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Bioengineering Innovator

About Me

Bioengineering Innovator

About Me

About Jana Rida

My Background

My name is Jana Rida and I am a recent graduate from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Bioengineering with High Distinction. During my time at the university, I gained extensive experience as an Engineering Laboratory Instructor, delivering presentations and guiding students in practical engineering skills. I also served as the Student Body President, advocating for student needs and managing various initiatives to enhance campus life.

In addition to my academic and leadership roles, I have worked as a Student Assistant in the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and I founded Jana’s Scrunchies LLC, where I developed and managed a successful business. These experiences have equipped me with a strong foundation in engineering, leadership, and project management.

Engineering Experiences

Engineering Instructor

Engineering Lab Instructor

Most recently, I designed and delivered a STEM-focused engineering curriculum for students at Stanford University through Education Unlimited, teaching principles of force, energy, mass, and Newtonian physics through interactive labs and hands-on build challenges. I instructed and supervised both elementary and high school students, ensuring safety, engagement, and achievement of program learning objectives. Additionally, I managed logistics and program coordination across Stanford, UCLA, and Georgetown campuses, overseeing scheduling, resource allocation, and smooth cross-campus operations.

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Engineering Lab Instructor

Over the course of two years, I led instruction for the Engineering 100 Lab, teaching over 120 students foundational concepts in bioengineering, mechanical, industrial, computer, and electrical engineering through interactive lectures and hands-on projects. I tailored my teaching to accommodate students with varying levels of engineering experience, ensuring each student could engage with and understand complex concepts. Additionally, I guided teams in technical writing, budgeting, and schematic creation, supported students in 3D-printing rover components using TinkerCAD, SolidWorks, and Arduino, and delivered weekly presentations and office hours to reinforce learning.

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Senior Design prject

Engineering Lab Instructor

Senior Design prject

I was honored with the Alumni Advisory Council Innovation Award, the highest recognition on Senior Design Day, for developing an advanced ACL tear simulation medical device. I identified a critical need for improved diagnostic accuracy and medical training for high-school-aged females, designing a lifelike leg model with interchangeable ligaments and weighted muscles to compare healthy and torn ACLs. Through anatomical research, iterative analysis, and tensile testing, I engineered surrogate ligaments and a complex knee fixture that realistically replicate ACL tears for training applications. To see the final poster, please scroll down.

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Jana's Awards

Alumni advisory Council Innovation Award

Outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Recipient of the prestigious Alumni Advisory Council Innovation Award, the highest honor on Senior Design Day at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, sponsored by the Alumni Affiliate Council and awarded to the team with the highest innovation score.

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Outstanding commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

I received the Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Award at the University of Michigan-Dearborn's Student Leader Award Ceremony. This award honors a student leader that has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion throughout student life programming and positive interactions with other students, faculty, and staff.

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Engineering Projects

Senior design project

This project developed an advanced simulation device for ACL tears, designed to replicate the knee joint’s functionality with precision. By creating accurate surrogate ligaments and integrating a complex knee fixture, the device allows for realistic simulation of ACL injuries. It incorporates extensive tensile testing and trial-and-error methods to mirror natural ligament characteristics. This innovative simulation device aims to revolutionize training methodologies by providing a hands-on experience for diagnosing ACL tears, benefiting medical personnel, athletic trainers, and physical therapy students. The device enhances training accuracy and effectiveness through its realistic representation of injury mechanics.

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Comprehensive Advancements in Helmet Design for Optimal Protection in Explosive Environments

In response to the critical need for enhanced protection in explosive environments, our research delves into the limitations of current helmet designs and proposes innovative improvements. Modern helmets, while effective against traditional threats, often fall short in addressing complex blast-induced injuries. We identified key gaps in protection against blast waves, fragmentation, and rotational forces, which are prevalent in contemporary conflict zones. Our proposed design integrates advanced materials such as Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE), aramid fibers, and Shear-Thickening Fluids (STF) to create a helmet that offers superior resilience and energy absorption. The addition of an airbag system, smart sensors, and a heat-resistant shell further enhances its protective capabilities. This design not only improves safety but also addresses ergonomic issues, making it a significant advancement in helmet technology. Rigorous testing protocols ensure the helmet's effectiveness, simulating real-world blast scenarios and evaluating its performance against current standards. Our work aims to bridge the gap between existing helmet designs and the evolving demands of explosive environments, providing a comprehensive solution for enhanced soldier safety.

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Photothermal Therapy Using Gold Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment

Our research explores the innovative use of gold nanoparticles in photothermal therapy (PTT) as a promising approach for cancer treatment. Gold nanoparticles, known for their exceptional properties such as high surface area, surface plasmon resonance, and biocompatibility, offer a targeted solution for treating cancer. PTT leverages these nanoparticles to convert light into localized heat, effectively "melting" cancerous tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This process involves injecting gold nanoparticles into the bloodstream, where they accumulate in tumor cells and are activated by near-infrared radiation to generate heat that induces cell death. Despite its potential, challenges remain, including nanoparticle stability, optimal size and shape for effective therapy, and addressing toxicity concerns. Our research highlights advancements in nanoparticle design and synthesis, including improvements in biocompatibility and targeting efficiency, and emphasizes the need for ongoing studies to overcome limitations and enhance therapeutic outcomes. This approach not only represents a significant advancement in non-invasive cancer treatment but also holds promise for future clinical applications.

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Smarter sock Project

The Smarter Sock project addresses a critical need in ankle injury management. Designed as a wearable compression sock, the Smarter Sock integrates Caltech’s "InflaStat" biosensors to measure tissue inflammation in real time. This innovation fills a significant gap in current ankle injury treatments, which lack real-time monitoring of inflammation levels crucial for recovery. Unlike generic fitness trackers, the Smarter Sock specifically targets inflammation by detecting C-reactive protein (CRP) through sweat, with data transmitted via Bluetooth to a user-friendly app. The project includes extensive testing to ensure accuracy, durability, and comfort, and considers both the regulatory and social impacts of wearable health technology. By offering targeted insights into ankle health, the Smarter Sock aims to revolutionize recovery protocols, reduce re-injury risks, and promote proactive health management, while addressing data privacy and accessibility concerns to ensure ethical deployment and broad accessibility.

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Student Government

As student body President

As President of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Student Government, I have been dedicated to enhancing academic success and student accessibility throughout my tenure. Our administration has successfully organized nearly a dozen mock exams—including MCAT, DAT, LSAT, OAT, and more—alongside selective workshops to equip students with essential tools and confidence for graduate-level tests. In response to concerns about the cost of graduation attire, we initiated a donation program for caps and gowns, providing a lasting resource through the Wolverine Wardrobe and ensuring that all donated gowns were rented within a week. Our commitment to student engagement is evident through our partnerships with organizations like KNOW for FAFSA workshops, the Pre-Law Association for mock LSAT workshops, and Pride in collaboration for Pride Month, among others. We have also fostered a sense of community by hosting events such as the sustainability fair, safety workshops, and Inclusion Week activities, and by coordinating significant initiatives like Ramadan Goodie Bags and mental health awareness events. Our efforts extend to governance, where we updated statutes to reflect new amendments, appointed representatives to various boards, and participated in forums with university officials to advocate for student interests. These initiatives underscore our unwavering commitment to improving student life and fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment.

As Vice President

As Vice President of the University of Michigan-Dearborn Student Government, I played a crucial role in supporting the President by overseeing the swearing-in and training of new senators. I ensured that office hours were consistently attended by each member, maintaining regular availability of resources for our student body. Additionally, I contributed to the University’s 2023 Housing and Transportation Committee, where we focused on enhancing campus living conditions and transportation infrastructure through innovative solutions. My tenure was marked by a commitment to efficient operations and meaningful improvements to student life on campus.

As director of inclusion

As Director of Inclusion, I spearheaded the highly successful Inclusion Week for Fall 2022, designed to celebrate and embrace campus diversity. We kicked off the week with a vibrant rock painting event on Monday, followed by a Tuesday session of Arts and Crafts with Pride, aimed at fostering inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. Wednesday highlighted Arab Cultural Night, featuring a rich array of cultural food, music, and dance in collaboration with the Lebanese Student Association and the Yemeni Student Association. On Thursday, we hosted a salsa dancing class with the La Mezcla, teaching students the joy of salsa dance. Each event drew dozens of participants, contributing to a week full of energy and engagement that strengthened our campus community.

As Chair of the inclusion committee

As the first ever Chair of the Inclusion Committee for Student Government, I led efforts to celebrate and enhance campus diversity. In my first week, I organized a Black History Month event in collaboration with the Black Student Union. Additionally, I planned and executed "Inclusion Week," a series of events celebrating our diverse student body, in partnership with the Graduate International Student Organization (GISO), South Asian Student Association (SASA), Lebanese Student Association (LSA), and the French Club. I also coordinated the creation of Ramadan goodie bags for students who needed to break their fast on campus, recognizing the large Muslim population who required support during classes. Each bag was filled with dates, water, snacks, and candy, and included a handwritten note, ensuring that these essential resources were available across various colleges on campus. These initiatives were designed to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Bioengineering Innovator

Bioengineering Innovator