Meet SUSMED Research Fellows.
2nd Cohort SUSMED Fellow (from Aug 2025)
Aaron Huang
PhD Candidate, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Aaron’s focus area is developing wearable haptic devices for patient care.
Aaron received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University.
Modern neural interface devices are often designed as centralized systems, where each actuator node is physically interconnected in an array and is powered by a single system-on-a-chip. This design approach, however, presents three challenges: (1) it is limited in the amount of coverage across the skin due to physical constraints of the device, (2) the design is unsustainable as the entire electronic system to be replaced if any part fails, and (3) the monolithic design lacks customizability that addresses the distinct physiological characteristics and unique needs of everyone. These challenges convey the need for a modular, distributed network of haptic nodes that can utilize the full engagement of the skin. As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in creating a modular, distributed network of neural interface haptic devices integrated with breathable, skin-conformable textiles that will serve as a unique biomedical therapeutic system and ultimately improve patient care.
Aaron received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University.
Modern neural interface devices are often designed as centralized systems, where each actuator node is physically interconnected in an array and is powered by a single system-on-a-chip. This design approach, however, presents three challenges: (1) it is limited in the amount of coverage across the skin due to physical constraints of the device, (2) the design is unsustainable as the entire electronic system to be replaced if any part fails, and (3) the monolithic design lacks customizability that addresses the distinct physiological characteristics and unique needs of everyone. These challenges convey the need for a modular, distributed network of haptic nodes that can utilize the full engagement of the skin. As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in creating a modular, distributed network of neural interface haptic devices integrated with breathable, skin-conformable textiles that will serve as a unique biomedical therapeutic system and ultimately improve patient care.
Aidan McMahon
MS Candidate, Industrial Design, College of Design
Aidan’s focus is on exploring the integration of kinetic, bio-inspired design elements into workspaces that can enhance attention restoration in demanding academic environments.
Aidan received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering for the Loyola Marymount, University, Los Angeles.
As a part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in advancing interactive solutions by incorporating sensors to enhance users engagement. His work investigates how sensing technologies can deepen user engagement and provide real-time feedback in demanding environments. Ultimately, he aims to create design solutions that not only restore mental fatigue but also demonstrate new pathways for merging technology with human well-being.
Aidan received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering for the Loyola Marymount, University, Los Angeles.
As a part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in advancing interactive solutions by incorporating sensors to enhance users engagement. His work investigates how sensing technologies can deepen user engagement and provide real-time feedback in demanding environments. Ultimately, he aims to create design solutions that not only restore mental fatigue but also demonstrate new pathways for merging technology with human well-being.
Antonio Varagnolo
PhD Candidate, Computational Science and Engineering
Antonio’s research revolves around accelerating scientific discovery and engineering design tasks under data scarcity and budget constraints with the use of Scientific Machine Learning.
Antonio received a B.S. in Economics and Computer Science from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. He then went on pursuing a M.S. degree at Georgia Tech with a double major in Computational Science and Engineering, and Mathematics, before transferring in 2025 to the PhD program.
As part of the SUSMED program, Antonio is interested in improving the effectiveness and sustainability of chemical sensing devices that exploit capillary electrophoresis through data-driven end-to-end optimization. Building on this foundation, he seeks to advance the data-driven modeling of the human metabolome, exploring how shifts in metabolic profiles reveal underlying diseases and conditions. Together, this work could represent an initial step toward creating integrated hardware and software for a digital clone of the human metabolome.
Antonio received a B.S. in Economics and Computer Science from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. He then went on pursuing a M.S. degree at Georgia Tech with a double major in Computational Science and Engineering, and Mathematics, before transferring in 2025 to the PhD program.
As part of the SUSMED program, Antonio is interested in improving the effectiveness and sustainability of chemical sensing devices that exploit capillary electrophoresis through data-driven end-to-end optimization. Building on this foundation, he seeks to advance the data-driven modeling of the human metabolome, exploring how shifts in metabolic profiles reveal underlying diseases and conditions. Together, this work could represent an initial step toward creating integrated hardware and software for a digital clone of the human metabolome.
Courtney Young
PhD Candidate, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Courtney’s focus area is human-robot interaction.
Courtney received a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Nebraska.
In the SUSMED program, she is interested in incorporating sustainable solutions into her research as well as expanding her knowledge of medical devices for future projects.
Courtney received a B.S. in Computer Engineering from the University of Nebraska.
In the SUSMED program, she is interested in incorporating sustainable solutions into her research as well as expanding her knowledge of medical devices for future projects.
Oliver Wu
PhD Candidate, Psychology
Oliver’s focus area is attempting construct computational models that describe the changes in auditary processes in population with visual impairment.
Oliver received a B.S. in psychology from University of Washington, Seattle, while minoring in data science.
As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in how models of vision and audition can be used in developing prosthese that directly interface with human brain. More specifically, he is attempting to describe the changes in the brain by comparing fMRI and EEG data from normally sighted and visually impaired individual to better understand the cross-model plasticity of the brain. Through these understanding, prosthese can be developed to directly stimulate the neurons in visually impaired population that simulate neuronal activation of normally sighted people.
Oliver received a B.S. in psychology from University of Washington, Seattle, while minoring in data science.
As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in how models of vision and audition can be used in developing prosthese that directly interface with human brain. More specifically, he is attempting to describe the changes in the brain by comparing fMRI and EEG data from normally sighted and visually impaired individual to better understand the cross-model plasticity of the brain. Through these understanding, prosthese can be developed to directly stimulate the neurons in visually impaired population that simulate neuronal activation of normally sighted people.
Julia Byrne
MS Candidate, Industrial Design
Julia’s focus area is sustainable design for user-centered, humanistic products.
Julia graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Creative Writing from Emory University in 2020 and has since written, produced, and designed for theater and film. She completed the certificate year of the MID program last semester and is continuing to her masters in industrial design.
Because medical devices must be redesigned for greater sustainability, Julia hopes to take the opportunity to also reevaluate and redesign how they communicate and interact with the healthcare workers and patients who use them. As part of the SUSMED program, she will gain practical experience with the principles for sustainable design and apply them for the benefit of users as well as the planet.
Julia graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Creative Writing from Emory University in 2020 and has since written, produced, and designed for theater and film. She completed the certificate year of the MID program last semester and is continuing to her masters in industrial design.
Because medical devices must be redesigned for greater sustainability, Julia hopes to take the opportunity to also reevaluate and redesign how they communicate and interact with the healthcare workers and patients who use them. As part of the SUSMED program, she will gain practical experience with the principles for sustainable design and apply them for the benefit of users as well as the planet.
Sixuan Wu
PhD Candidate, School of Interactive Computing
Sixuan’s focus area is leveraging computer vision and AI to improve clinical decision process and disease long term monitoring.
Sixuan received a B.S. in Computer Science from University of Toronto.
As part of the SUSMed program, he is interested in reimagining how sustainable microfluidic chip devices can be used for chronic kidney disease diagnosis.
Sixuan received a B.S. in Computer Science from University of Toronto.
As part of the SUSMed program, he is interested in reimagining how sustainable microfluidic chip devices can be used for chronic kidney disease diagnosis.
Yun Hwang
MS Candidate, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering
Yun’s focus area is developing biomedical devices using microfabrication and advanced sensor integration to monitor physiological signals in real time.
Yun received a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Data Science from Georgia State University, and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech.
As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in exploring how microfabrication and sensor technologies can be applied to develop sustainable biomedical devices. His focus lies in designing wearable systems that minimize material and energy costs while maximizing clinical usefulness. He seeks to contribute to healthcare innovations that balance medical impact with environmental responsibility.
Yun received a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Data Science from Georgia State University, and is currently pursuing an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech.
As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in exploring how microfabrication and sensor technologies can be applied to develop sustainable biomedical devices. His focus lies in designing wearable systems that minimize material and energy costs while maximizing clinical usefulness. He seeks to contribute to healthcare innovations that balance medical impact with environmental responsibility.
Ziting Tian
PhD Candidate, Materials Science and Engineering
Ziting’s research focus is on developing stretchable batteries for wearable devices.
Ziting received a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the Ohio State University and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in developing hydrogel electrolytes and designing battery architectures for the use in stretchable batteries. The safe and stretchable batteries would be required in the area of wearable electronics. Advancing the stretchable batteries would benefit the wearable devices and medical devices in the future.
Ziting received a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the Ohio State University and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
As part of the SUSMED program, he is interested in developing hydrogel electrolytes and designing battery architectures for the use in stretchable batteries. The safe and stretchable batteries would be required in the area of wearable electronics. Advancing the stretchable batteries would benefit the wearable devices and medical devices in the future.
1st Cohort SUSMED Fellow (from Jan 2025)
Hanjun Kim
PhD candidate, Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
Hanjun’s focus area is developing intelligent prosthetic systems that enable individuals with lower limb amputation to make natural gaits across various community environments.
Hanjun received a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Korea Military Academy, Korea, and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, U.S.
As part of the SUSMED program, Hanjun is interested in developing pipielines to derive meaningful information from human biomechanics. He is focusing on developing biomimetic systems for lower limb prostheses which will replicate behaviors of healthy human. His research goal is to link general human behaviors to control parameters in various tasks.
Hanjun received a B.S. in Applied Mathematics from Korea Military Academy, Korea, and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, U.S.
As part of the SUSMED program, Hanjun is interested in developing pipielines to derive meaningful information from human biomechanics. He is focusing on developing biomimetic systems for lower limb prostheses which will replicate behaviors of healthy human. His research goal is to link general human behaviors to control parameters in various tasks.
Deemo Yu
PhD candidate, Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
Xiaoqing’s focus area is developing a multi-sensing paper-based biosensor using sustainable and renewable materials to improve health and food safety.
Xiaoqing received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
As part of the SUSMED program, she is interested in developing sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to plastic-based smart devices by functionalizing papers. She aims to investigate and develop a smart paper-based device through scalable coating processes. She seeks novel solutions by utilizing the inherent properties of paper and improving material adaptations to enhance its functionalization.
Xiaoqing received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
As part of the SUSMED program, she is interested in developing sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to plastic-based smart devices by functionalizing papers. She aims to investigate and develop a smart paper-based device through scalable coating processes. She seeks novel solutions by utilizing the inherent properties of paper and improving material adaptations to enhance its functionalization.
Jing Xie
MS candidate, Industrial Design, College of Design
Jing’s focus area is exploring sustainable material systems and 3D printing techniques to create novel interactive experiences, with a focus on soap as a new biodegradable material to promote sustainable digital fabrication.
Jing received a Bachelor of Arts and Design from Guangdong University of Technology.
As part of the SUSMED program, Jing is interested in reimagining how everyday biodegradable materials can be adapted for sustainable digital fabrication. Her current research explores soap as a novel 3D printing material to promote environmentally responsible design and fabrication practices. Through this work, she aims to expand the possibilities for sustainable materials in interactive and human-centered applications.
Jing received a Bachelor of Arts and Design from Guangdong University of Technology.
As part of the SUSMED program, Jing is interested in reimagining how everyday biodegradable materials can be adapted for sustainable digital fabrication. Her current research explores soap as a novel 3D printing material to promote environmentally responsible design and fabrication practices. Through this work, she aims to expand the possibilities for sustainable materials in interactive and human-centered applications.
Julia Ding
PhD candidate, Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering
As an MD/PhD student with an interest in minimally invasive procedures, Julia’s focus area is leveraging technological innovation to increase accessibility of treatment options and improve patient outcomes.
She received a B.S. as a double major in Physics and MCDB (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology) from Yale University. She then worked as a postgraduate researcher studying the neural underpinnings of epilepsy before entering the MD/PhD program at Emory and Georgia Tech.
As part of the SUSMED program, Julia is interested in exploring how smart medical devices can be developed sustainably, from their initial design to their implementation and usage within healthcare. Her current project focuses on how microsensors can be used to improve drug delivery. She is passionate about smart devices that can improve patient survival and healing times to cut down on resource-intensive hospital stays and procedures.
She received a B.S. as a double major in Physics and MCDB (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology) from Yale University. She then worked as a postgraduate researcher studying the neural underpinnings of epilepsy before entering the MD/PhD program at Emory and Georgia Tech.
As part of the SUSMED program, Julia is interested in exploring how smart medical devices can be developed sustainably, from their initial design to their implementation and usage within healthcare. Her current project focuses on how microsensors can be used to improve drug delivery. She is passionate about smart devices that can improve patient survival and healing times to cut down on resource-intensive hospital stays and procedures.
Connor Pan
PhD candidate, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Connor’s research focuses on developing wireless sensing devices as part of an interdisciplinary and intersectional approach to environmental and personal health monitoring.
Connor received a B.S. and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Northwestern University and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University.
As part of the SUSMED program, Connor is interested in developing sensors for implantable “living pharmacy” bioelectronic devices to help reduce the power consumption of the device. He is currently investigating optical approaches to in vivo oxygen sensing, using a custom-designed sensor platform.
Connor received a B.S. and an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Northwestern University and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Yale University.
As part of the SUSMED program, Connor is interested in developing sensors for implantable “living pharmacy” bioelectronic devices to help reduce the power consumption of the device. He is currently investigating optical approaches to in vivo oxygen sensing, using a custom-designed sensor platform.
David Chong
MS candidate, Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
David’s focus area is developing microneedle EEG sensors for the purpose of rehabilitation in BCI.
David received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and a minor in Electrical Engineering.
As part of the SUSMED program, David is interested microneedle EEG can reshape the future of BCI for real-world applications. While maintaining a low-profile form factor, he is determined to design a sensor system applicable to everyday usage as it relates to soft robotics and rehabilitation. His design aims to incorporate sustainable techniques for repeatable fabrication and longterm use.
David received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology and a minor in Electrical Engineering.
As part of the SUSMED program, David is interested microneedle EEG can reshape the future of BCI for real-world applications. While maintaining a low-profile form factor, he is determined to design a sensor system applicable to everyday usage as it relates to soft robotics and rehabilitation. His design aims to incorporate sustainable techniques for repeatable fabrication and longterm use.
Gao Yingting
PhD candidate, Interactive Computing, College of Computing
Yingting’s focus area is the co-design of sustainable materials, leveraging material agency to enhance dialogue between materials and humans, and fostering more-than-human practices and reflections.
Yingting received a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Central South University in China, and an M.A. in Information Art and Design from Tsinghua University, China.
As part of the SUSMED program, she explores how to activate the agency of natural materials—specifically, loofah—by iterating prototypes that leverage its porous structure, water-absorption expansion, and rich tactile qualities. By embedding natural indicators such as red cabbage powder, tea polyphenols, thermochromic powder, and UV-responsive pigments, she enables loofah to directly respond to environmental changes. Through these dynamic shifts in color and texture, information is conveyed to the senses, facilitating material-mediated, nonverbal dialogue.
Yingting received a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from Central South University in China, and an M.A. in Information Art and Design from Tsinghua University, China.
As part of the SUSMED program, she explores how to activate the agency of natural materials—specifically, loofah—by iterating prototypes that leverage its porous structure, water-absorption expansion, and rich tactile qualities. By embedding natural indicators such as red cabbage powder, tea polyphenols, thermochromic powder, and UV-responsive pigments, she enables loofah to directly respond to environmental changes. Through these dynamic shifts in color and texture, information is conveyed to the senses, facilitating material-mediated, nonverbal dialogue.
Dahee Sophie Kim
MS/PhD candidate, Industrial Design, College of Design
Dahee’s focus area is designing and developing accessible and multimodal health communication systems to support clinicians by exploring tactile interfaces and conversational agents.
She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Design from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has worked as a dental assistant at a pro-bono dental office and as an innovation design and research intern at Porsche, Samsung, GTRI, and Delta Air Lines.
As part of the SUSMED program, Dahee is interested in the sustainable design and development of smart medical devices through participatory design. Her current project focuses on the ethical creation and deployment of emerging technologies through a human-centered, socio-technical lens. She is currently exploring ways to better understand clinical systems and workflows from the ophthalmologist’s perspective—applying evidence-based, human-centered design to improve patient experience, particularly for blind or low vision patients.
She holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Design from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has worked as a dental assistant at a pro-bono dental office and as an innovation design and research intern at Porsche, Samsung, GTRI, and Delta Air Lines.
As part of the SUSMED program, Dahee is interested in the sustainable design and development of smart medical devices through participatory design. Her current project focuses on the ethical creation and deployment of emerging technologies through a human-centered, socio-technical lens. She is currently exploring ways to better understand clinical systems and workflows from the ophthalmologist’s perspective—applying evidence-based, human-centered design to improve patient experience, particularly for blind or low vision patients.