and fabricated them using a 3-D printer.

Properly cultured HeLa cervical cancer cells by performing passages at various split ratios based on cellular growth. Cell density within the cultures were determined by performing cell counts with hemacytometers. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were developed with the HeLa cells using a standard ISO protocol with different materials. Post-assay cell counts were performed to determine the cytotoxic response of each biomaterial. Viability of the cells were used to determine the relative level of… Show more

Properly cultured HeLa cervical cancer cells by performing passages at various split ratios based on cellular growth. Cell density within the cultures were determined by performing cell counts with hemacytometers. In vitro cytotoxicity assays were developed with the HeLa cells using a standard ISO protocol with different materials. Post-assay cell counts were performed to determine the cytotoxic response of each biomaterial. Viability of the cells were used to determine the relative level of biocompatibility. Show less

Designed a "thermometer" using a bread board, potentiometers, thermal-diodes and resistors. This device could output a measurable voltage drop across a thermal diode. The change in current was directly proportional to the temperature that the diode was in contact with.