Conductive hydrogels have attracted tremendous interests in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked polymer networks that are saturated with water to mimic material characteristics of the extracellular matrix in the body. With the incorporation of conductive materials, conductive hydrogels allow delivery of electrical stimulation with significant implications in cell functions and tissue regeneration. In this study, we used computational methods to understand the electric characteristics of conductive hydrogels made of various structures and compositions. Specifically, we used ANSYS HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator) to analyze electrical potential and field direction on conductive hydrogels under simulated voltages. Three different hydrogel structures including a two-dimensional model, cylindrical model, as well as a three-dimensional model with parallel microgrooves were modeled. Additionally, we investigated changes in electrical properties while varying the concentration of conductive material in the hydrogel. This study enhances our understanding on the effects of hydrogel structures and compositions on electrical fields.

Conductive polymers exhibit excellent conductive and biocompatible material properties, making them attractive for in vivo implants such as electrical nerve guides for peripheral nerve regeneration and bioelectronics for long-term modulation of the nervous systems. However, conductive polymers are often made of synthetic materials that are not biodegradable under physiological conditions. Conductive hydrogels that display conductivity and allow controlled material degradation are ideal for regenerative medicine because it eliminates the need of implant removal. In this study, we have developed biodegradable conductive hydrogels made of poly(3, 4-ethyledimehpoly):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA). We optimized the ratio of PEDOT:PSS and PVA and characterized their material properties including conductivity, wettability, stiffness, viscosity, as well as structural integrity. Our biodegradable conductive hydrogels will allow us to study cell-material interactions and evaluate their potential for in vivo tissue engineering applications in the future.

Motion capture utilizes motion tracking cameras and equipment to accurately model the rhythms of a moving body. These same devices are used in the creation of movies and many other applications. One use, pioneered by Dr. Garner was tracking the movement pattern of a live steer and creating a mechanical model that simulates its motions. The mission of this project is to deliver a steer simulation that team ropers can practice with and get a life-like feel of roping a steer. Expanding on previous developments, necessary modifications for our goals were: 1) Increasing the integrity of the structure to be sustainable for 20 min of use 2) Decreasing weight and amount of metal for more natural motions. The simulation trials are performed by attaching the model to a vehicle capable of driving at a steady speed of 20 mph, rotating the drive wheel. The integrity and accuracy of the model are determined by observing these movements so we can assess aspects that need improvement. A helpful improvement was the addition of a damping spring that adds suspension to critical points prolonging run time. There are two pulley systems that are connected by a single shaft. Either pulley is critical as one creates the torque strength and one pulls the system into motion. The right ratio between the two must be met so that the leg speeds are consistent with that of a steer. To improve future studies and performance, different part materials will help in improving integrity and reducing weight.

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects the Latinx community, they have more than a 50% chance, especially children and teens, of being prediabetic or being diagnosed with diabetes (CDC, 2022). Health professionals and preventative programs have created guidelines to manage and/or prevent diabetes, however these guidelines do not include culturally relevant traditions such as traditional medicines and traditional foods. The purpose of this study is to examine the possible dietary lifestyle changes among Latinx college students with a family history of diabetes and their understanding and knowledge of type 2 diabetes. This research will focus on Latinx college students on the path to pre-diabetes within a Pacific Northwest college campus. A mixed method approach using survey questions followed up by interviews regarding their dietary lifestyle at home and how it has influenced them in their transition to college. The results will be analyzed to find common themes and later be used to inform the community on culturally relevant diabetes management strategies.