- Biomedical Engineering '21
- Dr. Quinlan's Lab
Biography
Demi Villanueva, a Biomedical Engineering major, was interested in research in neurodegeneration as well as electrophysiology and technologies like fNIRS. Demi’s academic goal is to obtain her Ph.D. in Neuroscience and her professional goals are to make medical technologies more accessible, help improve the quality of life of people who have neurological disorders as well as their families, and help create an environment in healthcare that makes people of color feel safe when seeking medical attention.
Research
During Demi’s tenure in Dr. Quinlan’s lab, her research focused on the changes in the activity of spinal neurons in neurodegeneration and neural injury. Demi completed 3D neural reconstructions using Neurolucida of spinal cord tissue and additional projects included behavioral research of young rabbits to study Cerebral Palsy, behavioral research of aged rabbits to study Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, immunostainings using antibodies of spinal cord tissue, and patient EMG recordings. Demi is currently employed in industry.
Education
- BS, Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island