Medicine and engineering unite in University of Illinois cancer research
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is advancing cancer research by merging medicine and engineering expertise. Professors Dr. King and Stephen Boppart discussed their initiatives on Community Voices, focusing on producing uniform 3D tumor models for research testing and developing enhanced optical imaging technologies. These innovations aim to improve surgical precision in cancer cell removal, potentially transforming cancer treatment and research approaches. Discussion available here.
Building a better cancer tumor
Scientists clone cancer cells from patient biopsies in 2D cultures on flat surfaces, unlike 3D tumors in humans, and although 3D tumor models exist, they lack consistency across labs, limiting cancer research. Dr. King leads a project funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health to improve the creation of 3D tumors using robotics and advanced imaging. This initiative, starting with a common type of breast cancer, seeks to develop a scalable digital manufacturing platform that can eventually be used for various cancers, including rare and understudied types, overcoming current limitations in cancer research automation and scalability. Press available here.
ARPA-H project to pioneer rapid manufacturing of tumor models
Dr. King is spearheading a $21 million project funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop a novel platform for manufacturing 3D tumor models. These advanced models, superior to traditional two-dimensional cultures, will use artificial intelligence, robotics, and vision systems to replicate cancer behaviors more accurately. The project, which includes co-PI Rohit Bhargava and support from the Grainger College of Engineering, aims to enhance the accessibility of 3D tumor models for personalized medicine and medical research, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment and research methodologies. Press available here.
Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute to serve defense, other sectors
The Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) has been launched to drive advancements in the defense and manufacturing sectors across the Midwest, through a partnership involving Western Illinois University, the University of Illinois System, and Iowa State University. Spearheading research and workforce development in advanced manufacturing and materials, QCMI aims to foster collaboration with the U.S. Army Rock Island Arsenal and regional businesses. Researchers, including Dr. King are involved in developing new materials to enhance military protection, underscoring QCMI’s role in promoting innovation and economic growth in the region. Press available here.
King begins term on ASME Board of Governors
Dr. King has been elected to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Board of Governors for the FY 2024-27 term. As part of the board, King will help guide ASME’s strategic plans through various committees. A distinguished member and ASME Fellow since 2011, King’s accolades include the Bergles-Rohsenow Young Investigator Award, Gustus-Larson Memorial Award, and the 2023 William T. Ennor Manufacturing Technology Award, highlighting his significant contributions to the field. Press available here.
King receives highest campus honor for faculty mentoring
Dr. King was recently honored with the 2024 Campus Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring, recognizing his exceptional commitment to the professional and personal development of his mentees. Nominated by Professor Sameh Tawfick and supported by numerous colleagues, King was acknowledged for his personalized guidance, career advice, and empathetic support. He was celebrated at the university’s Celebration of Academic Service and Leadership Excellence on May 14. Press available here.
King wins top ASME award for manufacturing achievements
Dr. King has been awarded the 2023 ASME William T. Ennor Manufacturing Technology Award, the highest honor for manufacturing-related engineering. King was recognized for his significant contributions to innovative manufacturing technologies, particularly his leadership at the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) and his role as co-founder and Chief Scientist at Fast Radius Inc., where his work has influenced the manufacturing sector globally. His research has led to 20 U.S. patents and advancements in digital manufacturing, nanometer-scale measurement, and high-resolution dimensional metrology. Press available here.
Five Grainger Engineers are investigators in 2024 MURIs including one principal investigator
Grainger Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is participating in four 2024 Multi-University Research Initiatives (MURIs) funded by the U.S. Department of Defense. These initiatives support interdisciplinary research teams across multiple institutions. Among the Illinois researchers, professors Bill King and Nenad Miljkovic will apply machine learning to improve phase change heat transfer systems. Each project is awarded $1.5 million annually for three years, with potential for extension, underlining the competitive and impactful nature of these research endeavors. Press available here.
The Grainger College of Engineering and Carle Health demonstrate working prototype of emergency ventilator for COVID-19 patients
A team led by Dr. King has produced a prototype emergency ventilator to help address the expected surge in the need for respiratory care associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Illinois RapidVent, as the emergency ventilator is known, would plug into the oxygen source available in most hospital rooms or could plug into a tank of oxygen. The prototype has run for more than 75 hours, which is more than 125,000 breathing cycles. Over this time, the device delivered the amount of oxygen necessary and the pressure that patients would need when they are unable to breathe well enough on their own. So far, focused testing in the laboratory shows equivalent performance to commercial products—which are in very short supply. Press available here.
MechSE researchers demonstrate new capability for electronics cooling using additive manufacturing
Researchers at Dr. King’s group have demonstrated a new type of air jet cooler that overcomes previous barriers to jet cooling systems. Using additive manufacturing, the researchers created an air jet cooling system in a single component that can direct high-speed air onto multiple electronics hot spots. The researchers manufactured the cooling system from strong polymer materials that can withstand the harsh conditions associated with high-speed air jets. The paper, “Air Jet Impingement Cooling of Electronic Devices Using Additively Manufactured Nozzles,” was published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging, and Manufacturing Technology.
Weisensee making big strides early in academic career
Dr. Patricia Weisensee, formerly of Dr. King’s research group, earned her PhD in mechanical engineering from Illinois in December of 2016 and just one month later she had joined Washington University in St. Louis as an assistant professor. Now leading her own research program, Weisensee studies the interactions of liquids and solids for energy applications. Focusing on experimental study, most of her research is fundamental and in turn has a vast array of possible applications. In this past year, many exciting developments have taken shape for her research group. The lab has had two papers published, with a third in review – and one of those papers even made the cover of the journal, Soft Matter. Weisensee also won National Science Foundation funding to study droplet nucleation and condensation on lubricant infused surfaces, a NASA Early Career Award for the development of a liquid metal heating switch to use on spacecraft, and a grant from the American Chemical Society to study the effect of heat transfer on the development of flow fields in microporous media.
King’s company only “Lighthouse” honoree in U.S.
Fast Radius, for which MechSE professor Bill King is Chief Scientist, was named a Manufacturing Lighthouse by the World Economic Forum. There were only nine companies worldwide selected for this honor, out of 1,000 companies considered. These Manufacturing Lighthouse companies are using digital manufacturing technologies at scale. Fast Radius was selected because of its ability to accelerate new product development and production, using additive manufacturing and data analytics. It was the only company selected in North America; the others are in Europe and China. Press available here.