Current Research Projects

    Exploring the intersections of engineering, design, medicine, and human cognition to solve real-world problems.

    Central Line Simulation
    ActiveFunded by NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

    Central Line Simulation

    Dynamic haptic robotic training for central venous catheter insertion

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    Overview

    Successful training of medical residents to perform Central Venous Catheter (CVC) placement is of critical importance to ensure patient safety. Mechanical complications including arterial puncture, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and failed puncture commonly occur in CVC procedures. This project develops, explores the effectiveness, and implements the novel training method of dynamic haptic robotic training (DHRT) — utilizing a commercially available haptic robot programmed to apply forces to the resident's hand to mimic actual needle insertion.

    Research Goals

    • Develop dynamic haptic robotic training for CVC placement
    • Reduce mechanical complication rates at partner hospitals
    • Integrate AI/ML for automated real-time performance assessment
    • Scale training across multiple hospitals including Hershey Medical Center and Cedars Sinai

    Impact

    Over 1,000 physicians trained to date with 200 new physicians trained annually. Published research demonstrates significant reduction in placement errors and complications including infections and blood clots.

    Current Research Team

    Project Alumni

    Clinical Collaborators

    Past Collaborators

    • Dr. David Han — Professor Emeritus, Surgery & Radiology, Penn State

    Funding

    NIH National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

    Clinical Sites

    • Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
    • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    • WVU Medicine

    Related Press

    $3.7M NIH grant to further improve patient safety in central line placementsPenn State News — Oct 15, 2026Novel robotic training program reduces physician errors placing central linesPenn State News — Apr 17, 2024Penn State researchers showcase lifesaving medical technologyWTAJ — Apr 24, 2020Robotic training could help to decrease catheter placement complicationsPenn State Health News — Oct 25, 2019Dynamic haptic robotic training to decrease catheter procedure complicationsNewswise — Oct 22, 2019Medulate wins top prize at TechCelerator graduationCentre Daily Times — Dec 11, 2018New needle simulator could train medical students to have a steady handSmithsonian Magazine — Jul 5, 2018Low-cost needle simulator aims to revolutionize medical trainingPenn State News — Jul 5, 2018NIH grant will support robotic training for catheter insertionPenn State News — Mar 27, 2015

    Completed Projects

    CompletedSept. 15, 2018 – Aug. 31, 2022

    Research: Longitudinal Exploration of Engineering Design Team Performance in Relation to Team Composition, Climate, and Communication Patterns

    Overview

    Studied how team composition, climate, and communication patterns shape engineering design team performance, with findings that informed the lab's current inclusive teaming work.

    Project Team

    Dr. Scarlett Miller (PI)

    Dr. Kathryn Jablokow and Dr. Susan Simkins (Co-PIs)

    Funding

    National Science Foundation

    $349,792

    Related Link

    View project record

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