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Organoid Intelligence

What is the ambitious goal of this project?

Development of ethical frameworks to guide generation of neuron organoids that can interface and control engineered muscle constructs.

College of Engineering (COEN), Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering (MBE), Gunes Uzer’s Mechanical Adaptations Lab, photo by Priscilla Grover

Experience Gained

  • Understand and develop strategies for a new field of science called organoid intelligence. i.e. using biological systems for computation.
  • Basics of cell culture methods
  • Molecular Biology
  • Design and construction of 3D cellular systems
  • Design and construction of multi-layered electronic systems
  • Coding skills for signal processing and machine learning
  • Development of computational digital twin models for mechanical and electrical characterization
  • Developing a comprehensive ethics framework surrounding the organoid intelligence

Preferred Preparation

It is preferred that students who enroll in this VIP have taken at least one 200 level course in a Biology, Engineering, Computer Science, Sciences, Math and Humanities and Social Science discipline.

Majors and Interests Needed

  • Anthropology
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomolecular PhD Program
  • Chemistry-Biochemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Materials Science & Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Sociology

VIP Coach Information

Gunes Uzer, PhD, (gunesuzer@boisestate.edu) is a bioengineer who is an expert in developing automated bioreactor systems for tissue analog 3D culture systems.

Don Winiecki, EdD, PhD, is a sociologist, instructional technologist, and applied ethicist with a focus on technology, technological development processes, and the influences of technology on society and its members.

Sophia Theodossiou, PhD, is a biomedical engineer with a research focus on musculoskeletal tissue engineering and biomaterial development.

Clare Fitzpatrick, PhD, is a computational biomedical engineer with a focus on developing simulations to understand the mechanisms of orthopaedic injury and disease and improve treatment options and patient outcomes.

Ben Johnson, PhD, is a leader in sensor development, neuronal electronics and microfabrication.

Course Information

VIP  200, VIP 400, VIP 401, or VIP 500.
Full semester course.

Team meeting time: TBD (based on availability of students who sign up)

Interested in joining this team?

For more information and to request a permission number to register, contact Dr. Gunes Uzer at gunesuzer@boisestate.edu for a permission number.

You may also complete this interest form and someone will contact you.
Check out this page for tips on contacting a professor.

To register: search by Subject: Vertically Integrated Projects, read the project description to find the right section of  VIP 200, 400, 401, or 500. Use permission number, here are instructions Add with a permission number