Research
Yang Lab: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Date: May-July 2025
This summer I engineered microfluidic devices to generate and control microdroplets with precise size, composition, and placement. I intergrated 3D design, soft lithography, and surface chemistry techniques to fabricate channels and manipulate fluid dynamics for both single and double emulsions, successfully producing microcapsules.
Microfluidic Channel Designs
I created custom microfluidic channel molds in SOLIDWORKS, which I later fabricated using 3D printing. The raised geometries form the negative space of the channels. During my research, I constructed multiple designs with varying channel widths and heights, studying how these geometric parameters influenced droplet formation and size. This design process allowed me to optimize channel dimensions for specific experimental needs.
Lab Equipment
CABLE HOLDER
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This holder was designed for the microscope room to organize and secure cables. The top features precision slots that keep cables separated and fixed in place, preventing interference during ultrasound experiments. Proper cable management was critical to ensure that overlapping cables did not distort wave transmission. The base includes four mounting holes, allowing the device to be securely fastened to laboratory tables with pre-drilled holes.
TRANSDUCER HOLDER
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This adjustable holder was designed to mount my mentor’s focused ultrasound transducer onto our 3D printer setup. Because the transducers varied in size, I designed an adaptable system with movable side supports that could be repositioned to fit different dimensions. The base includes thin planks that elevate and stabilize the device, allowing precise alignment over the target cells. I developed this design independently based on my mentor’s functional requirements, taking measurements of multiple transducers and translating them into a modular solution that could be reused for future experiments.
PENN HOLDER
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This component was designed to attach a pen to the 3D printer, enabling it to act as a calibration tool. With the mounted pen, I programmed the printer to draw straight lines, circles, and test patterns on paper, verifying both the accuracy of the printer’s motion system and the functionality of our Python control scripts. This simple yet effective attachment allowed us to validate motion precision before transitioning to more complex experimental setups.
SYRINGE PUMP STAND​
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Throughout the summer, I conducted experiments using syringe pumps to drive liquid through the microchannels. To ensure proper alignment with the microscope, I designed a custom stand that elevated the syringe pump to the correct height. The stand provided a stable and secure platform for the pump, preventing vibration and ensuring consistent flow during imaging and droplet generation experiments.
