This October, the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) hosted its annual meeting, gathering experts, researchers, and students worldwide to share new advances in biomedical engineering. Among the University of Hartford participants were Ian Anderson, a senior biomedical engineering student set to graduate in Spring 2025, and his faculty advisor, Solaleh Miar, PhD. Anderson presented research on “Development of Polypyrrole Nanoparticles for On-Demand Drug Delivery in Combatting Muscular Atrophy,” marking his second presentation at the BMES conference.
Funded by the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, Anderson’s study, conducted in Dr. Miar’s laboratory, focuses on a potential treatment for muscular atrophy, a condition where muscle mass deteriorates due to the protein myostatin. His work involves developing polypyrrole nanoparticles that release myostatin inhibitors upon electrical stimulation to slow or reverse muscle loss. Initial testing confirmed successful drug release and promising biological responses in cell studies, showcasing the approach’s potential therapeutic applications.
Seong Hyun Moon, PhD, another University of Hartford CETA Biomedical Engineering faculty member, also presented research on fall risks in obese, osteoporotic elderly populations. Conducted in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, his study used smartphone technology to track postural stability and found that obese individuals showed significantly greater sway and instability, indicating a higher fall risk.
Anderson, with the mentorship of Dr. Miar, along with Dr. Moon’s contributions, reflects the University of Hartford’s commitment to impactful biomedical engineering research. Anderson’s plan to pursue a PhD in biomedical engineering exemplifies the university’s dedication to developing future leaders in science and technology.