William Cooper

While working in the Advanced Exercise Development Lab at Johnson Space Center, I developed software in support of crew exercise systems on the International Space Station and future exploration missions. I created virtual exercise training software to provide real-time guidance on resistance exercise technique, and I built virtual exercise environments to improve astronaut performance and enjoyment during workouts. My biggest projects were designing and developing Astrosphere and OPTOS. After teaching myself 3 different coding languages and rapidly designing an immersive VR training environment (Astrosphere), I worked with a team to integrate my technology with various optic and haptic assets (OPTOS). In doing so, Ive learned about game design and development, virtual reality, haptic response, motion capture, and eye tracking technology.

My position of Director of Technology allows me to innovate on behalf of the Invention Studio. In addition to maintaining the existing networking software, I am developing a more intuitive user interface for the employee-management software and a more effective informational display system.

Furthermore, as a Master of Lasers, I maintain the Invention Studio's laser cutters. I ensure that they are operational and can meet the various needs of all users. In addition, I continually practice advanced manufacturing techniques with the laser cutters on a regular basis.

As a prototyping instructor, I volunteer three hours per week to teach members of the Georgia Tech community on how to safely operate the tools in the Invention Studio. These tools include laser cutters, 3D printers, waterjets, and other manufacturing instruments. Additionally, I provide tours of the Invention Studio to current and prospective students as well as company representatives.

I frequently utilize the Invention Studio for my personal projects. For example, I'll often make useful household gadgets or gifts for friends and family. I truly enjoy working at the Invention Studio because I can meet so many incredible makers who inspire me to embrace my creativity and my passion for building.

While interning in the Ke Lab for Biomolecular Nanoengineering, I developed a deep understanding of DNA origami, a process by which DNA is engineered to form complex shapes that can be manipulated in the body. I learned from graduate and post-doctoral students, and I took the initiative to run my own original experiment using the knowledge I had gained. I performed an average of 40 cycles of asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (aPCR) on more than 50 DNA samples, and I analyzed the relative intensities of DNA in electrophoresis gels after they underwent aPCR. I determined the optimal number of cycles of aPCR, amount of DNA template, and sense-to-antisense primer ratio for the production of scaffolds used to construct DNA origami nanostructures.

Up to 70% of firefighters die from cancer, as opposed to 22% for the general population. The incorporation of synthetic material into household items like furniture causes the smoke generated by burning these materials to be more carcinogenic. However, most firefighters are not breathing in the carcinogens. They have SCBA masks connected to oxygen tanks, and the masks have a positive pressure to prevent any smoke from getting in if the mask were to be loose. Carcinogens like PAH and benzene are getting into the firefighter’s body through their skin. Dermal absorption rates increase 400% for every 5 degree increase in temperature, and due to the high temperatures associated with firefighting, these brave firefighters are absorbing ample amounts of carcinogens via their skin. ​ ​We began reaching out to local fire stations asking for tours and interviews. Soon, we met with firefighters from Gwinnett Fire Station 11, and they gave us a tour of their station. After examining their firetruck, rest area, gear-washing room, and equipment room, we interviewed them about the risks associated with being a firefighter. Meeting the firefighters and hearing their stories had a large impact on me personally. They are putting their lives on the line for their community, and even though they know the risks, they go anyways. They told me about their families and how they wanted to make them proud. I knew that we needed to try our best to solve this problem, and I thanked them for their bravery and their service. After we had gathered our information, we began designing experiments to pinpoint any weak spots in their bunker gear. The main problem was that we did not have access to any bunker gear. So, I took it upon myself to call as many local fire stations as needed until we could find bunker gear to test on. After many attempts, I convinced the Division Director of the Georgia Fire Academy to loan my team the bunker gear. We quickly set up and ran our experiment. We dressed a test dummy in undergarments and bunker gear, and we circulated color powder in a closed environment with the dressed dummy inside. The change in mass of the undergarments would reveal how much powder got through the bunker gear, and the color powder itself would reveal the locations. We also wanted to test if a barrier would be able to block out some of the color powder (simulated carcinogens). To do so, we sealed the suit at the waist, arms, and legs for half of their trials. Despite the quantitative data being inconclusive, the visual data from the color powder revealed that there are gaps in the bunker gear primarily surrounding the abdomen. Color powder also got through the sleeves of the bunker gear to a lesser extent. However, less powder seemed to penetrate the gear when the gear was sealed. Using logical reasoning, these results support the notion that bunker gear is not completely sufficient at blocking out carcinogens. If color powder can get through the suit, so can carcinogens. Additionally, the visual data supported our hypothesis that sealing the gear will cause less matter to get through the suit. In the future, we plan on prototyping a barrier similar to an elastic band in a ski jacket. We will test the prototype considering additional factors such as smoke behavior and firefighters’ movement; future testing will also involve the use of carcinogens such as PAH instead of color powder.

I worked in a group of four to create a product that would combat perioperative hypothermia. Once our group formed, we began by finding a viable problem space, which entailed researching the physiological needs, users, historical context, and economic factors associated with each idea. After deciding on perioperative hypothermia, we closely examined current methods used to treat perioperative hypothermia. We focused on electric blankets because they can rapidly alleviate symptoms while being cost-effective; the primary problem is that they cannot be used during surgery. Beyond the electrical and fire hazards they pose, electric blankets do not allow surgical access. So, we brainstormed 100 potential preventative treatments that could solve the problem, and we slowly reduced our options using Human Factors design principles until we reached a consensus. We believed that a heating blanket could be made using warm water circulated in tubes throughout the blanket. The blanket itself would be configurable to the patient, allowing certain areas to be exposed while keeping other areas warm. We made over 20 prototypes aimed at heating patients while allowing surgical access, and our final prototype used thin vinyl tubing inside of a cotton and polyester blanket with five sections. The sections could be unzipped and pulled back to reveal the area that needed surgery. After months of work, we presented our findings and recommended a course of action for the future. This project gave me insight into the product design process. I gained hands-on experience with human-oriented design, concept generation, engineering drawing, computer-aided design, rapid prototyping, manufacturing methods, graphic design, and branding while improving my conflict management, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, attention to detail, and presentation skills. I learned how industry works and how to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Most of all, I now understand how to go from idea to innovation.

I worked in a team of eight people to develop a device that provides physicians with quantitative information about Parkinson’s Disease so that the physicians can minimize medication off-periods. Our device quantifies when a Parkinson’s Disease patient experiences a freezing of gait episode, which is when he or she is unable to take a step forward, despite exerting considerable pressure. The sporadic pattern of applied pressure during a freezing of gait episode differs drastically from the cyclic pattern of normal walking. Our device uses a force-sensing resistor and an Arduino microcontroller to measure the pressure the patient applies to their heel. For our data analysis, we use MATLAB to perform a Discrete Fast Fourier Transform on the pressure v. time data and generate a normalized power spectrum. We developed complete conceptual and mathematical models for both the data acquisition and analysis. After testing our device, we used an ANOVA test and paired t-tests to statistically analyze the results. Further testing and improvements are required, but given the timeframe for fabrication, the device was a success. While working on this project, I learned several valuable skills. For example, I utilized advanced inquiry techniques to research physiological causes, symptoms, and treatments for Parkinson’s Disease discussed in reputable peer-reviewed articles. I developed a firm knowledge basis by asking insightful questions, utilizing logical reasoning, and researching solutions to gaps in our group’s understanding. Throughout the semester, I worked with my team to share information, make decisions, and communicate our engineering process via presentations and technical papers. These skills provide me the foundation on which I can build my career. ​ I not only developed my inquiry, knowledge-building, teamwork, and communication skills, but I also had the opportunity to create value for Parkinson’s Disease patients. Our device can be used to help diagnose and treat patients all across the world. All I have ever wanted to do was make a positive impact, and this course reaffirmed my commitment. For example, I had not been exposed to much statistical analysis before taking this class, but my curiosity and desire to do good in the world led me to research its applications on my own time, which helped me analyze the applicability of our device to patients with Parkinson’s Disease. My greatest strength is my ability to continue caring despite any obstacle I face, whether it’s a gap in knowledge or a lack of resources, because I know that if I can make a difference, it will be worth it.