Brendan Otani

Academic Qualifications:

B.S. Physics, Willamette University, 2023

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, 2023

Biography:

Brendan Otani is a current graduate student in the Hong Chen Ultrasound Lab. He earned his Bachelor degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering concurrently through the Washington University Dual Degree Engineering Program. Brendan has research experience through his undergraduate studies and over two summer research programs in myosin VI biophysics, ex vivo device design for abdominal hernia repair, and 3D-bioprinted biological scaffolds for volumetric muscle loss rehabilitation.

He worked as a pivotal member in the Neurotech@WashU design club to give experience to and inspire undergraduate students to learn about neurotechnology through device and software development, which has since been absorbed by WashU Robotics.

During his time in the Chen Ultrasound Lab, Brendan worked on a 2D simulation for the glymphatic system to study fluid flow as a tool to aid in discovering the potential use of focused ultrasound to stimulate waste clearance for neurodegenerative disease prevention. His interest was in the use and development of tools for disease diagnosis and treatment, and how disease affects the biomechanical properties of various tissues in the body.

Brendan will receive his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering in December 2024, and is currently in the Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. program in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.