Education
BS in Electrical Engineering, University of Cincinnati
PhD in Electrical Engineering, University of Cincinnati
Background
During his undergraduate training, Dr. Rust worked for Ethicon Endo-Surgery and AtriCure, companies that specialize in the development of novel surgical devices. While completing his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Rust served as an NSF GK-12 Graduate Fellow, which allowed him to develop hands-on engineering activities for high school students. In 2009, he joined the faculty of Western New England University where he currently holds the positions of Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Director of Experiential and Entrepreneurial Learning.
Dr. Rust's Lab Website
Research
Dr. Rust is the Director of Experiential and Entrepreneurial Learning. His research focuses on Point-of-Care (POC) devices, biosensors, bioinstrumentation, lab on a chip, and global health. Dr. Rust’s work has been funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), American Society for Quality (ASQ), Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN), and the Jenzabar Foundation. His research interests involve the development of point-of-care medical technologies, including bioinstrumentation for use in low-resource settings. Dr. Rust is the co-founder and Chief Technical Officer at New England Breath Technologies, which is developing a non-invasive breathalyzer for monitoring diabetes.
Publications & Professional Affiliations
Dr. Rust has published numerous papers in professional conferences and technical journals, and he is a co-inventor on two US patents. He is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
Courses Taught
This course studies the design, development, and application of Lab on a Chip systems in the biomedical and life sciences. Topics include fundamentals of miniaturization, microfluidics, sensors, fabrication, packaging, and system integration. Students review current applications of miniaturized chemical/biological analysis systems and design a basic microfluidic system that is implemented in a hands-on laboratory project. (BME 432)
BIOSENSORS, BIOMEMS, AND NANOMEDICINE
This course studies the development and application of micro and nanotechnologies in medicine. Topics include biosensors, transduction mechanisms, and fundamentals of bio-microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS). Recent progress in nano-scale sensors and systems is also explored, including nanoparticle-based systems for targeted therapy, drug delivery, and nanobiosensors. (BME 434)
GLOBAL HEALTH & TECHNOLOGY
This course studies a variety of challenges at the intersection of healthcare, technology, society, and culture. Intended for any student who has an interest in global health, topics include health statistics, emerging conditions, and recent technological solutions. The course includes a 12-day trip to Guatemala with faculty to explore healthcare in a developing country. (ILP 238)
