Expert Details
Injury Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Artificial Joint Implants, Tribology
ID: 731313
Maryland, USA
engineering process coatings, developed new operating procedures to mechanically test biomaterials used for orthopedic and injury biomechanics applications, and designed surface
modifications to existing material selection that has eliminated triboloigcal or wear resistance for treatment of artificial joint replacements.
Expert is an experimentalist with skills in orthopedic biomechanics, bio-tribology, metal and polymer material characterization and synthesis, wet-chemistry, electrical design,
bioinstrumentation and biomaterials. Expert also has experience in programming Fortran, C, C++, Matlab/SIMULINK, ABAQUS, SolidWorks, signal processing, and modeling solid
systems and engineering education.
Expert provided accident reconstruction analysis to ground vechile and aviation aircraft accidents that resulted in injury to the Soldier(s). She worked on failure analysis and forensic investigations and material characterization to develop technical risk analysis reports for the operational survival analysis branch (OSAB). soldiers Expert provided ballistic impact analysis for impact gelatin material testing for the branches at Army .
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 2009 | Degree: Ph.D. | Subject: Mechanical Engineering | Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County |
| Year: 2006 | Degree: Masters of Science | Subject: Mechanical Engineering | Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County |
| Year: 2002 | Degree: Bachelors of Science | Subject: Biomedical Engineering | Institution: University of Connecticut |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2013 to Present | Employer: Undisclosed | Title: Patent Examiner-Mechanical Engineer | Department: Mechanical Engineering Department |
Responsibilities:• Independently perform basic patent examining functions such as search prior research (e.g. including any related patents, published articles and public demonstrations) to ensure that an invention is new and unique.• Examine difficult cases that may require the application of technical concepts to the patent examining process. • Perform advanced patent examining functions with supervision (e.g., the evaluation of special claim constructions, the requirement of restrictions, the recognition and development of probable interferences, etc.). |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2011 to 2013 | Employer: Altus Engineering/United States Army Research Laboratory | Title: Bioengineering Scientist | Department: Survivability/Lethality Analysis Directorate |
Responsibilities:• Used linear statistical analysis to determine that optical mechanics and photo-sensitive properties were essential to design transparent gelatin tissue simulant material for ballistic testing.• Lead and managed twelve engineers and technicians to experimentally measure impact velocities of gelatin and clay using National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and Army certifications for ballistics testing. • Demonstrated how to mathematically model lower extremities injuries for tibia and femur using kinematics rigid body LS-DYNA FE models and 3D finite element SIERRA-FE models. • Chose, generalized, and applied a parametric method (the accelerative loading) to reconstruct biomechanical injury resulting from blast explosions. • Analyzed live fire tests from blast experiments for applied trauma research, advanced injury detection, and mathematical modeling of biomechanical systems and vehicle crash/injury reconstruction. • Tested, verified, and validated FE models with component, sled, and/or full-scale crash tests. • Developed a biomarker database using biomedical and biomechanical application for Blast Over Pressure (BOP) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2010 to 2011 | Employer: Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF)/ United States Army AeroMedical Research Lab (USAARL) | Title: Mechanical Engineer/ Biomechanics Researcher | Department: Operational survival analysis branch (OSAB). |
Responsibilities:• Characterized damaged materials using digital image microscopy for accident reconstruction, crash-worthiness and occupant equipment for Joint Trauma Analysis & Prevention of Injury in Combat.• Devised a new model to demonstrate the strength of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): restraints, seat belts and helmets using stress-strain linear elasticity techniques for aircraft and ground vehicles. • Developed methodologies, wrote technical reports and test plans on injury biomechanics for the operational survival analysis branch (OSAB). Assisted in training soldiers and technicians in OSAB. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2003 to 2009 | Employer: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Mechanical Engineering Depart., (Baltimore, MD) | Title: Mechanical Engineer (Research Associtate) | Department: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Mechanical Engineering Department |
Responsibilities:• Designed a thin film carbide coating onto the base CoCrMo metal alloy via a chemical vapor deposition carburization process for experimental and computational mechanical analysis.• Characterized the corrosive, mechanical and tribological wear properties of the novel carbide-coated CoCrMo alloy biomaterial using electro-mechanical oxidation techniques, scanning electron, optical and atomic microscopy and a tribometer, micro- and nano-indentors for friction and wear measurements. • Created a quantitative wear resistant linear statistical model to monitor the mechanical performance of the novel carbide-coated CoCrMo alloy biomaterial for potential use as an artificial joint implant. • Investigated clinical applications, FDA protocols, and medical devices product development. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2009 to 2010 | Employer: University of Connecticut (UCONN), (Storrs, CT) | Title: Assistant Professor in Residence | Department: Biomedical Engineering Program |
Responsibilities:• Mentored, managed and supervised five undergraduate and graduate student teacher assistants.• Assistant Professor/Lecturer, Bioengineers statics and dynamics (BME 3150) - Fall 2009, Core Undergraduate Curriculum. This course integrates mechanical engineering content, pedagogy and principles of engineering statics and dynamics to biomedical engineering students. Enrollment: 45-55. • Assistant Professor/Lecturer, Biomechanics (BME 3600W) - Fall 2009, Core Undergraduate Curriculum. This course integrates the fundamentals of biomedical and mechanical engineering. Students learn about continuum mechanics, statics and dynamical biomechanical applications. Enrollment: 55-65. • Assistant Professor/Lecturer, Foundations to Introduction in Bioengineering (BME 1166) - Spring 2010, Core Undergraduate Curriculum. This course presents introduction to engineering, electrical and mechanical systems, instrumentation, design, bioelectrical phenomena, biomaterials and biomechanics in the context potential biomedical engineering applications. Enrollment: 30-50. • Assistant Professor/Lecturer, LabVIEW for Bioengineers (BME 3120) - Spring 2010, Core Undergraduate Curriculum. This course introduces the LabVIEW programming environment and discusses the fundamentals of using graphical programming to collect, analyze, display and store data are covered. Students learn how to design stand-alone applications, create interactive user interfaces and optimize data flow. Enrollment: 140-150. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2002 to 2002 | Employer: University of Connecticut (UCONN), (Storrs, CT) | Title: Research Assistant | Department: Institute of Material & Polymer Science; NSF Polymer REU Program |
Responsibilities:• Characterized and synthesized a novel shape memory polymer in the form of an ABA tri-block copolymer with two different monomers, each biodegradable for catheter use and biomedical activity.• Designed functionally graded PLA and PCL copolymers via chemical polymerization reactions and biocatalytic oxidation. • Polished and grind polymer surface to prepare for thermal analysis instruments (FTIR,TGA,DSC,WAXD). |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 1999 to 2001 | Employer: University of Connecticut (UCONN), (Storrs, CT) | Title: Research Assistant - Electrical and Biomedical Engineer | Department: Electrical and Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Lab, |
Responsibilities:• Redesigned and evaluated projects for disabled clients using theoretical analysis, microcontrollers and assembly code for digital and analog programing.• Performed feasibility study for detecting electrical errors using control system and signal processing. • Designed, built, tested, and documented simple to moderately complex manufacturing assembly fixtures, test tooling, and test fixtures using PC board micro-fabrication, soldering components, re-design and re-layout for a diagnostic cerebral palsy sensor. |
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Government Experience
| Years | Agency | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2013 to Present | Agency: The United States Patent and Trademark Office | Role: Patent Examiner-Mechanical Engineer | Description: • Independently perform basic patent examining functions such as search prior research (e.g. including any related patents, published articles and public demonstrations) to ensure that an invention is new and unique. • Examine difficult cases that may require the application of technical concepts to the patent examining process. • Perform advanced patent examining functions with supervision (e.g., the evaluation of special claim constructions, the requirement of restrictions, the recognition and development of probable interferences, etc.). |
| Years: 2011 to 2013 | Agency: United States Army Research Laboratory | Role: Bioengineering Scientist (Contractor) | Description: • Used linear statistical analysis to determine that optical mechanics and photo-sensitive properties were essential to design transparent gelatin tissue simulant material for ballistic testing. • Lead and managed twelve engineers and technicians to experimentally measure impact velocities of gelatin and clay using National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and Army certifications for ballistics testing. • Demonstrated how to mathematically model lower extremities injuries for tibia and femur using kinematics rigid body LS-DYNA FE models and 3D finite element SIERRA-FE models. • Chose, generalized, and applied a parametric method (the accelerative loading) to reconstruct biomechanical injury resulting from blast explosions. • Analyzed live fire tests from blast experiments for applied trauma research, advanced injury detection, and mathematical modeling of biomechanical systems and vehicle crash/injury reconstruction. • Tested, verified, and validated FE models with component, sled, and/or full-scale crash tests. • Developed a biomarker database using biomedical and biomechanical application for Blast Over Pressure (BOP) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). |
| Years: 2010 to 2011 | Agency: United States Army AeroMedical Research Lab (USAARL) | Role: Mechanical Engineer (Contractor) | Description: • Characterized damaged materials using digital image microscopy for accident reconstruction, crash-worthiness and occupant equipment for Joint Trauma Analysis & Prevention of Injury in Combat. • Devised a new model to demonstrate the strength of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): restraints, seat belts and helmets using stress-strain linear elasticity techniques for aircraft and ground vehicles. • Developed methodologies, wrote technical reports and test plans on injury biomechanics for the operational survival analysis branch (OSAB). Assisted in training soldiers and technicians in OSAB. |
Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| • PROMISE: MD's Alliance for Graduate Education & Professoriate (AGEP), Member/Alumni, 2003-Present • Orthopedic Research Society, Life Member, 2009- Present • American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Life Member, 2004- Present • Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Life Member, 2002- Present • Society of Biomaterials Professional Chapter, Life Member, 2002- Present • National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Alumni/Life Member, 1997-Present • Society of Women Engineers (SWE), 1997-Present |
| Professional Appointments |
|---|
| LEADERSHIP ROLES: Co-Chair Implant Session, Southern Biomedical Engineering Conference (SBEC), May 1, 2010 Co-Principal Investigator: Biomarkers used for Biomedical and Biomechanical Blast Over Pressure (BOP) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Applications, Bioengineer, ARL-SLAD, June 2012-Feb 2013. Principal Investigator: Characterization of Ballistic Gelatins using impact mechanics and ballistic testing for Weapons and Survivability Directorates, Bioengineer, ARL, Oct 2012-Feb 2013. Principal Investigator: Computational Biomechanics for lower leg extremity injuries using finite element analysis methods for Weapons and Survivability Directorates, Bioengineer, ARL, Oct 2011-Oct 2012. Principal Investigator: Failure Analysis of protective equipment using mechanical methods for Joint Trauma Analysis & Prevention of Injury in Combat (JTAPIC), Mechanical Engineer, USAARL, Oct 2010-Aug 2011. Team Leader: Managed and supervised undergraduate students to administer engineering curriculum to middle school science teachers, Graduate Assistant- STEM Evaluator, UMBC-CWIT, Sep. 2005-March 2006 Principal Investigator: Research and designed methodologies using micro- and nano-mechanical techniques to test biomaterials used for artificial joint implants. Mentored undergraduates to conduct micro- and nano-mechanical experimental tests on implantable materials. Research Assistant/Mechanical Engineer, UMBC, Jan 2004-Aug 2009. |
| Awards / Recognition |
|---|
| • Exceptional Dissertation Recipient, Thesis modeled as an example for other doctoral students • Department of Education GAANN Fellowship August 2003- August 2008 • Meyerhoff Graduate Fellowship September 2007- June 2009 |
| Medical / Professional |
|---|
| National Science Foundation (NSF),Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU),(Arlington, VA), Expert. Gary Gabriele, Engineering Education Intern 6/2005-8/2005 • Implemented a new report on the status of engineering education and the workforce. • Devised a new method on innovations in engineering education used to attract women. • Developed a mentoring network and database for women faculty in engineering. |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| 1. Expert and Timmie Topoleski, “Viscous behavior of different concentrations of bovine calf serum before and after wear testing”, IFMBE Proceedings, Volume 32, pp.161-164, 2010. 2. Expert and Timmie Topoleski, “Nano-mechanical and wear behavior of the micro-textured carbide-coated CoCrMo alloy wear couple systems lubricated in different concentrations of bovine calf serum”. Transactions of the Wessex Institute 4th International Conference on Tribology and Design 2012. 3 - 5 September 2012, Kos, Greece. 3. Expert A. Expert and L.D.T. Topoleski, “Nanomechanical and wear behavior of micro-textured carbide-coated CoCrMo alloy surfaces”, J. Tribol. 135(4), 041301, July 2013. 4. G.A. Expert and L.D.T. Topoleski, “Changes in surface roughness of a micro-textured carbide-coated CoCrMo implant alloy during wear”, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, to be submitted, August 2013. |
Additional Experience
| Expert Witness Experience |
|---|
| As a Mechanical Engineer at the United States Army AeroMedical Research Lab (USAARL), Expert characterized damaged materials using digital image microscopy for accident reconstruction, crash-worthiness and occupant equipment for Joint Trauma Analysis & Prevention of Injury in Combat. |
| Vendor Selection |
|---|
| I have located and selected biological materials from Atlanta Biologicals to rheoloigically test the viscoelastic properties of bovine calf serum. I also selected Sigma-Aldrich vendors to characterize the rheology of antimicrobial agents to bovine calf serum to reduce contamination during wear testing. I worked with Digi-Key, Corporation to obtain electronics and test fixtures using PC board micro-fabrication and develop electrical designs to create micro-controller. I also located vendors using Sigma-Aldrich to design functionally graded PCL and PLA copolymers via chemical polymerization reactions and biocatalytic oxidation. |
| Marketing Experience |
|---|
| A minimum of 5+ years of R&D (academic – PhD and government) experience within implantable/medical devices, military protective equipment (armor plates, helmet and ballistic material testing, research and development), though background in orthopedics, tribology, biomaterials, material science and surface engineering. ● Minimal experience with the complete product development cycle. My training and work experience are in preparing medical implant devices- testing, validation and design criteria and final product development. ● Expert solid mechanics, biomaterials, though a specialty in orthopedic ceramics, metals and polymers. ● Expert in accident reconstruction for accidents resulting from military ground vehicles and aircrafts. Forensics engineering and reverse engineering. ● I am experienced in the setup, planning and preparation of pre-clinical studies (Rating from 1-5 with 5 being the highest, I rate myself a 4). ● Experienced in technical reviews (writing, public speaking/presenting, and product research and development ● Demonstrated experience with integrating R&D into a commercial business structure, including process improvements and scale up (Rating from 1-5 with 5 being the highest, I rate myself a 3. I am capable of performing these task given the opportunity to do so). ● Knowledge of process controls ● I have the ability to communicate concepts, ideas, and knowledge to other individuals and team members, and work effectively in a small company with a diverse skill set. ● I have demonstrated project leadership and a history of problem solving in my previous positions at the U.S. Army Labs, Assist. Professor in Residence and as a Research Assistant in Graduate School. ● As a Bioengineering Scientist at United States Army Research Laboratory (ARL), I managed and supervised eight scientist, engineers and technicians to implement new material characterization methodologies for ballistic mechanical testing of their standard gelatin and new gelatin stimulant materials. |
| Other Relevant Experience |
|---|
| Material characterization using chemical wet lab analysis and mechanical characterization such as GPC, HPLC, UV, PCR, X-ray, XRD and XPS, FTIR, DSC, TGA, WAXD, AFM, polymerization, CVD/PVD machines, surface treatment, spectroscopy, nanoindetor, tribometer, rheometer and bioinstrumentation. |
Language Skills
| Language | Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Spanish | Fluentin Spanish medium level |
| French | Beginner |
Fields of Expertise
abrasion-resistant coating material, abrasive coating material, acceleration measurement, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers standard, ballistics, biomechanical engineering, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, biorheology, carbide coating material, carbide wear-resistant coating material, ceramic mechanical property, coating material, coating material analysis, coating material characterization, electrical engineering, electrical tape, electrical testing, injury, injury biomechanics, injury reconstruction, joint replacement, mechanical reliability, mechanical stress, mechanical stress test, mechanical system, mechanics, medical device mechanical stress analysis, metal mechanical behavior, metal mechanical property, metal mechanics, micro electrical-mechanical system, orthopedic biomechanics, orthopedic implant, orthopedic injury, orthopedics, polymer mechanical property, polymer mechanical property testing, rheology, statics, statistical mechanics, thin-film mechanical property, viscoelastic material mechanical property, fracture fixation, thermal injury, injury assessment, mechanical engineering analysis, composite material characterization, composite core material, bound abrasive polisher, electrical laboratory, anti-corrosive coating material, chromium plating material substitute, electrical failure, American Society for Testing and Materials testing, mechanical drawing, electric circuit safety, applied mechanics, mechanical property testing laboratory, foot orthopedics, electrical measurement, mechanical device, cellulose coating material, electrical steel coating material, bulk materials handling, compound semiconductor material, mechanical equipment specification process, acme screw thread, composite material process optimization, composite material manufacturing process development, ceramic material heat treatment, aerospace coating material, mechanical electric-power generator, electrical equipment failure analysis, Newtonian mechanics, coating material specification, ceramic dental material, carbonaceous material surface property, binary semiconductor material, mechanical system simulation software, mechanical system computer-based simulation, carbon fiber precursor material, ceramic material selection, copper mechanical property, composite material optical property, composite material impact damage evaluation, biomedical coating material, semiconductor solid mechanical property, biodegradable packing material, electronic equipment mechanical fatigue, spring design, footwear quality, strain analysis, electric instrument, electrical product development, electric power system planning, machine mechanical condition analysis, electrically conductive film, composite material stress analysis, electric transient, coated abrasive material, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, electrically conductive adhesive, electrical-load stability analysis, electric power distribution, alternating-current generator, mechanical compression, adhesive material, American Society for Testing and Materials material code, ceramic packaging material, bone mechanics, mechanical reaction, electrical phenomenon, electrical science, American Society for Testing and Materials, chemical reaction mechanism, mechanical process, mechanical coupling, mechanical tool, electrical property, trauma, prosthesis, mechanical heart, mechanical fatigue, mechanical journal, heart valve prosthesis, flight mechanics, electromechanical control, electric circuit, corrosive material handling, conformal coating material, biocompatible material, automotive safety, artificial limb