Lab Members

Degrees: Mechanical Engineering '08, '10; Biomedical Engineering '14

Focus: Hemodynamics, Cardiovascular Disease

About Me: Hey there! I'm Keshav, and welcome to our lab website! I am a researcher and educator in the field of biomedical engineering. The human body and the cardiovascular system specifically, is fascinating, and forms the focal point of my research.

I have a background in mechanical engineering, with a PhD in biomedical engineering. I obtained my BE in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mumbai, India, MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Iowa. I was a post-doctoral researcher at the Oregon Health and Science University and the University of Washington, where I was awarded an American Heart Association (AHA) postdoctoral fellowship and the Young Investigator Fellowship by the American Society of Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO) for my research on heart failure. Following that, I was a Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Texas near Dallas for a year, where I was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award in 2020.

I also love to teach and enjoy empowering students in the fantastically intriguing (and of course, complex!) realm of engineering. Additionally, I enjoy doing outreach by spreading the power of knowledge (especially in STEM fields) to the youth of today.

You can explore my research projects, teaching experience and outreach and information about who I am from the different pages of my website. Feel free to contact me to learn more about how we can collaborate on research, teaching or just having a latte :)

Dr. Keshav's Faculty Profile

Program: Biomedical Engineering Ph. D. with a specialization in Biomechanics. 
Dissertation Title: Quantifying Cerebral Aneruysm Hemodynamics using Virtual Angiograms and Deep Learning 

Educational Background: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, minors in Mathematics and Mechanical & Energy Engineering, University of North Texas, 2020. 

Focus: Hemodynamics, Cerebral Aneurysms, ECMO,  LVAD, Neural Networks, Coronary Arteries, Heart Transplant, Computational Fluid Dynamics

About Me: 

My journey in biomedical engineering started at the University of North Texas where I studied Biomedical engineering with a focus in Mechanical Engineering and mathematics. I happily moved from Texas to Florida when given the opportunity to research the cardiovascular system alongside Dr. Keshav.

Now, I am a teaching and research assistant at Florida Tech while I pursue my PhD. I was awarded the American Heart Association (AHA) 2-year Predoctoral Fellowship for my research on quantifying cerebral aneurysm hemodynamics using virtual angiograms and deep learning. My aim as a biomedical engineer is to provide technology to create a new standard of healthcare for future generations. My current research involves optimizing ECMO therapy and exploring the angiogram procedure for better hemodynamic analysis. Read more about my research in the research project tab.

In my free time, I can be found playing with my cats, tending to my plants, or working on a miscellaneous art project. Additionally, I am the president of the women's ultimate frisbee club!

Read more about Ruthie's publications, presentations and awards.

Educational Background: 

M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Thesis:"Physics Informed Nueral Networks for Blood Flow Predictions", Florida Tech, 2023.

B.S. Biomedical Engineering, minor in Nanotechnology, Florida Tech, 2022.

• Graduating Class Faculty Honors Award, a prestigious award to three graduating students per class.

Focus: Deep Learning, Aneurysm

Research: Deep Learning for Vessel Flow Prediction I research methods of deep learning applied to cardiovascular flow dynamics. For computational flow simulations (CFD) to be useful to doctors, they need to be accurate and fast at predicting the flow inside of a patient’s vessels for different procedures. Because of their iterative nature, these methods take a long time to provide the doctors with useful informations. We want to use a type of artificial intelligence called neural networks to help predict the flow inside blood vessels with equal accuracy but in a fraction of the time CFDs take. To do this, we generate a lot of simulated patient vessels and run CFD to predict the flow patterns inside. Then, we create our neural network algorithm and show it this data. Next time it looks at a patient’s vessel, It will try to predict, based on what it has “learned”, what the flow patterns inside that vessel will be!

About Me: Hello! My name is Marcello and I am from Caracas, Venezuela. I am doing my masters in biomedical engineering, applying methods of deep learning to the computational flow dynamics field. I am also a Resident Director on campus and a Data Science intern at Medicomp, Inc. If you me know, you know I love plants, fashion, and dancing! Catch me in the botanical gardens.

Marcello's LinkedIn Profile

Educational Background:

 M.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2024
B.S. Physics, Thesis: "Simulation of Magnetization Dynamics and transport properties in
manganites phase separation structures," Universidad de Los Andes, 2022.
B.S. Chemical Engineering, Thesis: "Theoretical and computational analysis of beer
photosensitivity by using Density Functional Theory and spectroscopy techniques in order to mitigate the effect of non-desired flavor generation," Universidad de Los Andes, 2021.

About Me: Hello! My name is Juan and I am from Bogotá, Colombia. Currently, I am doing my Master of Science in Chemical Engineering applying Heat Transfer and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations to optimize scientifically the process carried out in heart and organ transplants in general. I am also peer tutoring on campus and research assistant. If you know me, you know I love carom billiards, beer, fashion and rock music! Catch me at rock events in town or at billiards in town. Here is my LinkedIn profile! Read more about my research here!

Awards: 
In conformity with the Chemical Engineering Department of the University de Los Andes, the jury Nicolás Ríos Ratkovich, Ph.D. and Luis Humberto Reyes Barrios Ph.D. nominated the thesis to the best undergraduate project in the second semester of 2021.

Focus: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Heat Transfer Simulations, Materials Magnetization Dynamics, Quantum Optics, General Relativity.

Program:  M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2025

Educational Background: M.S. Biomedical Engineering '24, B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2023.

About Me: My name is Samantha Sequeira and I am studying biomedical engineering. I am from New Providence, New Jersey. I am fascinated by the heart and cardiovascular system and want to specialize in tissue engineering and eventually organ regeneration. I am a retired gymnast, cheerleader, and dancer. I love the beach and am always looking for my next adventure.

Program: M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology Class of 2025

Educational Background: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Florida Institute of Technology
Class of 2023

Focus: Electrolarynx, FNIRS, LVAD, Computational Fluid Dynamics

About Me: My background in biomedical engineering has had a combined focus on implementing mechanical and electrical engineering techniques to the development and improvement of class 1 medical devices primarily focused on the Electrolarynx speech aid device.
Now, I have decided to continue my studies at Florida Tech to expand my knowledge into
the regions of biomedical instrumentation and imaging as well as cardiovascular
mechanics. At this time, my work has been focused on modeling the fluid dynamics of the
Left Ventricular Assist Device in vivo to determine optimal flow patterns in relation to the
implantation angle.
Fun fact, I am the former president of the Florida Tech Rugby Club and cheered for
Australia in the last Rugby World Cup. Go Wallabies!!!

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Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2025

Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2025

Focus: Hemodynamics, Cerebral Aneurysms, Computational Fluid Dynamics

About Me: I’m from a small town in Connecticut, and in my free time, I enjoy hiking and crocheting. On campus, I work as a tour guide, and I’m also involved in the ultimate frisbee club and intramural tennis!

My current research project involves working alongside Ruth White to quantify the hemodynamics of cerebral aneurysms.

Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology Minor, Class of 2025

Focus: Computational Fluid Dynamics, 3D Modeling

About Me: Hey! My name is Haley. My current research involves visualizing and quantifying blood flow through the veins in stroke patients. I hope to apply this to future research in my master's, utilizing machine learning to analyze coronary arteries. In my free time, I enjoy painting, playing my guitar, and taking care of my plants! 

Haley's LinkedIn Profile

Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering. Class of 2025.

Focus: Cardiovascular Disease, Fluids Modeling, Space and Microgravity Environments

About Me: Hi, my name is Caleb. I am studying biomedical engineering. I'm from the heart of the Spacecoast right across the river from Kennedy Space Center and spend my free time watching rockets and doing research for the IRL. My research in the lab focuses on FEA and VR visualization of CFD Data.

Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2025

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Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2025

Focus: Left ventricle hemodynamics, creating meshes, and running CFD

About Me: Hey, I'm Kiera, and I am a senior studying Biomedical engineering. I am from Maryland, but my family recently moved to New Smyrna Beach, FL. I am a member and captain of the women's swim team here. My research in the lab has mainly pertained to slicing, meshing, and running CFD processing on left ventricles that may have some abnormalities.

Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2026

Focus: Heart transplantation, Heat transfer, COMSOL 

About me: I am from Leesburg, Florida and I have been interested in biomedical engineering since my sophomore year of high school. In my spare time, I enjoy riding horses, drinking coffee, and baking bread. 

I love learning about the physics of the heart because it is incredible how the body can function the way it does. I am currently working on a project that studies the thermodynamic properties of the heart through the steps of heart transplantation. 

Program: B.S. Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2026

Focus: Computational 3D Imaging of Various Organs

About Me: Hello! My name is Morgan Brenner and I am currently in my sophomore year, studying biomedical engineering. I am from Plymouth, Massachusetts and enjoy going to the beach, reading and painting in my free time. I joined the lab freshman year and quickly fell in love with the idea of helping others and constantly being able to ask more questions. Some of the topics I have worked on include heat transfer analysis within donor organs during transportation and LVAD implantation analysis.

Program: Biomedical Engineering, Class of 2026

Focus: Cardiovascular Engineering, Medical Device Design, CAD

About Me: My name is Asa Barnhart, and I am currently a junior studying Biomedical Engineering. I am originally from Sacramento, CA, and I came to Florida Tech due to its extensive research and career opportunities. I joined Keshav's Lab as I am passionate about studying cardiovascular disease, and I hope to work on thrombectomy and stroke devices after graduating with my Master's degree.

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About Me: Hi, my name is Jasmine, I graduated from Florida Tech Summer 2022 with my Masters in BME with a focus on hemodynamics and left ventricular assist devices. I am a researcher fascinated with the cardiovascular system. I am curious to explore problems that are currently faced in the world of cardiovascular diseases.

Focus: My research consists of modeling blood flow with the inclusion of ventricular assist devices, as well as the exploration of the optimal conditions for individual patients upon rehabilitation with a VAD. Outside of my research I am a sister to three younger siblings that I love to hangout with, whenever I have free time I enjoy painting and watching the latest Netflix shows. Furthermore, I love exploring new areas and helping those in need.

Focus: Deep Learning

Focus: Heart Failure Therapy, LVAD Optimization

Focus: Bioinformatics

Focus: Hemodynamic Modeling of Cardiovascular System

Focus: Hemodynamics, Cardiovascular Disease 

About Me: My name is Aveisha Maharaj and I am from Trinidad and Tobago. I am majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Nanotechnology and Nanoscience. After I complete my undergraduate, I would like to further my education by obtaining my Phd where I plan to further my research on the ongoing projects. My hobbies include playing tennis, dancing and traveling.

About Me: I'm Ana! I finished my B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Florida Tech in May 2020 with a minor in Computational Mathematics. After completing an Optional Practical Training (OPT) year working for Dr. Keshav’s lab, I have begun working on my PhD! My passion for BME comes from the enormous potential it has to help humanity through science, one of the things I love most!

About Me: My name is Natalie and I am currently working at CardioNXT as a clinical engineer. CardioNXT is a mapping and navigation company that develops a special system to treat patients with abnormal heart rhythms, like afib. Electrophysiologists use our system to complete cardiac ablation procedures. Essentially, the electrophysiologist inserts a catheter through a vein in the groin and maneuvers it to the atrial chambers of the heart. There, the catheter emits either a high voltage or radio frequency to kill specific heart tissue that is causing abnormal heart rhythms. During the procedure, I work with electrophysiologists to create voltage maps of the heart for these patients, which is essential to knowing where to ablate in the chamber. When the catheter comes into contact with the interior chamber walls, it collects a point cloud which creates a geometric mesh of the chamber. This allows the electrophysiologist to visualize the actual chamber of the heart along with the catheter and its orientation. The electrodes on the catheter also collect intracardiac electrograms, which allow us to assign each region of the chamber a voltage through a color map. These voltage maps allow us to identify the source of abnormal rhythms and ablate these regions, killing the tissue, and effectively restoring the heart rhythm to normal. I really enjoy what I get to do because I am able to work hand-in-hand with doctors during live procedures across the United States and Europe, and I get to see real progress being made with this technology in a clinical setting. I wouldn’t be here without the support of Dr. Keshav and the lab!

Educational Background:

• Graduating Class Faculty Honors Award: a prestigious award given to three graduating students per class
• Four year continuous Dean's List
• Magna Cum Laude, Undergraduate Class of 2022

Focus/Research: Geometric Deep Learning for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD, is a popular tool used in biomedical engineering to better understand how blood traverses different geometries within the human body. For instance, it can provide great insight to how abnormalities and surgical implants impact blood flow, i.e. blood flow in aneurysms and in a LVAD (left ventricular assist device) implanted LV (left ventricle). However, CFD can be quite time consuming and computational expensive, thus making patient specific investigations difficult. We are looking to train a neural network to predict blood flow through a variety of geometries, thus minimizing computational expense and making patient specific analysis feasible in a clinical setting.

About Me:  I particularly enjoy BME because of the vast applications relevant to the challenges healthcare faces today. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer (I am a member of the women’s soccer team), spending time outside, and FaceTiming my parents so I can talk to my dogs at home.

Read more about Rachel's presentations and awards.

Rachel's LinkedIn Profile

About Me: I am working on getting a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and potentially furthering my education with a pursuit of a medical degree. My interest in both engineering and the mechanics of the human body have been with me since I was in elementary school. Having now been studying both for two years in college my interest and motivation to be able to work in these fields have increased exponentially. I look forward to continuing in this important field and being able to both support and help people in need.

Research: In Dr. Keshav’s lab, I researched the hemodynamics of the renal system and how it interacts with the cardiovascular system.

About me: I was born in Sao Paulo - Brazil, where I lived for 19 years before moving to the U.S. A few things I love to do are going to the beach with my dog, watching soccer, working out, and looking for great places to eat. After graduating at Florida Tech, I’ve joined Stryker in Weston, FL, as a quality engineering intern, where I’ve learned a lot about surgical robotics applied to orthopedic surgery. After my internship, I have moved to Salt Lake City, UT, where I’ve joined Stryker’s neurovascular business as a quality engineer. I’ve since been working with several medical devices involved in stroke care, including catheters, retrievers, and stents. I am also working part-time on my master’s degree in engineering management at Texas A&M.

Focus: Dina is looking forward starting her masters degree in Biomedical Engineering. After her master's Dina will continue on to work on a PhD.

About Me: My passion for biomedical engineering stems from my desire to help humankind by developing better and more efficient ways for healthcare professionals to provide care.

I’m from Rome, Italy and outside of school I love reading, writing, creating digital art, and exploring new places! Two curious facts about me are that I am fluent in four languages (English, Italian, Serbian, and French) and I used to be a competitive tennis player!