Key Points
- This summer, four industry interns gained valuable experience working with three focused ultrasound companies.
- Learn more about their projects and how to take part in this program next year.
This summer marked the launch of the FUSF-Industry Summer Internships, developed in partnership with leading industry collaborators. This opportunity, supported by the Foundation’s Dan and Lou Jordan Internship Program, is designed to provide hands-on experience for undergraduate students interested in focused ultrasound technology and its applications. Four interns were selected to work alongside experts in the field at three focused ultrasound-related companies, gaining invaluable industry insights and contributing to cutting-edge research and technology development.
“I am thankful to our industry partners – Onda, Microvascular Therapeutics, and Sonablate – for partaking in this new program and contributing to its successful first year,” said Lauren Hadley, MD, MBA, director of the FUS Scholars Program. “I’m also deeply impressed by the four interns we were fortunate to have joined these companies over the summer, and I look forward to continuing this opportunity for many students to come.”
At the conclusion of the summer, each industry intern presented their work to Foundation and industry staff.
Clarissa Shieh
Northwestern University, Class of 2027
ONDA Corporation
Project 1: Log File Analysis Software to Support Cavitation Meters
This project aimed to improve the analysis of cavitation meter event logs, which contain detailed data like measurement modes and error codes. The existing Python script needed enhancements to make it more user-friendly, efficient, and capable of handling a broader range of events. The goal was to eliminate the need for users to have Python installed and to enable batch processing of files. After multiple iterations, I created a standalone Python executable that anyone could run, regardless of whether they had Python installed, providing a simplified and efficient tool for customer service.
Project 2: Data Management of Manufacturing Records
The goal of this project was to transition manufacturing records from spreadsheets to a database, and we chose MS Access due to its similarity with MS Excel and robust features. Key benefits of this transition included improved data validation and constraints, which ensured greater accuracy and consistency before data entered the system. The strong relationships between tables and seamless integration with Excel made data queries and transfers much easier. Additionally, Access offered various viewing options, enhancing the overall user experience. The transition ultimately improved data management efficiency and reliability.
Project 3: Defining Minimum Stocking Levels
The project aimed to automate the ordering process for raw parts by determining minimum stocking levels to avoid material shortages. Previously, parts were manually ordered when out of stock or in demand, which could lead to inefficiencies. The solution involved analyzing key data, such as part usage, average annual orders, fulfillment time, and production cycle time. With this information, a formula was developed to automatically trigger part purchases when inventory reached the calculated minimum level. This approach streamlined the process.
Nikhitha Ravi
University of California, Davis, Class of 2026
ONDA Corporation
Project 1: Characterizing the Radiation Force Balance
This project focused on an ultrasound measurement tool called the radiation force balance (RFB). The Onda RFB system comes with a tank, sensor, and targets. As ultrasound waves hit the RFB target (placed on the sensor), the target and sensor move downward due to transfer of momentum. Then, a measurement of power is back-calculated from this motion. Recently, Onda has developed a new target that combines different power ranges and absorption characteristics, suitable for both low and high-power applications. The aim of my project was to compare its effectiveness to existing targets. The work involved applying wave physics concepts, such as understanding how ultrasound waves interact with a medium like water and how they pass through the target to measure power. The key takeaway was seeing the real-world application of theoretical physics, particularly how these concepts are crucial for designing experiments and developing measurement technology. Most importantly, the project highlighted the value of a systematic, physics-based approach to optimizing acoustic measurements.
Project 2: Reviewing Hydrophone Acoustic Performance
The goal of this project was to analyze the acoustic performance of one of Onda’s main products, the hydrophone. Hydrophones are devices that measure the acoustic pressure emitted by a transducer in water. A parameter called sensitivity that relates the electrical signal with the acoustic pressure is used to characterize the response of piezo-electric hydrophones at different frequencies. The focus of my project was creating tools to extract sensitivity data from manufacturing test data to understand trends. Using programming languages like MATLAB and Python, I developed data analysis tools to efficiently process large datasets. A major part of the project involved not just creating these tools but also ensuring they were user-friendly and adaptable for users with varying levels of technical expertise. The project combined technical skills with practical design considerations, emphasizing both data analysis and usability.
Aleena Bosky
University of California, Davis, Class of 2026
Sonablate Corp
Project 1: Literature review of neuromodulation applications for low-intensity focused ultrasound (LoFU) This project involved a literature review on the use of LoFU for neuromodulation, specifically targeting post-stroke pain. The research explored three primary mechanisms: reversible intermembrane cavitation for targeted drug delivery, excitation of mechanosensitive ion channels like calcium for eliciting brain activity, and thermal effects, which are generally avoided to prevent tissue damage. Key findings highlighted the recommended LoFU frequency range (250 kHz to 1 MHz) and the growing preference for transcranial-focused ultrasound due to its noninvasive nature. However, challenges remain, particularly in achieving cross-compatibility with imaging modalities like MRI and CT due to skull variability among patients. Despite these obstacles, LoFU neuromodulation shows strong promise as a future direction in therapeutic ultrasound.
Project 2: 1 MHz LoFU Transducer for Histotripsy-based Cavitation in Fat Tissue
This project focused on a cosmetic application of LoFU. Previous studies showed this method to be effective and safe, with significant fat reduction and natural tissue reabsorption in animal models. During the project, I built and characterized three 1 MHz transducers, optimizing energy delivery with custom matching transformers, and preparing for histotripsy-specific applications. The next phase involves developing a custom driving circuit tailored to histotripsy. The ultimate goal is to conduct bench tests followed by in vivo fat cavitation experiments.
Malcolm Barrios
University of Arizona, Class of 2027
Microvascular Therapeutics
Project 1: Evaluating Microbubbles Activators
Dental amalgamators, commonly used as shaking devices, can be readily adapted for the activation of microbubble products. This project focused on evaluating the suitability of commercially available amalgamators for use to activate MVT’s products. Several device designs were analyzed based on prong configurations, ease of use, and construction materials. Custom prototype fittings were developed using 3D printing and laser cutting techniques to optimize performance. After extensive testing, two device models were identified as capable of producing acceptable bubble size, bubble distributions, and concentrations.
Project 2: Mechanical Index Setup
Mechanical index (MI) is an important microbubble performance and quality control metric, and this project was exploring the MI of the bubble cavitation, which is essentially asking when do these bubbles pop given the ultrasound power and delivery setup. To be able to measure the MI of the microbubble, 3D models of a 4-part transducer and a hydrophone holder to stabilize the set up and enhance the quality of the data were performed. Testing was completed to calibrate the setup. Ultimately, the standard deviation of the MI data decreased by 33%, and the calibration curve was more consistent.
Interested in Being a 2026 Industry Intern?
The Foundation will offer this program again next summer, expanding opportunities for additional industry partners and students. For more information, visit our Scholars webpage, or contact Lauren Hadley MD, MBA at [email protected].