Project Title - Machine Learning for Blood Viscosity & Cell Deformation

Project Description
The complex dynamics of cell motion & deformation are important in many microfluidics and cell
biomechanics applications. These dynamics depend on parameters such as fluid viscosity ratio, shear
rate and cell membrane properties. The resultant inter-cell interactions impact hydrodynamic
diffusion and viscosity. Current numerical models fully resolve each cell which is expensive, or use
simplified transport & rheological properties, which can be inaccurate. This project will use machine
learning to infer more accurate blood viscosity and cell properties for improved modelling.

Learning Outcomes for Students

1. Student will acquire experience working with widely used general purpose scripting languages
such as Python and Tensorflow.
2. Student should be able to explain how machine learning models such as neural networks work,
and be able to write code to implement said techniques. This should be transferable skills for any
future projects the student might be interested in.
3. The student will also learn to run and interpret numerical simulation results (computational fluid
dynamics in this project).

Roles and Responsibilies of Student

1) Literature review
2) Processing and analysis of numerical simulation results for a single cell and suspension of cells at
different shear rates in flow
3) Write and train an ML model to predict deformation for a single cell for different shear rates in
flow
4) Write and train an ML model to predict viscosity for a suspension of blood cells at different shear
rates in flow

Students' pre-requisites
1. Able to read literature and do literature review.
2. Familiar with Python programming.
3. Knowledge of data analytics/engineering.

Job Description for Student

1) Literature review
2) Processing and analysis of numerical simulation results for a single cell and suspension of cells at
different shear rates in flow
3) Write and train an ML model to predict deformation for a single cell for different shear rates in
flow
4) Write and train an ML model to predict viscosity for a suspension of blood cells at different shear
rates in flow
Project Title - Physics-Informed NNs for Modelling Engineering Systems
Project Description
Seemingly simple differential equations can give rise to many complex phenomena in nature of
relevance to engineering (e.g. chemical reactions / phase separation). Inferring the exact parameters
or reactions that describe these systems from limited data observations is very computationally
expensive and difficult, although such derived models will be extremely useful. We will investigate
the dual use of physics-informed neural networks and symbolic regression as a faster route to such
discovery in a model system.

Learning Outcomes for Students

1. Student will acquire experience working with widely used general purpose scripting languages
such as Python and Tensorflow.
2. Student will learn how neural networks work, and be able to implement such models.
3. Student will also learn basics of numerical simulation, including basic finite difference, and be
able to implement said models.

Roles and Responsibilies of Student

1. Implement and run Python code for parametric simulation of different engineering systems.
2. Implement and run Python code for the NN-based inverse models for engineering systems.

Students' pre-requisites
1. Able to read literature and do literature review.
2. Familiar with Python programming.
3. Knowledge of data science and basic differential equations.

Job Description for Student

1) Literature review
2) Numerical simulation of different ODE/PDE-governed engineering systems (e.g. chemical
reactions)
3) Train a neural network for inference of parameters giving rise to specific reaction systems based
on simulated data from (2)
Project Title - Pharmaceutical crystallization
Project Description
More than 80% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) come as crystals. For example, Panadol
tablets contains fine paracetamol crystals in them. The quality attributes of these crystals must be
tightly controlled, such as purity, particle shape and size, chirality, polymorphism, etc., for
appropriate therapeutic effects. These attributes are defined by crystallization processes. Various
challenges and issues may arise during crystallization development. In this project, the students will
deal with some frequent challenges such as oiling out.

Learning Outcomes for Students

The students will get a systematic training in characterization of crystal products and process
development of crystallization, theoretically and practically. After completing this internship, they
will know how to analyze issues with crystals products and relate crystal quality attributes to
crystallization processes. The students will get a real taste of what crystallization research is like.
Furthermore, the students will be well equipped for a career in pharmaceutical industries as
Singapore is manufacturing hub of pharmaceuticals.

Roles and Responsibilies of Student

(1) reading books on crystallization and discussion with the supervisor, (2) conduct experiments, (3)
compile and analyze experimental data, (4) report writing.

Students' pre-requisites
Background in chemical engineering or chemistry. Passion for research and paying attention to
details. Able to write clear technical report.

Job Description for Student

For the first four to six weeks, a few books and references will be assigned for the students to read.
At the same time, they will learn to use instruments and devices for crystallization research. After
that they will start working projects. They are expected to summarize their work every week and
have frequent discussions with the supervisor.