Seeking CMU Student Interns for Summer 2022

Contact:
Jay Reddy, CEO
jay@advancedoptronics.com
Ruth Segall, Director of Business Development and Operations
ruth@advancedoptronics.com

Clinical Research Coordinator Intern

We are developing implantable sensors for Cochlear Implants to provide real-time telemetry and
feedback to surgeons during the implantation procedure. This summer, we are performing
in-vitro trials with surgeons to evaluate the sensor performance in anatomical phantoms and the
ability for the surgeons to adjust their implantation trajectory to optimize quantitative targets. The
intern will be trained to use the prototype surgery simulator and will conduct surgeon user trials
with UPMC and AHN residents, fellows, and surgeons. The intern will assess surgeon
performance and collect and interpret surgeon feedback to improve the prototype system in
close communication with the engineering team and help refine the design so that it can be
easily translated to the operating room. Seeking an undergraduate or master’s student in
Biology, BME, or related field.

Microfabrication/ MEMS Intern

We are developing implantable thin-film microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors for
Cochlear Implants to provide real-time telemetry and feedback to surgeons during the
implantation procedure. This application has unique design constraints, including high resolution
and flexibility to traverse the spiral-shaped cochlea and avoid damaging sensitive tissues. The
intern will use finite-element-method simulation to analyze the mechanics of a MEMS strain
gauge structure and explore the design space. The sensors will then be fabricated in the CMU
nanofab and characterized experimentally to enable a closed-loop design process. The intern
will contribute to microfabrication process optimization based on simulation and experimental
performance studies. Seeking a master’s student in MechE, ECE, or related field. Knowledge of
commercial FEM software (Comsol, Ansys), MEMS devices, and experimental characterization
is preferred.

Medical UX Engineer Intern

We are developing implantable sensors for Cochlear Implants to provide real-time telemetry and
feedback to surgeons during the surgical procedure. The goal of this internship is to help
develop an intraoperative monitoring system to provide a real-time preview of the implant
position to surgeons based on embedded sensor feedback. A 3D visualizer has been developed
using the open-source Simulation Open Framework Architecture (SOFA). The 3D implant model
will be overlaid with preoperative CT scans of the cochlear anatomy so that the surgeon can
evaluate the device placement and modify their surgical approach in real-time. The intern will
modify the physical prototype system and digital interface based on surgeon feedback. A strong
background in design, programming (python), design, and 3D printing is preferred
Business Development Intern
We are developing implantable smart sensors to improve patient outcomes in a wide array of
medical applications for minimally invasive surgery. Our first product is a force sensor for
cochlear implant surgery. The goal of this internship is to develop and refine the business model
to sell our product to implant manufacturers. Groundwork in market research, intellectual
property, customer discovery, and regulatory strategy has been developed; this position will be
aimed at following through and expanding those aspects of the business model. The intern will
be expected to conduct customer discovery with various stakeholders, contribute to fundraising
efforts, and refine all aspects of the business strategy to bring the product to market quickly and
effectively. Seeking an undergraduate student in the business school or a master's student in
the graduate school of business.