Dr. Liz Wayne, host of the Office Hours podcast, is joined by Dr. Michelle Oyen, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Wayne State University, for an in-depth discussion on pregnancy through an engineering lens. Oyen shares how biomechanics, materials science, and data analysis are transforming our understanding of pregnancy, from placental development to preterm birth—the leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. Together, they explore the mechanical properties of the amniotic sac, how environmental factors like atmospheric pressure can influence birth outcomes, and why pregnancy remains one of the most understudied areas in medicine. The conversation highlights both the challenges of researching pregnancy and the powerful role biomedical engineering can play in advancing women’s and maternal health.

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Linkedin: @Michelle Oyen

Links to Michelle Oyen's Work:

Engineering is Pregnant with Possibilities

Virtual Pregnancies: Predicting and Preventing Pregnancy Complications with Digital Twins

FDA Modernization Act 2.0 and Reproductive Research

As Mentioned on the Episode:
America’s Stillbirth Crisis: Before a Breath | FULL DOCUMENTARY

Music Credit: “Vlog Music Beat Trailer Showreel Promo Background Intro Theme” by Coma-Media via Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/music/beats-vlog-music-beat-trailer-showreel-promo-background-intro-theme-274290/

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Dr. Liz Wayne, host of the Office Hours podcast, is joined by Dr. Ayokunle Olanrewaju, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington, for a conversation on how microfluidics is transforming the landscape of accessible diagnostics. Dr. Olanrewaju explains the potential of microfluidic technologies in creating user-friendly diagnostic tests and discusses the fabrication challenges that often hinder progress. Drawing from his upbringing in Nigeria, Dr. Olanrewaju shares why accessible diagnostics matter deeply to him, emphasizing the importance of designing solutions that align with real-world needs. He also offers insight into his ongoing projects, including antiviral drug monitoring platforms and collaborations with researchers across disciplines to advance global health innovation.

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Bluesky: @olan.bsky.social
Linkedin: @Ayokunle O.

Links to Ayokunle Olanrewaju's Work:
Dr. Olanrewaju Lab
Olanrewaju earns NIH Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award
microTAStic: Ayo Olanrewaju on POC Dx to Monitor Antiretroviral Drugs

Music Credit: “Vlog Music Beat Trailer Showreel Promo Background Intro Theme” by Coma-Media via Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/music/beats-vlog-music-beat-trailer-showreel-promo-background-intro-theme-274290/

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Dr. Liz Wayne, host of the Office Hours Host podcast, is joined by Dr. Collin Bowersock, Principal Scientist at Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute at Oklahoma State University, to discuss the mechanics of human movement and the future of rehabilitation engineering. Bowersock dives into his research on motor control, spinal cord injury recovery, and adaptive devices designed to support individuals with cerebral palsy and other movement disorders. They explore how personalized rehabilitation, AI-driven insights, and emerging gene-editing technologies are reshaping care.

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Linkedin: @Collin Bowersock

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Work with Early Running and Biomechanics

1. Independent Effects of Step Length and Foot Strike Pattern on Tibiofemoral Joint Forces During Running
2. Reduced Step Length Reduces Knee Joint Contact Forces During Running Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction but Does Not Alter Inter-Limb Asymmetry

Work with Spinal Cord Rehabilitation

1. Standing Reactive Postural Responses of Lower Limbs With and Without Self-Balance Assistance in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury Receiving Epidural Stimulation
2. Robotic Upright Stand Trainer (RobUST) and Postural Control in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Work with Exoskeletons

1. Differential and Adjustable Stiffness Leaf Spring Ankle Foot Orthoses Enhance Gait Propulsion and Task Versatility in Cerebral Palsy
2. Feasibility of Using Autonomous Ankle Exoskeletons to Augment Community Walking in Cerebral Palsy
3. A Lightweight Powered Elbow Exoskeleton for Manual Handling Tasks

Music Credit: “Vlog Music Beat Trailer Showreel Promo Background Intro Theme” by Coma-Media via Pixabay
https://pixabay.com/music/beats-vlog-music-beat-trailer-showreel-promo-background-intro-theme-274290/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Office Hours with Liz Wayne wherever you get your podcasts.