Detecting Dyslexia Early with AI

The key to spotting dyslexia and dysgraphia early among children could be AI-powered handwriting analysis. Research led by Venu Govindaraju (PhD ’92, MS ’88), Department of Computer Science and Engineering, aims to develop AI tools that augment current screening methods, which are effective but costly and time-consuming.

Quick and Painless Mammogram Alternative

Researchers have developed a breast scan that takes less than a minute and produces AI-powered 3D images. The system—called OneTouch-PAT—doesn’t require painful compression like mammography and instead uses photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging. The study is led by Jun Xia, Department of Biomedical Engineering.

The Future of Insulation: Wheat Straw

Wheat straw, a farming waste product, could be a sustainable alternative to fiberglass insulation in homes and buildings. Wheat straw insulation can be 3D-printed and, if adopted, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, says project lead Chi Zhou, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Teaching Robots to Feel

A new electronic textile that mimics human skin may help robots develop a sense of touch. The technology, made in the lab of Jun Liu, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, contains sensors that act as nerves, detecting grip pressure and slipping objects.

Viewing Wounds Without Peeling Bandages

Wenyao Xu, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, is developing imaging technology that uses radar and AI to observe skin wounds without removing bandages and risking infection. Named mmSkin, the system measures changes in size and moisture levels of wounds, a critical indicator of wound health.

Protecting Communities from Heat Waves

In the U.S., heat waves harm more people than all other natural disasters combined. Monica Miles (PhD ’16, MA ’10), Department of Engineering Education, guided a community-engaged research campaign to map extreme heat across Erie County. The project will reveal where people are most at risk during heat waves.

Turning Algae into Allies

Harmful algal blooms are responsible for countless public health concerns, including dead zones in water. Ian Bradley, Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, is investigating how wastewater interacts with these blooms and how algae can instead be used to improve wastewater treatment.

Advancing Solar Power for Satellites

Ian Sellers, Department of Electrical Engineering, and Wanyi Nie, Department of Physics, are developing new solar power technologies for satellites and other space vehicles. They will explore how metal halide perovskites can be used to develop lightweight solar cells that can withstand extreme conditions in space.

Tiny Fish, Big Medical Insights

Zebrafish, a popular aquarium fish, could unlock fundamental understanding of diseases characterized by abnormal crystallization, such as kidney stones and gout. Viviana Monje, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, is using models to examine how zebrafish produce crystals to adjust their skin pigmentation inside lipid vesicles.

Superpowered Semiconductors

Fei Yao, Department of Materials Design and Innovation, co-lead research that found mixing 2D materials with silicon could improve the power and efficiency of semiconductors. The results may lead to computers, smartphones and other electronics that are both more powerful and more compact.