About The Team
The Queen's Biomedical Innovation Team (QBiT) aims to introduce undergraduate students to biomedical engineering, explore practical applications of the engineering curriculum and promote interdisciplinary collaboration to solve common problems within the field of medicine. QBiT strives to develop projects spanning multiple areas of biomedical technology. Our projects aim to utilize cutting-edge mechanical, electrical, and biochemical systems to design and manufacture physical solutions. The team is comprised of 60-80 undergraduate students spanning all years and faculties of study at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The team is supported by a handful of professors and graduate student advisors.
Project 1 Overview: Adaptable Knee Brace
The objective of this project is to develop a knee brace that automatically compresses in response to swelling and temperature. The device will also track healing progress over time and offer functionality for rehabilitation purposes. It will be connected to a user-friendly mobile application that provides real-time data visualization, personalized settings, and a competitive reward system to enhance user engagement.
Sub-team 1: Electrical
The electrical sub-team will be responsible for designing and integrating sensors and electrical components, producing readings for data tracking and automatic compression.
Sub-team 2: Software
The software sub-team will be responsible for creating the user interface which is to be used for storing data and visualizing progress and integrating it with the electrical system.
Sub-team 3: Physical
The physical sub-team will be repsonsible for the physical components of the knee brace, which must provide proper knee support compression, and storage for the electrical components.
Sub-team 4: Research
The research sub-team will be responsible for understanding knee injury and rehabilitation, and the fundamental concepts related to creating a knee brace.
Project 2 Overview: High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillating Vest
Treatment for incurable respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis can be done with the use of high frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO). The treatment is provided in the form of a vibrating vest worn by the patient which clears mucus from the lungs to provide relief. “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019.” [1]. Research also shows that 'Nearly 90% of COPD deaths in those under 70 years of age occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).' [1]. Existing HFCWO devices range in cost between $24,856 to $37,290 USD [2]. To put these costs into perspective, Liberia is classified as a low-income country with an average annual income of $680 USD [3]. Guinea is classified as a lower-middle income country with an average annual income of $1190 USD [4]. Paraguay is classified as an upper-middle income country with an average annual income of $5920 USD [5]. These income statistics elucidate the dire need in LMIC for a cost-efficient model of HFCWO.
Sub-team 1: Electrical
The electrical sub-team will be responsible for the vibration mechanism in the vest and collaborating with the user interface sub-team to facilitate the patient's treatment needs.
Sub-team 2: Software
The software sub-team is responsible for programming the user interface that patients will use to turn on/off and personalize their vest.
Sub-team 3: Physical
The physical sub-team will research material options for the vest and are responsible for creating the physical prototype incorporating the work of the electrical and UI sub-teams.
Sub-team 4: Research
The biomedical sub-team will focus on the patient requirements such as range of vibration speed and work with patients to facilitate needs assessment.
Chief Operations Officer
Role Overview
The Chief Operations Officer will be in charge of team logistics, making sure that QBiT runs smoothly throughout the year. They will be tasked with assisting in the hiring of general members, improving intra-team dynamics by working with the co-captains to plan workshops, speaker seminars, and more. They will also help with conference or competition-related logistics, as many biomedical conferences are held outside of Kingston.
Job Details
Responsibilities
Requirements
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Applications are due June 30th at 11:59PM.
Interviews will be held over Zoom between July 2nd and July 11th.
If you have any questions regarding the position or your application feel free to reach out to the co-captains Lauren Windover and Alina Gammage at qbit @engsoc.queensu.ca
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[1] “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).” Accessed: Jun. 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
[2] “Cystic Fibrosis Vest: Use, Cost, and More,” Healthline. Accessed: Jun. 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/cystic-fibrosis-vest
[3] “Liberia: country data and statistics.” Accessed: Jun. 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.worlddata.info/africa/liberia/index.php
[4] “Guinea: country data and statistics.” Accessed: Jun. 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.worlddata.info/africa/guinea/index.php
[5] “Paraguay: country data and statistics,” Worlddata.info. Accessed: Jun. 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.worlddata.info/america/paraguay/index.php