SolidWorks fixture and template design
Created mechanical support designs for lab use while working within experimental constraints.
Undergraduate Research · Microsystems · Spring 2024
Acoustofluidics for Microplastic Separation
Mechanical engineering contribution to a multidisciplinary microfluidics research project investigating particle separation using traveling surface acoustic waves. My work focused on experimental-support tooling and fixture/template design within a broader microsystems research environment.
Lab environment
Research Context
URI’s Microfluidics and Microsystems Laboratory works across microfluidics, acoustofluidics, microfabrication, organ-on-chip technology, and related environmental and biomedical applications. My role fit into that broader research setting as a mechanical engineering contribution supporting experimental tooling and geometry-variant workflows.
Visit URI Microfluidics Lab ↗Related platform
Related Research Context
The fixture-design work was completed within URI’s Microfluidics & Microsystems Laboratory research environment. Related platform context is documented in the ASME 2024 conference paper, “Microfluidic Bi-Axial Cell Stretching Platform for Intestinal Epithelial Cell Modeling.” This publication is provided as related device context only; Nathan Segar is not presented as an author of the paper.
View ASME conference record ↗Personal scope
My Contribution
Experimental-support tooling for capsule geometry variants
Helped prepare repeatable tooling concepts for different capsule geometries used in the workflow.
Exposure to microfluidic testing, particle handling, and device-level design constraints
Built practical understanding of how microsystems research connects lab methods with design decisions.
Engineering signal
Engineering Relevance
Mechanical design at microscale constraints
Applying mechanical design thinking where small geometry changes matter.
Fixture design and experimental integration
Connecting CAD work to test setup needs, handling, and repeatability.
Fluid behavior and particle manipulation
Gaining exposure to microscale flow systems and acoustically driven particle behavior.
Cross-functional research in a lab setting
Working inside a multidisciplinary environment with mechanical, microfluidic, and research needs.
Next step
Interested in this research contribution?
Connect with me about microsystems, mechanical design, experimental tooling, or research support work.