Medical engineering design with real-world impact, UBCO students help improve lives of those with Parkinson’s

2024-25 UBC School of Engineering Capstonr Group Design D (in no particular order): Edmon Mann, Hannah Mann, Travis Szafron, Sebastien Gracia, Jared Borsheim, and Zack Schmit

Project Title: Parkinson’s Tremor Sensor & Model Arm.  

Student Group: Edmon Mann, Hannah Mann, Travis Szafron, Sebastien Gracia, Jared Borsheim, and Zack Schmit.  

Community Partner: UBCO Heart Valve Performance Lab (HVPL), with support from Dr. Hadi Mohammadi, Dr. Mohammad Zarifi, Dr. Stephen O’Leary, Dr. Dylan Goode, and industry partner Manthan Shah from Summit Innovation.  

Students in the Capstone Design Project course partner with UBCO’s Heart Valve Performance Lab and Summit Innovation to contribute to on-going Parkinson’s research, helping to develop non-human testing of tremors.

What would be the “elevator pitch” for your project?

Current methods for monitoring Parkinson’s tremor development are rudimentary, and there is currently no method for continuous tremor monitoring and characterization. To further the research into tremor attenuation methods, we designed a wearable tremor sensor and a mechanical model arm that simulates Parkinsonian tremors. This platform helps track tremors in real time and provides a non-human testing setup for future tremor reduction devices – pushing research forward for Parkinson’s treatment.  

Check out this video demonstration of how the monitoring system works!

What inspired you to pursue this particular project?

We were inspired by the opportunity to work on a project with real-world medical impact. The chance to contribute to research that could improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s made the work feel really meaningful. It was also exciting to support ongoing work at UBCO’s Heart Valve Performance Lab and be part of something that could advance future clinical tools.  

The chance to contribute to research that could improve the quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s made the work feel really meaningful.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while working on your project?

One of our biggest challenges was balancing technical ambition with the time constraints of the project. We aimed to implement wireless communication for the tremor sensor and a PID control system for the motor to simulate precise tremor patterns. These features required more testing, tuning, and integration than we anticipated, and ultimately, we had to pivot to ensure we could deliver a functional and reliable baseline system by the deadline. It was a tough decision, but it taught us a lot about scope management, prioritizing core functionality, and making trade-offs when under pressure.  

The sensor produces readings, information that can be seen on this monitor.

What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that happened while working  on your project?

One of the funniest things that happened was realizing our 12-volt motor could actually handle 20 volts and spin way faster than expected. It wasn’t part of the plan, but seeing the arm vibrate wildly definitely caught us off guard.   

What excited you the most about your project?

Seeing both the sensor and the arm working together was incredibly rewarding. When we tested the system and watched the arm vibrate within the tremor range while the sensor captured and graphed the data in real time, it felt like a huge relief after eight months of effort. That moment of validation was exciting. Knowing that what we built could one day support researchers or clinicians made the entire project feel meaningful and impactful.  

Close-up of the sensor on a mannequin hand.

What is the most interesting/surprising thing you learned while working on your project?

We were surprised by how challenging it is to replicate the biomechanics of a human arm. Details like mass distribution, center of gravity, joint stiffness, and even the way vibrations travel through different materials had a massive impact on performance. We learned that even small design changes could drastically affect our simulation results. It gave us a new level of respect for biomedical design and the complexity of modeling the human body in a meaningful way.  

What skills or knowledge did you gain during Capstone that you think will be the most useful/surprise people when you enter the workforce?

We gained hands-on experience in system integration—getting mechanical, electrical, and software components to function cohesively in one platform. This project also forced us to develop project management skills like tracking budgets, timelines, and design iterations. Communicating effectively with stakeholders and documenting everything thoroughly were other huge takeaways. Those are skills that aren’t always taught explicitly, but they make a big difference in the real world.  

We gained hands-on experience in system integration … This project also forced us to develop project management skills like tracking budgets, timelines, and design iterations. Communicating effectively with stakeholders and documenting everything thoroughly were other huge takeaways. Those are skills that aren’t always taught explicitly, but they make a big difference in the real world.  

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to future Capstone students that you wish you had known at the start?

Start prototyping early and be ready to iterate often. Things rarely work on the first try, and that’s totally normal – early failures are part of the process and often the fastest path to better solutions. Also, keep detailed notes and version your designs. Trust us, when you’re writing the final report or debugging a weird issue in March, you’ll be thankful for good documentation. Most importantly, stay flexible and don’t be afraid to pivot if something isn’t working.  

What does the future hold for your project? If you had unlimited resources and time, what would you do to take it to the next level?

The next steps for the project would be to redesign the arm such that it can dynamically move during a tremor simulation to better provide tremor data, to implement Bluetooth and wireless capabilities to the sensor, and to implement feedback control to the motor.   

About the Capstone Design Project course: Students in their final year of the Bachelor of Applied Science Program at UBC School of Engineering participate in the Capstone: Engineering Design Project course –  ENGR 499. Students use the knowledge and expertise accquired throughout their undergraduate degree to solve real-world engineering problems presented by industry partners, UBC faculty researchers, or the students themselves. It is also an opportunity for students to work with clients, navigate team dynamics and face the everyday challenges that occur in the industry. At the end of the year, students display their projects at the Capstone Design Project Showcase & Competition where they are judged by a select group of engineering industry leaders and UBCO faculty. To celebrate their innovation, we are highlighting some of these interesting projects from the 2024-2025 class!

Learn more about Capstone and how to submit a project proposal for 2025-2026!

Kyle Xander Co is a third-year civil engineering student originally from the Philippines. With a passion for math and puzzle-solving, engineering was a natural choice for him. He is dedicated to making a positive impact on his community through his skills and experiences. 

Kyle Xander Co, third-year Civil Engineering student at UBC School of Engineering.

Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m a third-year civil engineering student at UBCO with a passion for environmental engineering, specifically wastewater treatment. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, watching theater, solving puzzles, learning new programming languages, and reading books on mathematics. My favorite hobbies are those that keep me mentally stimulated yet productive. 

What drew you to UBC Okanagan and the School of Engineering?
I chose UBC Okanagan because I liked the atmosphere and the potential research opportunities, as the university is one of the top research institutions worldwide. I prefer the slower, more peaceful pace of life, so the calm, less populated, yet diverse community in the Okanagan Valley was a perfect fit for me. 

I chose UBC Okanagan because I liked the atmosphere and the potential research opportunities, as the university is one of the top research institutions worldwide. I prefer the slower, more peaceful pace of life, so the calm, less populated, yet diverse community in the Okanagan Valley was a perfect fit for me. 

What has been the best part about being a UBCO Engineering student so far? If you could design a course or program to add to your degree, what would it be?
The best part of my undergrad experience has been working within a community of diverse backgrounds while gaining hands-on experience. This includes research and work-study programs outside of typical academic lectures. I would love to see a course dedicated to engineering biological ecosystems, focusing on botany and microorganisms. It’s not far-fetched to think that we could accomplish things once considered science fiction, like the mystical powers of nature or fauna. 

On the flip side, what has been the most challenging aspect of your university experience so far? How has your perspective on perseverance evolved because of it, and what lessons did you learn from it?
Engineering hasn’t been easy—after all, we’re all human! The most challenging aspects for me have been time management, balancing my personal life, and learning to work within groups. I’m used to being independent with my work, so I’ve found it difficult to share or delegate tasks in group projects. Participating in group work has taught me the importance of teamwork, as real-world problems require collaboration among multiple engineers. I’ve also learned the importance of taking time for myself to recharge. 

Why did you choose to study engineering? How do you envision engineering shaping your life personally and professionally in the future?
I chose to study engineering because of my altruistic view of life and the innovation I saw in sci-fi movies like Star Wars, Avatar, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek. My parents encouraged me to pursue a stable career, and I’m also motivated by the desire to help people, so doing this through engineering was a no brainer. The skills I’ve learned, am learning, and will learn in in the future will allow me to address problems with idealistic hopes but grounded in realism. 

I chose to study engineering because of my altruistic view of life and the innovation I saw in sci-fi movies like Star Wars, Avatar, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I was an international mathematics competitor before coming to the Okanagan. I represented the Philippines in math competitions in India, Singapore, Australia, China, and Thailand. I had the privilege of experiencing various cultures and competing against like-minded individuals. I don’t like to brag, but I’ve been to more places than most people would expect! 

Who or what inspires you? Have you had a mentor before, and if so, what did they help you learn about yourself?
My motivation to learn and teach comes from a desire to be a better person. Figures like Leonhard Euler, Dr. Grant Sanderson (creator of 3Blue1Brown), Dr. Richard Feynman, and mentors I had while competing taught me that the catalyst for change often comes from great communicators who can convey complex concepts and inspire others. I’ve realized that I, too, can impact people’s lives for the better, whether through education or simply being there for others in the moment. 

Kyle on the UBC Okanagan campus.

How has Engineering changed your view of the world? What misconceptions do you think the public holds about engineering, and what would you do to change those perceptions?
Engineering has shown me that we are not as helpless as it may seem in the face of the current climate crisis. Despite the rising global temperatures, many people think our efforts to address this crisis are too slow. While I share that concern, I’m optimistic about innovations in carbon capture, green energy, and net-zero strategies—especially in civil engineering. Changing public perception starts with showing that technology is rapidly improving and that supporting research is a valuable lond-term investment in our future.

In 5 words or less, how would you sum up the UBCO / School of Engineering experience?
Insightful, Challenging, and Engaging. 

What is one thing you know now that you wish you would have known in High School, in First Year, or in an earlier moment in your life? If you could give your future-self one piece of advice, what would it be?
“Personal time multiplies productivity.” I’ve learned that rest and planning boost my efficiency and help me produce better-quality work. I always thought I needed to work nonstop and rest later, but that wasn’t as effective as I’d hoped. Setting aside an hour each day to plan and taking breaks between tasks has helped me get things done faster and better. 

What project or experience at UBCO has made you feel particularly proud or like a “real” engineer so far?
One project I’m particularly proud of was designing a modular greenhouse for the World Engineering Day Hackathon during my first year. We designed a greenhouse that uses minimal materials and relies on wedges and slits, inspired by ancient Japanese architecture. I led the CAD design, so I’m proud our project ranked Top 12 out of nearly 200 global entries.

One project I’m particularly proud of was designing a modular greenhouse for the World Engineering Day Hackathon during my first year. We designed a greenhouse that uses minimal materials and relies on wedges and slits, inspired by ancient Japanese architecture … ranked Top 12 out of nearly 200 global entries. 

With six courses per semester, balancing the technical demands of your degree can be tough. How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance and meet the demands of your personal life?
I’m on the five-year plan, so I’m taking 5 courses per semester. To maintain balance, I make sure to set aside time each day for my hobbies. This works well for me, as I like to stick to schedules. By taking a 2-hour break to refresh my mind from lectures and assignments, I can return to my work feeling recharged and more focused. 

What advice do you have for future / current engineering students?
“Don’t lie to yourself.” Like a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, this major gets harder with each passing year. Strengthen your fundamentals—new concepts build on what you already know.Help is always available when you seek it. 

Anything else you’d like to share about your UBCO Engineering student journey?
Talk to professors in fields you’re interested in. I discovered the many paths in environmental and wastewater engineering after speaking with professors, including my current supervisor, Dr. Cigdem Eskicioglu. You might discover a passion you didn’t know you had, and all it takes is a conversation. Seek out those little moments—like an ember, they can lead to bigger adventures.