Biomedical Engineering Student Gains National Attention for Findings

2016 Oct 11

Shania Shaji of Huntingdon Valley, a senior in the newly accredited biomedical engineering program at Widener University, is gaining national attention for the research she worked on with Dr. Anita Singh, assistant professor.

Not only did she have a chance to show off her research to the Widener community at the Summer Research Symposium, but she also presented her findings at the National Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) annual meeting.

In recognition of her research with Singh, Shaji received the BMES Best Undergraduate Design and Research Award for her extended abstract "Biomechanical Properties of Neonatal Brachial Plexus." She presented the work she has completed thus far on October 7 at the BMES meeting in Minneapolis.

"No data exists on the biomechanical and physiological responses of neonatal brachial plexus," said Singh. "The research with the Widener undergraduates truly advances the science of obstetrician care by better understanding the extent and mechanism of birth-related brachial plexus injuries."

The first part of Singh and Shaji's research is also under review for publication in the Journal of Biomechanics. The second stage will continue this fall when they study the role of hypoxia in causing brachial injuries and possible treatment using hypothermia.

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.