I am part of a small engineering team that produces prototypes and software for the purpose of automating experiments and processes at the OSU SARL lab. Please take a moment to watch the videos detailing some of our current projects. The Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory (SARL) is the central facility of the Aquatic Biomedical Models Facility Core (as well as Project 3 – Systems Approach to Define Toxicity of Complex PAH Mixtures with SRP). SARL is a unique national and international resource that continues to grow in size and capabilities. You can read more about Dr. Tanguay’s work here.
SARL Dechorionator
The “Dechorionator,” a first of its kind machine that removes the outer shell from a Zebrafish embryo. This project is fully operational in the field at both SARL and the US Army Center for Environmental Health Research. My role was to develop the firmware for the machine. I was also responsible for creating the final user documentation for the project.
Skills learned: Advanced stepper motor control, brushless pump control, fluidics, Atmel Studio, XMEGA.
SARL Eggdicator
The “Eggdicator” is a computer vision system that evaluates Zebrafish embryos at the very early stages of life. The machine replaces the task of sorting freshly harvested embryos. My role in the project was to design the PCB, develop the firmware for the mechanical systems, develop the GUI, and I was the Project Manager of the three ECE student team.
Skills learned: Jetson TX2, Eagle, Computer Vision, openCV, macro photography, fluidics, DC solenoid control.
SARL Shuttlebox Behavioural System
The “Shuttlebox Behavioral System” is a multi-station behavioral experiment that tests Zebrafish reactions to light and current. My role was to develop new software to control a hardware revision and expansion. I designed a GUI to control the experiment stations. It was my responsibility to update the firmware of the physical stations to accommodate the hardware revision. I also provided user documentation for the system.
Skills learned: pyQT, multithreading, signals and slots, Altium Designer.