Priya (Junior)

Using Solidworks, I first created a coronary ischemia model of the left ventricle, with the hope to use the model to better understand optimal cardiac CT imaging protocols. As I started working with other researchers and bio-medical fellows, I was intrigued by the project even more. At the end of this assignment, the models I created were the only ones that passed the required criteria. I was the only student in the lab asked to test these models in the CT scans at Weill Cornell. Due to these accomplishments, my work was chosen to be published where I was asked to be a co-author on my first research paper. It was amazing to see everything come together in SPIE Proceedings as a manuscript titled “Motion correction for improving the accuracy of dual-energy myocardial perfusion CT imaging.” 

    

Next I was asked to work on creating 3D models of the left atrial appendage to help industry design better closure devices and help physicians choose the most appropriate closure device for their patients. This work interests me because not only am I being able to expand my computer science skills, but I am able to use my creative abilities in the engineering aspects of the project to design a comprehensive solution to these real problems. 

    

After working during these summers, I was also asked by the lab to continue my work during the school year. Therefore, I have been going to the lab every Wednesday for 3 hours since the fall of sophomore year to work on different projects. Right now, I am learning how to use a new CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) software called Abaqus which is used for both modeling and analyzing mechanical parts. I am excited to see where this research takes me in the nearby future!