2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Conducting an International Med-IoT Project under the Innovation-Based Learning Model

Presented at AI, Technology, and Data-Driven Learning in Biomedical Engineering

This article describes a new trend in engineering education using the Innovation-Based Learning (IBL) model to deliver instruction in a biomedical engineering course and to evaluate student output in the form of value impacts. The University of North Dakota Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department has implemented the IBL approach to cultivating students' innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills, surpassing traditional memorization-focused methods. IBL encourages active student engagement through exploration, questioning, and practical application of knowledge to address real-world challenges. It introduces a new pedagogy that is being used to deliver engineering fundamental concepts while providing students with the skills and experience necessary for success in future careers. Students engage in collaborative teamwork on an engineering innovation project and apply concepts learned in their classes. Project team members are students from different BME courses comprising of a combination of undergraduate, graduate, on campus, or remote students.

This article highlights the experience and outcomes of students participating in an international IBL design engineering project, conducted across multiple continents to design and develop a Medical Internet of Things (Med-IoT) biomedical device. International collaboration can experience several challenges, such as language barriers, local resource management, device setup, hardware and software integration, calibration variance across multiple test setups, and higher reliance on individual skill sets. In this case study paper, data is analyzed from feedback acquired through semi-structured interviews and an evaluation of the research impacts produced by a focus group participating in the IBL project. As a result, recommendations for best practices for students entering the IBL program are discussed on how various challenges can be addressed throughout the process.

Authors

Mr. Victor Tsui http://orcid.org/0009-0008-8023-4101 University of North Dakota [biography]

Victor Tsui is a Professional Chemical Engineer and a multidisciplinary biomedical engineer by train for over 30 years in biotech companies in San Francisco Bay Area. Victor graduated from Hong Kong Polytechnics University and University of Wisconsin with a master’s degree in engineering. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in computer science and certificate in project management.
Victor is a co-founder for “Powder Pharmaceuticals” a needle-free drug delivery device manufacturing in Hong Kong. The first new drug GMP manufacturing of the Lidocaine injector for local anesthetic is approved by FDA. He is developing a lower cost Colorimetric Continuous Glucose Monitor and other medical devices.
Mr. Kordell Mitchell Bernaldez Tan http://orcid.org/0009-0006-0576-2807 University of North Dakota [biography]

Kordell is a professional engineer and PhD student in biomedical engineering at the University of North Dakota, with several years of experience designing and developing medical devices.
Dr. Enrique Alvarez Vazquez http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7257-0817 University of North Dakota [biography]

Dr. Enrique Alvarez Vazquez is an assistant professor in the biomedical engineering program at the University of North Dakota (UND), with prior experience as a computer systems engineer at the Center for Visual and Cognitive Neuroscience (CVCN). He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from North Dakota State University (NDSU), along with expertise in telecommunications, software engineering, and college teaching.

Dr. Alvarez Vazquez specializes in biomedical engineering, with research interests spanning digital/analog communications, embedded systems, computer programming, and systems design. His work includes developing advanced devices for multisensory, psychophysical, and vestibular research. Recently, his focus has expanded to health informatics, digital health, and software engineering.

With an extensive publication record and proficiency in various software languages, Dr. Alvarez Vazquez is deeply passionate about advancing engineering education.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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