Queen's Biomedical Innovation Team (QBiT) - General Members

⚕️ About The Team

The Queen's Biomedical Innovation Team (QBiT) aims to introduce undergraduate students to biomedical engineering, explore practical applications of the engineering curriculum and promote interdisciplinary collaboration to solve common problems within the field of medicine. QBiT strives to develop projects spanning multiple areas of biomedical technology. Our projects aim to utilize cutting-edge mechanical, electrical, and biochemical systems to design and manufacture physical solutions. The team is comprised of 60-80 undergraduate students spanning all years and faculties of study at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The team is supported by a handful of professors and graduate student advisors.

This year QBiT is doing 3 separate innovative projects (IODETECT, BILIQUANT, & A.R.M.)!

🧪 IODETECT: Microfluidic Chip Point-of-Care Diagnostic

A portable microfluidic chip-based test designed to detect iodine deficiency through a simple chemical reaction, interpreted by a handheld sensor. This rapid, user-friendly diagnostic tool addresses the widespread challenge of iodine deficiency, particularly in regions with limited access to nutrition and healthcare resources.

🧫 Sub-Team 1: Biochemical

• Iodine detection sample processing

• Chemical reaction design and optimization (in a wet lab environment!)

• Physically working with the microfluidic chip prototypes

🔨 Sub-Team 2: Physical

• Microfluidic chip design, modelling, manufacturing, and prototyping

• Handheld sensor casing design and prototyping

• Integrating biochemical and electrical subsystems into a functioning prototype

🔌 Sub-Team 3: Electrical

• Handheld sensor (spectrophotometry) circuitry design and prototyping

• Power supply design and testing

• Incorporation of additional hardware into the full prototype

🖥️ Sub-Team 4: Software

• Working directly with the handheld sensor data readings

• Data interpretation model design and testing

• User interface (UI) software design and testing

🔦 BILIQUANT: Ruggedized Bilirubinometer

A low-cost, rugged handheld device that uses light wavelength analysis to detect neonatal jaundice, designed to improve early diagnosis and access to care in low resource communities across the globe.

💡 Sub-Team 1: Optics

• Designing a system to deliver safe, wavelength-specific light into neonatal skin and capture reflected signals

• Optimize sources, detectors, and optics for maximum signal quality across all skin tones

🔨 Sub-Team 2: Physical

• Bilirubinometer casing design and prototyping

• Incorporating light sources, seals, lenses, and cooling systems

🔌 Sub-Team 3: Electrical

• Bilirubinometer circuitry design and prototyping

• Power supply design and testing

• Incorporation of additional hardware into the full prototype

🖥️ Sub-Team 4: Software

• Working directly with the bilirubinometer data readings

• Data interpretation model design and testing

• User interface (UI) software design and testing

🦾 A.R.M. Overview: Body-Powered Above Elbow Prosthetic

Building on our previous work with the Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), QBiT will continue developing the A.R.M. (Assistive Reach Mechanism) prosthetic, now with added finger movement, for individuals affected by the conflict in Myanmar.

📝 Sub-Team 1: Research

• Biomechanics and prosthetic innovation related research

• Literature review

🔨 Sub-Team 2: Physical

• Design, modelling, 3D printing, prototyping, and testing of the prosthetics

• Designing mechanisms for finger movement

🔌 Sub-Team 3: Electrical

• Incorporation and coding of any required hardware into the prototype

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General Member Information:

Role Overview

General members are the backbone of Queen's Biomedical Innovation team and a crucial component in the successful completion of projects. As a general member you will contribute to the physical aspects of the project, gaining hands on experience. There are workshop opportunities for general members to gain technical knowledge in various fields, regardless of sub-team.

Job Details

Responsibilities 

• Attend weekly meetings with your project manager

• Actively contribute to team discussions, brainstorming sessions and prototyping

• Take initiative outside of meetings to further the project

Requirements 

• Effective communications skills 

• Strong time management and organizational skills 

• Demonstrated commitment to the team 

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Applications are due September 13th, 2025, at 11:59PM EST.

Interviews will be in the form of a video submission, more details will be sent out after the written application is closed.

If you have any questions regarding the position or your application feel free to reach out to the co-captains, Hayley Galsworthy and Darien Gaw at qbit @engsoc.queensu.ca