INTRODUCTION

Dr. JiYong Lee joined the University of St. Thomas as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in Fall 2024. Prior to this, he earned his B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from YONSEI University in 2014 and 2020, respectively, with his PhD research focusing on 'Implantable Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems for Cardiovascular Diseases'. In Fall 2021, Dr. Lee was awarded a prestigious grant from the Korean Government (KHIDI), which enabled him to join the University of Minnesota as a Visiting Scholar in the department of Mechanical Engineering. He continued his research there as a Postdoctoral Associate until Fall 2024, during which he conducted micro 3D Printing & Neuroscience research on '3D Printed High-density Multifunctional Brain Windows for Simultaneous Optical Imaging and Electrophysiology'.

Dr. Lee's research expertise encompasses 3D Printing, 3D Design & Modeling, Biomedical Devices, Micro/Nano Fabrication and Manufacturing, and Biomaterials. His research areas include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices, Biodegradable Pressure and Motion Sensors, Conductive Silk Fibroin Bioink, Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems, and Multifunctional Brain Windows. Through his work, Dr. Lee is dedicated to advancing the integration of cutting-edge technologies with biomedical applications, contributing to innovative solutions in healthcare.

BIO

Kyle Bauer began his studies at the University of St. Thomas in 2025 after studying Biomedical Engineering for two years at UW - Eau Claire. At St. Thomas, he is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering. Kyle is a Dean's List student, a member of the Biomedical Engineering Club, and an APEX Scholar. He has engineering experience in medical device manufacturing, including injection molding, CNC machining, and automated assembly. His interests include medical device design and innovation, with a particular interest in biomechanics and advanced manufacturing.

BIO

Simon Garcia Salmeron studies Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Biomedical Engineering at the University of St. Thomas. As a Davis UWC Scholar, he brings a global perspective and humanitarian focus to his work — emphasizing durable, accessible biomedical solutions. Within the Lee Research Group, he develops porous piezoelectric sensors to measure tissue stiffness, with the broader goal of creating effective diagnostic tools for the early detection of cardiovascular disease.

BIO

Mikayla Gillard is an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Sustainability at the University of St. Thomas. As member of the Aquinas Honors Program, Delta Epsilon Sigma (ΔΕΣ), and Omicron Delta Kappa (ΟΔΚ) honor societies, she is also involved in the UST chapter of ASME and served in leadership within the UST Swing Dance Club. As a researcher in our research group, Mikayla was awarded a UST Collaborative Inquiry Grant and presented her research at 3M. Her academic work lies at the intersection of mechanical engineering, materials science, and biomedical applications, with a long-term focus on developing innovative healthcare technologies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

BIO

Layne Kology is a Mechanical Engineering major at the University of St. Thomas. He began his studies at St. Thomas in 2024 after transferring from Lewis University. Outside of the classroom, Layne is a two-time captain of the men’s lacrosse team, where he has developed strong leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. His passion for sustainable, human-first engineering solutions has led him to explore how mechanical design and biomedical technology can improve people’s quality of life. With a growing interest in materials, product design, and medical device innovation, Layne hopes to contribute to engineering solutions that are practical, reliable, and centered around the needs of the people they serve.

BIO

Logan Kozlowski has complemented his academic work with experiences spanning engineering research, medical device development, and student leadership. Beyond his coursework, he has explored the applications of virtual reality in mechanical engineering by developing immersive simulations of dynamic systems for engineering education and design visualization. He has also gained hands-on experience in the medical device industry as an R&D Engineering Intern with Integer Holdings’ Cardio & Vascular division, contributing to the development of catheter-based cardiovascular devices. As a founder and Co-President of the UST Biomedical Engineering Club, he helps create opportunities for students to engage with biomedical engineering through professional events, collaborative projects, and connections with healthcare organizations. These experiences have strengthened his interest in applying engineering to the development of practical, patient-centered healthcare technologies.

BIO

Cora Schuller began her studies at the University of St. Thomas in 2025 with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Biomedical Engineering. She is a member of the Aquinas Honors Program. Cora is enthusiastic about biomechanics and its applications in understanding and improving human movement. By combining mechanical and biomedical engineering principles, she hopes to contribute to technologies that enhance mobility and quality of life.