mechanical engineering

Keith Obstein, MD, MPH, center, was presented the award by Kenneth Holroyd, MD, MBA, and Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD. (photo by Donn Jones)
November 17, 2023

Keith Obstein receives inaugural Brock Family Center Innovator of the Year Award

Keith Obstein, MD, MPH, has received the inaugural Innovator of the Year Award from the Brock Family Center for Applied Innovation in recognition of his achievements in developing and commercializing a magnetic, flexible colonoscopy system with the potential to provide a safer alternative to standard colonoscopy.

By Jill Clendening
Mias Pretorius, MBChB, MSCI, chief of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), models one of the face shields he and his family assembled to provide back-up personal protective equipment (PPE).
April 2, 2020

Physicians, engineering students, families and friends construct DIY face shields

As the number of COVID-19 infections continues to grow, Nashville resident Kobie Pretorius was searching for some way to provide meaningful help to others. And she realized her apprehension was spiking each morning as her husband went out the door for work.

By Jill Clendening
April 1, 2020

VU engineers, VUMC doctors team for open-source ventilator design

As COVID-19 continues to push unprecedented challenges on medical communities, one of the most pressing threats for hospital staff across the country is a dwindling supply of ventilators.

By VUMC News and Communications
April 11, 2019

VISE team seeks to develop new robot to ease prostatectomies

The Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) team of Robert Webster III, PhD, and Duke Herrell, MD, have received a $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a new surgical robot for endoscopic transurethral prostatectomy.

By Michelle Bukowski
March 29, 2018

Design competition aims to assist laryngectomy patients

The first annual LaryHacks, a competition to design innovative devices, apps or methods to assist laryngectomy patients who have had their voice boxes removed, has been set for Thursday, April 12, 5 to 8 p.m., in the Wond’ry, 2414 Highland Ave. in the Vanderbilt University Engineering and Science building.

By VUMC News and Communications
Elderly caucasian woman with her hands on a cane
February 12, 2018

‘Smart cane’ could one day help flag gait problems, falling risks more quickly

Falling is no joke when you’re a senior citizen or have other balance issues. Vanderbilt engineers are working on a ‘smart cane’ that could help physical therapists spot and treat problems sooner.

By VUMC News and Communications
October 27, 2017

Meet Vanderbilt’s first Academic Pathways fellows

Seven outstanding Ph.D.’s with diverse backgrounds and experiences have come to Vanderbilt to pursue postdoctoral training with an eye toward academic careers.
By VUMC News and Communications
October 26, 2017

Team to develop steerable robotic needle for biopsies

Collaboration between a mechanical engineer at Vanderbilt University and a pulmonologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) has resulted in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant that will be used to develop a steerable robotic needle to safely biopsy hard-to-reach lung nodules.
By Kathy Whitney
August 1, 2017

Smart underwear prevents back stress with just a tap

"Performance-boosting super suit" hidden under clothing can be activated by a double tap to save users' backs.
By VUMC News and Communications
June 20, 2017

How six cups of ground coffee can improve nose, throat surgery

Vanderbilt engineers have designed a “granular jamming cap” filled with coffee grounds that can improve the accuracy of the sophisticated “GPS” system that surgeons use for nose and throat surgery.
By VUMC News and Communications
December 16, 2016

Research that ruled in 2016: Readers’ favorite stories

Artificial kidneys, gay-straight alliances and junkyard batteries captured readers' attention in 2016.
By VUMC News and Communications
June 2, 2016

‘Young Scientist’ showcases high schoolers’ research at Vanderbilt

High school students performing advanced research at Vanderbilt have the opportunity to share their findings with the scientific community through a journal of their own.
By VUMC News and Communications
March 10, 2016

FDA approves Vanderbilt-designed Indego exoskeleton for clinical and personal use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given clearance to market and sell the powered lower-limb exoskeleton created by a team of Vanderbilt engineers and commercialized by the Parker Hannifin Corporation for both clinical and personal use in the United States.
By VUMC News and Communications
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