Biomedical Engineer / Entrepreneur
Resume:
Abdulrahman W. Aref
******@*****.***
Campus Address Permanent Address
**** ****** **** ****** #*** 7802 Normandy Boulevard
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189 Indianapolis, IN 46278
Education
Postdoctoral Research, The University of Michigan, Bioengineering, Dearborn, MI
(October 2018 - Present)
oField of Specialization: Biosensors and Photonics
oWorked on creating sensors used for recording biological signals and an imaging alternative to MRI and CT scans
oCreated an analytical model to predict behavior and extract fluorescent properties from of unknown integrity
Ph.D., The University of Michigan, Biomedical Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI
(January 2011 - May 2018)
oField of Specialization: Brain-Computer Interfaces / Rehabilitation Engineering
oDissertation title: Improving Brain-Computer Interface Performance By Using Dynamic Methods Based on Analysis of Cognitive State
oAnalyzed large amounts of brain (EEG) data from brain-computer interfaces
oPerformed signal processing on brain data to extract useful and relevant information
oDeveloped two different attention-monitoring algorithms that quantified users’ attention to the brain-computer interface
oDeveloped and tested machine-learning methods on brain data to improve accuracy of user selections
M.Sc. in Engineering, The University of Michigan, Biomedical Engineering, Ann Arbor, MI
(September 2009 - December 2011)
oField of Specialization: Biomechanics
oGained expertise in:
Human kinematics
CAD modeling
Kinesiology
Tissue mechanics
Prosthetics and joint implants
oOverall GPA: 3.59/4
Bachelor of Engineering, Purdue University, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, West Lafayette, IN
(August 2005 - May 2009)
oOverall GPA: 3.84/4.0
Patents
1.Ozan Akkus, Umut Atakan Gurkan, Abdulrahman Aref, Russell D. Meldrum. “Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars by Actuatable Patch.” US Patent filed, May 2009.
Publications
1.Aref, A. W., Lo, J. F., “Modeling Fluorescence Decay Rate to Determine Efficacy of Parameter Extraction”. 2020: In preparation.
2.Aref, A. W., Huggins, J.E., “Improving Accuracy of Individual BCI Selections Using Alpha Band Analysis”. Journal of Neural Engineering. 2020: In revision.
3.Aref, A. W., McCann, M. T., Huggins, J. E., “Combining Methods of Analyzing Users’ Cognitive State to Improve BCI Performance” 2020: In revision.
4.Huggins, J. E., Alcaide-Aguirre, R. E., Warschausky, S. A., Brown, D., Aref, A. W., Huggins, J. E., “Asynchronous Brain-Computer Interface for Cognitive Assessment in People with Cerebral Palsy” Journal of Neural Engineering. 2017.
5.Aref, A. W., Huggins, J. E., “Combining Methods To Predict Accuracy of Individual Brain-Computer Interface Selections. BCI Meeting, Monterey Bay, CA, 2016. (Peer-Reviewed Abstract, Poster session, and Oral Presentation - Ranked in top 5 out of 270).
6.Aref, A. W., Huggins, J. E., “Predicting BCI Accuracy with Alpha Band Analysis” Neuroscience Conference, Chicago, IL, 2015 (Poster presentation).
7.Huggins, J. E., Alcaide-Aguirre, R. E., Aref, A. W., Brown, D., Warschausky, S. A., “Brain-Computer Interface Administration of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-IV” 7th International IEEE EMBS Conference on Neural Engineering, Montep, France, April 22, 2015 (Conference Paper and Poster presentation).
8.Perosky, J., Aref, A., Westcott, D., Prybylski, R., Woodrum, D., Dooley-Hash, S., and Andreatta, P., “A low-cost cricothyroidotomy trauma simulator with a real time vital signs feedback system” American Society of Mechanical Engineering BioMedical Frontiers Conference, Newport Beach, CA, September 21, 2010. (Peer-Reviewed Poster Paper).
9.Aref, A. W., Huggins, J. E., “The P300-Certainty Algorithm: Improving accuracy by withholding erroneous selections” EEG & Clinical Neuroscience Society Conference, Bristol, TN, September 12-16 2012. (Poster Presentation).
Teaching and Work Experience
The University of Michigan, Dearborn, MI
oLecturer (Fall 2018, Winter 2019) – Biosensors and Instrumentation (BENG 351) – This course covers measurements in biological materials using a variety of sensor technologies along with electronic instrumentation design and use. Safety and FDA requirements are also presented.
oLecturer (Fall 2019, Winter 2020) – Instrumentation and Measurement Systems – This course covers measurements of mechanical, electrical, and physical signals using a variety of sensor technologies along with electronic instrumentation design and use.
oLecturer (Winter 2019, Winter 2020) – Bioprocess Engineering (BENG 381) – This course introduces students to the field of bioprocessing where the engineering concepts are applied to convert raw materials to pharmaceuticals, chemicals and food using biological processes. Typical applications include bioreactor design, material collection and scale-up considerations.
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
oGraduate Student Instructor (Fall 2010, Winter 2011, Winter 2012, Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Fall 2013, Winter 2014, Fall 2015, Fall 2016, Winter 2017) – Biomedical Instrumentation (BIOMEDE 458) – Instructed a lab that allowed students to utilize electronic circuitry and LabVIEW computer programming to perform biomedical applications.
oGraduate Student Instructor (Fall 2014, Winter 2015) – Biomedical Senior Design (BIOMEDE 451/452) – With the class modeled as an engineering design company, I managed and guided groups of students through the design process of a biomedical device, including project management, regulatory procedures, manufacturing and fabrication, prototype testing and validation as well as technical communications through out all phases of the design process.
oExcerpts of student comments from course evaluations:
o“[BME] 458 lab could be brutal, but Abdul makes it fun and not discouraging. I regularly find myself marveling at his patience and cheerfulness when everyone in my group is panicking”
o“Abdul is highly enthusiastic, very approachable, and creates an excellent learning environment. Learning under the instruction of Abdul has been an absolute pleasure.”
o“Abdul was a great GSI; he was extremely helpful when we had questions while also encouraging us to answer problems on our own by giving us a push in the right direction.” (GSI: Graduate Student Instructor)
oSamples of overall GSI evaluation from course evaluations:
oFall 2015 – 4.97/5
oWinter 2014 – 5/5
oFall 2013 – 4.8/5
oWinter 2013 – 4.93/5
oFall 2012 – 4.61/5
oFlexscle – Co-Founder (Mar 2016 – Dec 2017) – Co-founded a start-up company based on a wearable device that monitors electrical muscle activity during exercising/physical therapy and provides recommendations for improvement and injury prevention based on the muscle response.
Roles at Flexscle:
oProduct Design and Development: Including signal processing, algorithm development, machine-learning, sensor development and testing, and overall device design
oBiomechanics and Biomedical instrumentation specialist
oBiomedical Engineer (2016-2017) – Automated detection of startle blinks in children – Worked in a Child Psychiatry lab to develop an algorithm to automatically detect startle blinks in children. The goal of this project was to replace the need for a professional to go through each blink response manually.
oData Collection Administrator (2014-2015) – Brain-Computer Interface Administration of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-IV – Performed all recruitment and data collection in a study designed to administer a standardized cognitive test using a Brain-Computer Interface with children with cerebral palsy.
oFinal Design Project (Winter 2010) – A Low-cost Cricothyroidotomy Trauma Simulator with a Real Time Vital Signals Feedback System – Worked on a team that designed a surgical simulator that allows surgeons to practice the Cricothyroidotomy procedure before they encounter it in the Emergency Room.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
oResearch Project (Spring 2009) – Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars by Actuatable Patch – Designed and developed a prototype of an actuatable patch that would be used to minimize the development of scar tissue.
oResearch Project (Summer 2008) – Spinal curvature modeling in the elderly – Individually worked on refining and debugging a device that is used to model spinal curvature of the elderly and to diagnose kyphosis in its early stages.
oSenior Design Project (Fall 2008) – Electromyography signals as a means of controlling a transradial (below elbow) prosthesis – Worked on a team that designed a transradial prosthesis that is controlled by electromyography signals from various muscles in the residual forearm.
Community Service
Wesley Foundation, West Lafayette, IN
oRaking leaves for the elderly (2007)
IMCA, Indianapolis, IN
oVolunteer Weekend School Instructor (2006/2007)
Extracurricular Activities
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
oTechArb – Start-up incubator – 2016-2017 Cohort (Flexscle)
oMember, The Michigan Muay Thai Club (2010-2016)
oMember, The Michigan Parkour Club (2010-2016)
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
oMember, Tau Beta Pi (The Engineering Honor Society) (2007-Present)
oMember, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (2007-Present)
oMember, Purdue’s Men’s Soccer Club (2007-2008)
oMember, Purdue Crew Club (2008-2009)
School of Knowledge, Indianapolis, IN
oStudent Council: Chief of Staff (2003-2005)
oFounder and President of Al-Khawarizmi Computer Club (2002-2005)
Honors and Awards
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
oMichigan Business Challenge, 2nd Round competitors (Flexscle)
oM-Hacks III Hackathon’s Impact & Innovation Prize Winner (Team Members: Abdulrahman Aref, Ramses Alcaide, David Brown, Xiaoya Ma) (Winter 2014)
oNational Instrument’s University-Wide LabVIEW Competition 1st Place Winner (Team Members: Abdulrahman Aref, Joseph Perosky, Daniel Westcott, and Robert Przybylski) (Winter 2010)
oBiomedical Engineering Departmental Fellowship (2009-2010)
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
oSemester Honors & Dean’s List (2006-2008)
oBest Senior Design Project Award (Team Members: Abdulrahman Aref, Brandon Bruhn, Julio Morera, and Aaron Young) (Fall 2008)
School of Knowledge, Indianapolis, IN
oScience Olympiad (Bridge Design) 1st Place Winner (2004)
oHigh School National Honor Roll (2005)
Indiana Council of Teachers Math (ICTM)
oWinner of the Scholar Award, (2004 and 2005)
Computer Skills
Programming Languages: MATLAB, C, C++, Python, Visual Basic, Java, LabVIEW, Arduino
Software: Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, UNIX, Microsoft Windows, MIMICS, COMSOL, NEURON, SolidWorks
Languages
Arabic: reading, writing, conversational fluency
French: basic conservational skills
Hobbies
International Travel
Fishing, Bowling, Rock Climbing, Rowing, Capoeira, Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing), Soccer, Football
Avid comic book reader
Citizenship
US Citizen
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