Northeastern University College of Engineering

Learn about the Co-op Program (Disciplinary) Webinar
2021-12-01 08:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | MA
Please join our Assistant Dean of Co-op at a webinar discussing the Co-op experiential learning opportunities available for graduate students in the departments of Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering.
Register

The Plant Shift Initiative Speaker Series | Plant Based Disruption
2021-11-30 15:00 - 16:00 | MA
The Plant Shift Initiative speaker series finale for 2021 will bring disrupters that have paved the way for new directions. This event features leaders revolutionizing their respective fields as lifelong animal and environmental advocates applying ethics to their work.
SEBASTIANO COSSIA CASTIGLIONI, PNT’23
Moderator | Founder & Chairman, Vegan Capital
ROGER LIENHARD
Panelist | Founder & Initiator, Blue Horizon
MIYOKO SCHINNER
Panelist | Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Miyoko’s Creamery
AMY TRAKINSKI
Panelist | Co-Founder & Managing Director, Veginvest
REGISTER

ECE PhD Proposal Review: Sara Garcia Sanchez
2021-11-30 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
PhD Proposal Review: Learning and Shaping the Wireless Environment: An Integrated View of Sensing, Computing and Communication
Sara Garcia Sanchez
Location: Microsoft Teams
Abstract: The explosive growth in Internet of Things (IoT) deployments and anticipated data volumes that will be generated within future autonomous vehicles require collecting and processing large amounts of data, generally transmitted over the wireless channel. In this context, conventional permanent deployments limited to leverage the existing wireless environment, often fall short of meeting the required capacity demand. To address this limitation, this dissertation takes a hands-on approach to equip communication systems with technology to perceive and collaborate with and within the environment. Specifically, we build (i) accurate physics-oriented predictive models and multimode sensing techniques to gain awareness of the existing channel, as well as (ii) novel multidisciplinary approaches to intelligently modify the wireless channel towards the communication link benefit.
In this dissertation, we first prove that combining wireless channel modelling, multimode sensing and robotics provides significant link performance gains. To this extent, we adopt a systems approach to study how millimeter wave (mmWave) radio transmitters on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide high throughput links under typical hovering conditions. Based on sensing and modelling efforts, we propose techniques to exploit the information contained in the spatial and angular domains of empirically collected data from GPS, cameras and RF signals. We demonstrate hovering impact mitigation by (i) selecting near-to-optimum transmission parameters as compared to the mmWave standard IEEE 802.11ad and (ii) proposing corrective coordinated actions at the UAVs from the robotic controls. These methods achieve mmWave beam-tracking and robust link deployment under event(s) impacting link performance, such as hovering or blockage in the light of sight between transmitter and receiver.
Then, this dissertation experimentally demonstrates how the wireless environment can be interactively programmed through the use of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) to partially offload computation into the wireless domain. In particular, we propose AirNN, a system capable of realizing analog over-the-air convolutions, accurately enough to substitute their digital equivalent in a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN).
As proposed future work, this dissertation will explore innovative uses of the RIS technology in MIMO systems for 6G and beyond. Specifically, we will investigate (i) how the use of RIS helps overcome environmental limitations of a highly spatially correlated MIMO system, and (ii) whether the use of RIS can enable the use of MIMO techniques with a single antenna at the receiver.

ECE PhD Proposal Review: Sara Garcia Sanchez
2021-11-30 12:00 - 13:00 | MA
PhD Proposal Review: Learning and Shaping the Wireless Environment: An Integrated View of Sensing, Computing and Communication
Sara Garcia Sanchez
Location: TBA
Abstract: The explosive growth in Internet of Things (IoT) deployments and anticipated data volumes that will be generated within future autonomous vehicles require collecting and processing large amounts of data, generally transmitted over the wireless channel. In this context, conventional permanent deployments limited to leverage the existing wireless environment, often fall short of meeting the required capacity demand. To address this limitation, this dissertation takes a hands-on approach to equip communication systems with technology to perceive and collaborate with and within the environment. Specifically, we build (i) accurate physics-oriented predictive models and multimode sensing techniques to gain awareness of the existing channel, as well as (ii) novel multidisciplinary approaches to intelligently modify the wireless channel towards the communication link benefit.
In this dissertation, we first prove that combining wireless channel modelling, multimode sensing and robotics provides significant link performance gains. To this extent, we adopt a systems approach to study how millimeter wave (mmWave) radio transmitters on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide high throughput links under typical hovering conditions. Based on sensing and modelling efforts, we propose techniques to exploit the information contained in the spatial and angular domains of empirically collected data from GPS, cameras and RF signals. We demonstrate hovering impact mitigation by (i) selecting near-to-optimum transmission parameters as compared to the mmWave standard IEEE 802.11ad and (ii) proposing corrective coordinated actions at the UAVs from the robotic controls. These methods achieve mmWave beam-tracking and robust link deployment under event(s) impacting link performance, such as hovering or blockage in the light of sight between transmitter and receiver.
Then, this dissertation experimentally demonstrates how the wireless environment can be interactively programmed through the use of Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) to partially offload computation into the wireless domain. In particular, we propose AirNN, a system capable of realizing analog over-the-air convolutions, accurately enough to substitute their digital equivalent in a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN).
As proposed future work, this dissertation will explore innovative uses of the RIS technology in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems for 6G and beyond. Specifically, we will investigate (i) how the use of RIS helps overcome environmental limitations of a highly spatially correlated MIMO channels, and (ii) whether the use of RIS can enable the use of MIMO techniques with a single antenna at the receiver.

Dialogue of Civilizations Information Session -- England and the Scientific Revolutions
2021-11-29 15:30 - 16:30 | MA
Dialogue of Civilizations trip to the UK, Summer 2 2022

England and the Scientific Revolutions
Dialogue Co-leaders:
Prof. Katy Shorey (College of Social Sciences and Humanities)
Prof. Waleed Meleis (College of Engineering)This Dialogue studies two revolutions in scientific thought: the Scientific Revolution of the 17th and 18th centuries and the computational revolution of the 20th century. Our goal is to understand these two revolutions and how they contributed to philosophical discussion of the nature of science and scientific explanation. From our base in London, we study Scientific Revolution and trace the evolution of scientific thought from the 16th through 19th centuries. Then, we survey the four fundamental limits on scientific knowledge that were discovered in the 20th century. Finally, we synthesize this material by discussing the practical implications of these ideas for modern scientists.

This Dialogue invites you to explore two parallel tracks in history of science and philosophy of science. GE 1210 (Scientific Revolutions) traces a timeline of key discoveries in scientific disciplines from the Renaissance through the Scientific Revolution, contrasting these turning points with revolutions in complexity, logic, computation, mathematics, and physics during the twentieth century. PHIL 1105 (Science and Pseudoscience) explores the ways in which these pivotal moments impacted core themes in philosophy of science, including debates about how to define science and how to characterize scientific inference, explanation, change, and theories of evidence.Please RSVP HERE to attend the upcoming information session where you can learn more about the trip:When: Monday, November 29: 3:30-4:30pm
Location: Renaissance Park 909 (Renaissance Park is the building directly across from Ruggles and IV)

Learn more and submit your application here.

Info session: 'Technical Innovation and Product Prototyping” at Silicon Valley
2021-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | MA
Northeastern University is a leader in experiential, interactive, and innovative education. This unique dialogue program, the “Technical Innovation and Product Prototyping” at Silicon Valley prepares students to deal with future innovative challenges involving customer-driven Technical Innovation, product prototyping, and entrepreneurship far into the future. Attached is the flyer of the program, please feel free to pass the information to other interested students.
Important dates:

Student applications open: November 1, 2021
DOC fair: November 16 from 5:00pm-7:00pm, and November 17 from 11:00am-1:00pm at Curry West Addition
Priority deadline: December 1, 2021
Final deadline: January 20, 2022
Info session: November 19, December 3, and January 19 from 6:00pm-7:00pm at 208 SN, and November 23 and 29 from 6:00pm-7:00pm via zoom

If you are available and have time, visit the “Technical Innovation and Product Prototyping” at Silicon virtual booth at the Dialogue fair and info sessions and learn more about it. At the same time, if you want to start the application process, please visit the program site and start the process.
For more info please visit Technical Innovation and Product Prototyping.

ChE Seminar Series: Unwinding Anxiety: An App Based Mindfulness Program
2021-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | 108 SN
ChE Seminar Series Presents:
Dr. Nancy Lasson, DO, FACP, DipACLM
Primary care provider and medical director of the primary care group at the Women’s Medicine Collaborative of LifeSpan Physician Group in Providence, Rhode Island
Abstract:
Anxiety can be managed by understanding reward-based learning and using mindfulness to interrupt unwanted behavior. Habits form to promote survival. The underlying mechanism is based on reward-based learning. There are areas of the brain where habits run on autopilot. The neo-cortex, or new brain, is where mindfulness can help break the cycle of unwanted habits of anxiety. Anxiety as an emotion has associated behaviors, including worry, rumination, stress eating, and smoking. The goal of unwinding anxiety is to offer an alternative to autopilot habits by employing mindfulness techniques. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant efficacy in this tool. Mindfulness is the awareness that occurs when paying attention in the present moment intentionally, without judgment. The felt experience of mindfulness replaces autopilot habits like worry and stress.
Bio:
Dr Nancy Lasson is a primary care provider and medical director of the primary care group at the Women’s Medicine Collaborative of LifeSpan Physician Group in Providence, Rhode Island. She is also a clinical assistant professor of medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Dr. Lasson received her B.A. at the University of Pennsylvania in religious studies and cultural anthropology. She studied medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is board certified in both internal medicine and lifestyle medicine. She was a primary care physician in Limestone Medicine and Pediatrics of Christiana Care in Wilmington, Delaware where she achieved a “Top Doctor in Delaware” award in internal medicine. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Diplomat of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Recently she became certified as a behavior change facilitator. Dr. Lasson’s clinical interests include women’s medical issues and care; preventive medicine, especially cholesterol management; coronary artery disease and cancer screening; end-of-life care for patients and their families; and mindfulness practices. She is passionate about struggles of the human soul.

ECE PhD Proposal Review: Ziqiang Cai
2021-11-19 09:00 - 10:00 | MA
PhD Proposal Review: Near-infrared Optical Modulation by Hybrid Graphene Metasurfaces
Ziqiang Cai
Location: Zoom Link
Abstract: The field of metasurfaces has emerged as one of the most promising frontiers in optical research due to the compact footprint and flexibility in light manipulation. To further advance the practical applications of metasurfaces, tunable or reconfigurable metasurfaces are highly desirable. One approach is to utilize graphene by taking advantage of its tunable optical properties upon electrical bias. Graphene metasurfaces have been extensively studied in many applications, including polarization tuning, phase tuning, photodetectors, chemical sensing, tunable lens, etc. However, the working wavelengths of the reported graphene metasurfaces are limited in mid-infrared and terahertz spectra.
In this proposal review, I will discuss a graphene metasurface that can push the working wavelength into the near-infrared region (≤ 3.0 µm). The device combines graphene with plasmonic structures made of gold to enhance the interband transition of graphene, resulting in decent tunability at near-infrared wavelengths. The tuning process of our graphene metasurface shows distinct differences in comparison with the graphene metasurfaces operating in the mid-infrared or terahertz spectra, which can be accurately predicted by both theory and simulation. The measured results show a reflection modulation ΔR of about 10% and a modulation depth ΔR/Rmax of 17% at 2.42 µm.
Finally, by using an anisotropic plasmonic structure, our hybrid graphene metasurface can simultaneously operate in the near-infrared and mid-infrared spectra. The measured modulation depth is 18.2% at 2.30 µm and 24.7% at 5.67 µm. Our research substantially broadens the working wavelength of graphene metasurfaces, and manifest potential applications in near-infrared electro-optic modulators, reconfigurable lenses, and polarization modulators.

Space Diplomacy and The Overview Effect
2021-11-18 15:00 - 16:00 | MA
Thursday, November 18, 2021 | 3PM – 4PM
Virtual Event
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 932 3860 7285
Passcode: [REDACTED]

CSSH will welcome space philosopher Frank White, author of the book “The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution” for the Space Diplomacy Workshop. Based on this book, the film “Overview” has had more than 8 million views on Vimeo
As part of a Special Issue workshop on Space Diplomacy for the Hague Journal of Diplomacy (Spring 2022), guest-edited by Professor Mai’a K. Davis Cross, White will explain the dramatic cognitive change astronauts experience when traveling to space and seeing the earth not for its parts but as a whole in the midst of the universe. Their experiences shift the way they perceive themselves, the human race, and it’s many ‘differences’ that define politics and world affairs on earth today. White will share stories from his three-decades long scholarly endeavor defining and expanding the concept of the Overview Effect, his encounters with astronauts and cosmonauts, and his thoughts on the future of space exploration.
As space exploration is moving out of a selective field of experts into the realm of space tourism – or ‘citizen astronauts’ -, White’s talk is an exciting opportunity for students and faculty who are interested in space as the next great, and final, frontier of international relations, diplomacy, and wonder.

Frank White is a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a Rhodes Scholar. He earned an M.Phil. in Politics from Oxford, where he was a member of New College. The fourth edition of Frank’s best-known book, “The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution,” was published by Multiverse Publishing, a division of Multiverse Media LLC, this year. The Overview Effect includes transcripts of Frank’s interviews with numerous astronauts, both active and retired.

ALLIED Project presents Enabling Engineering
2021-11-18 15:00 - 16:00 | MA
ALLIED (Allies for Leading, Learning, Inclusion and Education of Disabilities) Project presents Enabling Engineering, a Northeastern University student-led group that designs and builds devices to empower individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Meet the student group and its mentor Professor Waleed Meleis, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Office of the Dean on 18th November, 3-4 p.m. (EST) at ISEC (Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Complex) Room 655, 6th floor to know about their work.
Or join us on: https://northeastern.zoom.us/j/95619404556

Office of Global Services: Study Permit and Immigration topics for Canada
2021-11-18 08:00 - 09:00 | MA
Please join the Office of Global Services to discuss study permit and immigration topics for Canada. Students who plan to complete their studies on a Canadian campus are encouraged to attend.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
2021-11-17 18:00 - 20:00 | MA
Please join Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWiSE) for our annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition! This year the 3MT competition will take place on Wednesday, November 17th, 6pm-8pm in Snell Library 090. Our Keynote speaker Dr. Jo Viney, an entrepreneurial scientist, a self-described “drug-hunter”, and an experienced biotech executive, will help us kick start the event with a short presentation on the importance of science communication both in academia and in industry.
What is the Three Minute Thesis Competition?
The Three Minute Thesis competition or 3MT, is an annual competition held in more than 200 universities worldwide. It is open to graduate students, and challenges participants to present their research in just 180 seconds, in an engaging form that can be understood by an intelligent audience with no background in the research area. This exercise develops presentation, research and academic communication skills and supports the development of research students’ capacity to explain their work effectively. And of course, a chance to win some amazing prizes!
Interested in Competing?
To compete, please only fill out this form by Friday, November 5th.
Interested in simply attending and watching the competition?
Please RSVP at this form to attend. Please be aware that the in-person attendance is limited to the first 50 people. Once the reservations are in, we will reach out to let you know if you are able to attend in person. There will be snacks and beverages during the networking portion prior to the start of the event and pizza and beverages for after the event.

ChE Seminar Series: Game-Inspired Approaches to Engineering Education Across the Curriculum
2021-11-17 12:00 - 13:00 | 108 SN
ChE Seminar Series Presents:
Dr. Daniel Burkey
Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and Diversity, Professor-in-Residence in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and a University Teaching Fellow at University of Connecticut
Abstract:
Game-based educational techniques can be an interesting and novel approach to active learning in engineering courses. Because games often exist within their own rule sets, they can allow students to explore scenarios and make choices that they wouldn’t otherwise make because they are appropriate within the context and the rules of the game. In this talk, we discuss two different projects involving game-based learning. In the first, we explore multiple game-based approaches to teaching engineering ethics to freshmen engineering students in a multidisciplinary setting. At the beginning of the semester, students are given a baseline survey to quantify the sophistication of their ethical reasoning. Over the course of the semester, different game-based interventions are given to the students, and the survey instrument again is used to determine any changes in their ethical reasoning. The game-based interventions by their nature allow students to explore ethical reasoning in the context of behavioral ethics. In the second project, we discuss the development and use of a digital video game to teach process safety to senior chemical engineering students. Our research team developed a survey instrument to gauge the sophistication of student thinking about process safety. Students completing the survey instrument and then completing similar scenarios in the game show statistically significant differences in the types of responses they make, indicating that different reasoning modes may be activated by the game due to its more authentic and realistic portrayal of the material.
Bio:
Daniel D. Burkey is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education and Diversity, Professor-in-Residence in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and a University Teaching Fellow at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Burkey holds his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, and his M.S.C.E.P. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to UConn, he held positions at Northeastern University and at GVD Corporation in Cambridge, MA. Since joining UConn in 2010, Dr. Burkey’s area of research has focused broadly on engineering education, and specifically on moral and ethical development of engineering students, process safety education, and game-inspired educational techniques. Dr. Burkey currently serves as a Director of the Education Division of AIChE, where he runs the Future Faculty Mentoring Program. He is a past program chair of the ASEE Chemical Engineering Division and serves on the publications board of Chemical Engineering Education. In 2020, he was inducted into the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) for his contributions to engineering education in the state. In addition to his many teaching awards, Dr. Burkey is also the recipient of the 2020 AICHE Education Division Innovation Award for his contributions to new pedagogies in chemical engineering education, as was recently awarded the 2021 ASEE Corcoran Award for the best paper in Chemical Engineering Education in the previous year.

Engineering Environmental Data Justice: From citizen science to community data
2021-11-17 12:00 - 13:00 | 101 Churchill, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Please join the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for this Lunch & Learn seminar series, A Bimonthly seminar series focusing on convergent research, bringing together Northeastern colleagues and collaborators to think big/bold, explore ideas that build cooperation and foster transformative innovation within CEE and across disciplines beyond CEE.
Abstract: Premature births, unexplained human and livestock sicknesses, flammable water faucets, toxic wells and the onset of hundreds of earthquakes, the impacts of fracking in the United States are far-reaching and deeply felt. In this talk Dr. Wylie explores how extractive resource systems, like natural gas extraction through fracking, are proceeded and supported by extractive data systems that create asymmetric access to information. Drawing together the fields of Environmental Health, Environmental Justice and Data Justice, Wylie explores how we can build community centered information systems that help create accountability for corporations and state agencies.
Based on her work building tools for community monitoring of the oil and gas industry and co-developing the watchdog organization the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI) Dr. Wylie reflects on how we can create community centered research and data systems that move beyond mapping exposure disparities to address the drivers of toxic contamination and make corporations responsible for their environmental harms. This precious present moment for action on Climate Change provides an opportunity to jointly create sustainable and just systems. Now is the time, Wylie argues to organize and collectively theorize, design, and engineer environmental data justice.
Bio: Sara Wylie is an Associate Professor Sociology/Anthropology and Health Science in Northeastern University’s Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute (SSEHRI). Her award-winning book Fractivism: Corporate Bodies and Chemical Bonds examines the U.S. unconventional energy industry. She is the co-founder of the citizen science organization Public Lab and the accountability organization Environmental Data and Governance Initiative (EDGI).

Chemical Engineering Research Webinar
2021-11-16 10:00 - 11:00 | MA
Join Dr. Rebecca Willits on November 16th at 10:00am EST as she conducts a deep dive of her research. This event is open to all prospective students and applicants to the Chemical Engineering department.

Office of Global Services: Visa and Immigration topics for the USA
2021-11-16 08:00 - 09:00 | MA
Join the Office of Global Services as they present the topic of Visa and Immigration topics for the USA. Students attending programs on US campuses are invited to attend.

Developing Resilient Civil Infrastructure Systems – a Convergent Approach
2021-11-15 12:00 - 13:00 | 101 Churchill, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Distinguish Seminar Series is open for attendees from the College of Engineering and the University as a whole.
Developing Resilient Civil Infrastructure Systems – a Convergent Approach
ABSTRACT: Critical Civil Infrastructure systems, namely- Transportation network, Water systems, Waste-water systems, Electric grid and Communications network are vital to functioning of a community. They ought to be considered as Community assets and should be treated with the same care as all important assets are.
When a damaging natural hazard event such as earthquake, hurricane, and floods occur and strikes a community, the results can vary from tolerable to severe. To minimize the impact of such a hazard event, it is necessary that the community as a system respond in an integrated way. While it is necessary for built environment systems, economic systems, and social systems to work synergistically together, the focus of this talk is built environment systems – specifically the infrastructure systems, excluding the buildings. Because it is not always feasible to develop 100% resilience to damaging hazard events, acceptable functionality is strongly advocated. Such resilience in infrastructure systems can work quite well to keep the community functioning in an acceptable way.
Convergent engineering approach is used to develop the resilience, as it focuses on a Societal-level Problem, requires team -science and use of a transdisciplinary language, all required for a satisfactory solution.
BIO: Vilas Mujumdar practices as an independent consulting engineer since 2009. Previously he was CEO, President, and Partner of many large consulting engineering firms and worked at highest-level in the public sector, such as, Chief of Operations, Division of State Architect, State of California; Director, Engineering Research Centers Program – Natural Hazards, National Science Foundation.
His experience uniquely combines consulting engineering in the private sector – 35 years, State regulatory work – 10 years, and Research management at the Federal Govt. level – 6 years. This is enriched by working in different aspects of engineering such as: Civil/Structural Design, Project Management, Teaching, Research and Research Management in Asia, Europe, Canada, and the US.
Please arrive early to prevent disruption.

ChE Seminar Series: Designing Optically Active Semiconductor Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
2021-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | 108 SN
ChE Seminar Series Presents:
Dr. Allison Dennis
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering
Boston University
Abstract:
Although the unique optoelectronic properties of semiconductor nanoparticle quantum dots (QDs) enable a variety of commercial products including display technology, solid state lighting, and photovoltaics, different design criteria need to be considered to use these nanoparticles in biomedical devices. Here, I will discuss how we tailor the composition and optical properties of QDs for a variety of biosensing and bioimaging applications. For example, I’ll describe how we use bright red and green emitting QDs in a rapid, instrument-free assay to detect small molecules such as antibiotics in complex water samples and use near infrared and shortwave infrared emitters to improve the clarity and resolution of in vivo imaging in mice. Finally, I’ll describe how biodegradable and biocompatible plasmonic semiconductor nanoparticles could be used to overcome barriers to clinical translation for photoaccoustic imaging and photothermal therapy applications. Notably, the efforts to remove heavy metals from the nanoparticles compositions also reduces the environmental impact of QDs developed for energy applications. By carefully considering material properties and engineering design choices, we develop semiconductor nanoparticles for a wide variety of applications.
Bio:
Allison Dennis is an assistant professor in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at Boston University. After graduating with a B.S. in Bioengineering and B.A. in German from Rice University, Prof. Dennis pursued nanobiotechnology research with Prof. Achim Göpferich in the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology at the University of Regensburg in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. This research direction was continued during her Ph.D. work with Prof. Gang Bao at the Georgia Institute of Technology and post-doctoral research with Dr. Jennifer Hollingsworth at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Los Alamos National Laboratory. At Boston University, the Dennis Lab engages the fundamental material properties of heterostructured semiconductor nanoparticles to optimize them for sensing, imaging, fundamental photophysical investigations, and energy applications. The Dennis Lab appreciates past and current support from intramural and extramural sources including the NIH, NSF, and the BU Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

Bioengineering PhD Student Seminar Series
2021-11-12 12:00 - 13:00 | 101 Churchill, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Join us Friday, November 12 at 12:00 PM in Churchill Hall 101 for the Bioengineering PhD Student Seminar Series! Our first presenter will be Bioengineering PhD student Kevin Bardon “Improved Sensor Response via Contrast Agent Optimization”. Our second presenter will be Noa Grooms “Multiple neuron types in C. elegans display different regenerative capacities”.

BioE Seminar Series Presents: Glenn Gaudette
2021-11-10 12:00 - 13:00 | 010 Behrakis, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Glenn Gaudette, Ph.D.
John W. Kozarich ’71 Chair of the Department of Engineering, Boston College, Newton MA
“Crossing Kingdoms to Develop New Platforms for Tissue Engineering”
Wednesday, November 10th, 2021
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EST
Behrakis 010
ABSTRACT:
Development of biomaterials for tissue engineering is challenged by the incorporation of a vascular network, which is necessary to deliver oxygen, nutrients, and essential molecules required for cells to survive. Like humans, plants have vascular networks. Removing plant cells from spinach leaves, a technique known as decellularization that was developed for mammalian organs and tissues provides a scaffold with an inherent network of vessels. This scaffold can be seeding with multiple cell types, including contracting human heart muscle cells and endothelial cells. After decellularization, the inherent network of vessels remain open and perfusable. Given the vastness of the plant kingdom, crossing it with the animal biological kingdoms may allow for new biomaterials with multiple applications in tissue engineering and beyond.
BIOGRAPHY:
Glenn R. Gaudette, PhD, is the inaugural John W. Kozarich ’71 Chair of the Department of Engineering at Boston College. Working together with his colleagues, they have developed the first Engineering program in the history of BC. His research has pioneered the use of plants as scaffold for heart regeneration. This work lead to significant recognition, including Prof Gaudette and his colleagues being featured throughout the world including Bill Nye Saves the World (on Netflix), CBS’s Innovation Nation, the BBC (live interview) and Popular Science. The work was displayed at the Centre Pompidou (Paris) as part of an exhibit entitled “The Factory of Life”. Recently, a children’s book (From Plant to Human: The Extraordinary Spinach-Leaf Heart by Oscar Silver) was published about this inspiring work. His recent research aims to develop cost-effective methods for growing meat in the laboratory setting, which could reduce our reliance on conventional animal agriculture. Dr. Gaudette is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and the National Academy of Inventors.

Staff Graduate Panel
2021-11-09 15:00 - 16:00 | MA
The COE Professional Development Committee is proud to present our Fall event: Staff Graduate Panel! The event is for staff who are interested in either taking courses or studying for a degree at Northeastern while working full-time. We have a panel of 5 people who work in COE who will talk about their experiences studying their degree program while also working full-time. Our 5 illustrious panel members are Adam Rodrigues, Mariah Nobrega, Marissa Brush, Mike McFadden, and Ted Johnson! The event will take virtually on Zoom and will be held on November 9th from 3-4pm EST. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this EventBrite RSVP page.

International student experience at Northeastern
2021-11-09 08:00 - 09:00 | MA
Join the Office of Global Services as they present the International Student Experience at Northeastern.

Big Ten + Graduate School Expo
2021-11-07 - 2021-11-08 | MA
Join the Graduate School of Engineering admissions team at the Big Ten + Graduate School Expo hosted by Purdue University on November 7 and 8. More information and a registration link are provided here: https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/gradexpo/

Bioengineering PhD Student Seminar Series
2021-11-05 12:00 - 13:00 | 101 Churchill, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, United States
Join us Friday, November 5 at 12:00 PM in Churchill Hall 101 for the Bioengineering PhD Student Seminar Series! Our first presenter will be Bioengineering PhD student Julia Clarin “Biomechanical Assessment of the Tricuspid Valve Following Mitral Valve Annuloplasty and Reasoning for Concomitant Repair”. Our second presenter will be Matthew Eden “Development of a murine model of wildland fire smoke inhalation: Leveraging experimental-computational methods to investigate cardiopulmonary dysfunction”.

MS Robotics Webinar
2021-11-05 08:00 - 09:00 | MA
Please join faculty and graduate admissions staff at a webinar discussing MS Robotics departmental course offerings and experiential learning opportunities in the Graduate School of Engineering.

Data Analytics Engineering Webinar
2021-11-05 08:00 - 09:00 | MA
Please join faculty and graduate admissions staff at a webinar discussing the MS in Data Analytics Engineering courses, campus offerings, and experiential learning opportunities in the Graduate School of Engineering.

ECE PhD Proposal Review: Cooper Loughlin
2021-11-04 10:00 - 11:00 | MA
PhD Proposal Review: Unsupervised Machine Learning Approaches to Sequential Data Analysis
Cooper Loughlin
Location: Remote
Abstract: Analysis of sequential data is central to many fields of science and engineering. Often, sequences are collections of observations made over time and space with little or no contextual information. The goal of analysis may be to evaluate relationships, identify unusual observations, or forecast future behavior based on historical data. Unsupervised modeling of sequences (e.g., time series) can illuminate the underlying structure of the data and enable analysis.
In this proposal, we discuss a statistical model for multivariate time series and an associated inference algorithm. We develop a preliminary model for a particularly challenging class of multivariate time series where the observations are counts (non-negative integers) that are nonuniformly sampled in time. We develop a state space model and inference algorithm based on Monte Carlo integration and Expectation-Maximization. This preliminary work highlights some key challenges still to be addressed. In particular, continuously variable sampling intervals, computational complexity of sampling, and long-term dependencies among observations are properties of real data that are not handled well by the preliminary model. Recent developments in unsupervised sequence modeling using deep learning techniques are introduced including variational auto-encoders, recurrent neural networks, and ordinary differential equation recurrent neural networks. We propose utilizing these deep learning techniques to improve the state of the art in sequential data analysis.

MS Information Systems, MS Software Engineering Systems and MS Data Architecture and Management Webinar
2021-11-04 09:00 - 10:00 | MA
Please join faculty and graduate admissions staff at a webinar discussing the MS Information Systems, MS Software Engineering Systems, and the MS Data Architecture and Management course offerings and experiential learning opportunities in the Graduate School of Engineering.

Cyber Physical Systems & Telecommunication Networks
2021-11-04 08:00 - 09:00 | MA
Please join faculty and graduate admissions staff at a webinar discussing the MS in Cyber Physical Systems and MS in Telecommunication Networks course offerings and experiential learning opportunities in the Graduate School of Engineering.

ChE Seminar Series: Detection, Prediction, and Visualization of Monolayer Phase Separation on Metallic Nanoparticles
2021-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 | 108 SN
ChE Seminar Series Presents:
Dr. David L. Green
Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Departments
University of Virginia
Abstract: The goal is to gain fundamental insights into the factors that dictate the synthesis of monolayer-protected nanoparticles and translate them into rational design strategies for novel functional soft materials. He is interested in monolayer self-assembly, polymer grafting, and nanoparticle dispersion. He studies how to exert control over the interface of nanoparticles, which dictates their degree of compatibility with and assembly in soft materials, provides reactive sites for attachment of molecules, such as drug payloads, and tunes detectable properties, such as the surface plasmon to a wavelength of interest. David Green is particularly interested in the development of nanoparticles coated with monolayers from mixtures of organic molecules that may also self-assemble into advantageous patterns. As pattern formation in self-assembled monolayers is inextricably linked to their intermolecular interactions, a key research challenge is the integration of experimental and theoretical techniques to enable de novo design of patterned nanoparticles.
Bio: David Green is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia. He and his team collaborate with chemists, physicists, pharmacists, and oncologists to develop design principles for monolayer-protected nanoparticles.
