BME Summer Immersion 2026

 Jada Okaikoi | Clinician Mentor: Dr. Jiwon Kim My final week of immersion was spent collecting functional measurements from echocardiograms that will later be used to validate our computational model of right ventricular function following tricuspid valve intervention. This work complemented the CT-based analyses by providing functional data that can be compared against the model predictions, reinforcing the importance of integrating multiple imaging modalities in cardiovascular research. Looking back on the past several weeks, this immersion experience provided valuable exposure to both the clinical and research sides of cardiology. From observing electrophysiology procedures, structural heart interventions, pediatric cardiac surgery, and radiology to conducting research on right ventricular remodeling after tricuspid valve interventions, I gained a deeper appreciation for how engineering and medicine work together to improve patient care. I also developed new technical skills in...

 This was a productive final week of immersion, which I was so grateful to experience. I took so many things away that I wouldn't have had in any other program; it was truly a one of a kind experience. This week consisted of my last trial of OCA staining for mitochondria and live/dead chondrocytes. The mitochondrial stains once again gave me tons of trouble, but the live/dead stains confirmed the patterns we had been seeing: the chondrocytes stay mostly alive even after widespread and harsh treatment such as holding and drilling the cadaveric joint. This is still surprising to see deep within the tissue, but what is not surprising is the fact that the cells may not be performing at their highest capability.  I was also able to shadow Dr. Scott Rodeo in his arthroplasty technique. This was something I was highly looking forward to because Dr. Gomoll only conducts arthroplasties using the MAKO robotic software, whereas Dr. Rodeo typically does it the "old-school" way, using...

How is it that it's already been 8 weeks? This last week consisted of more preliminary analysis on structural connectivity/functional connectivity differences in MS, peri and post menopause. Last week, I was hitting some walls with this analysis (which is still obviously preliminary since I have no menopause data, so I'm using age as a proxy for now), but this week, I tried a few methods that look promising for now.  The first was a partial regression between structural disconnectivity scores for each of the 86 brain regions and age, run separately for female and male datapoints, controlling for disease duration. This showed 13 regions with statistically significant age-related increases in disconnectivity in the female model, compared to 0 in the male model. The fact that the effect was specific to women, despite controlling for disease duration and equalizing sample sizes, is (very) preliminary evidence of a sex-specific aging pattern in structural connectivity that could be ...

 I fully enjoyed the last week in NYC. Had the wonderful opportunity to present my work with Dr. Kim on Tuesday. Also, I shadowed Dr. Mema yesterday to shadow some breast imaging diagnoses: stereotactic. I did not have the chance to shadow a biopsy in person that day as there were cancelled cases. Neverthelessless, she taught me the theory behind stereotactic and ulstrasound-guided biopsies. She also showed me a biopsy needle inperson, where she demonstrated how it is typically dislodged. It was a great way to understand the theory behind the biopsies that I have shadowed previously. Lastly, the project for Dr. Kim is nearly complete. Just helping them with running the rest of the patient cases.

Bladder Image Collection and Classification Model Explanation                   Figure 1: Some screenshots of bladder images segmented and classified (81 Images Total) During the final week of the immersion, I was able to coordinate access to the bladder images collected with the Histolog system and begin using them for analysis. Using ImageJ, I selected and segmented regions representing high-grade, low-grade, and normal bladder tissue. These classifications were confirmed in collaboration with the pathology department using corresponding H&E-stained sections and discussions. In addition, during a prostate removal multiport robotic surgery this Wednesday, Dr.Scherr was able to extract additional normal bladder tissue that I was missing and imaged them in the operating room with the SamanTree histolog scanner. From the bladder specimens imaged over the previous two weeks, I generated 28 high-grade, 22 low-grade, and 28 normal ti...

Preparing for this Summer Immersion experience, I wasn't really sure what to expect. My research focus is biomedical engineering education and my personal interests, while within healthcare, focus more on the interactions and dynamics between intangible designed systems such as departments and surgical teams. My interest isn't focused on the technical implementation of a device but rather the integration of that designed item within a larger system of people, dynamics, and cultural influences. As such, I had to create my own path in this program.  Now that the program has come to an end, I can say that I accomplished my goal. I followed my curiosity and pursued many different avenues to engage in observations (i.e., interviews, surgeries, clinical days, ground rounds, and lots of informal questions). I've learned a lot and I look forward to bringing it back to Ithaca to incorporate into my dissertation and senior design.