Welcome to μM.D.-ERL
The Medical micro-Device Engineering Research Lab (μM.D.-ERL), led by Distinguished Professor Adrienne Minerick, focuses on the development of portable, point-of-care medical diagnostic tools. By utilizing human blood electrokinetics and emerging microdevice technology, our lab aims to replace expensive, time-consuming lab analysis with rapid, quantitative tools that provide results in under 5 minutes.
Our current research pushes the boundaries of microfluidics, focusing on dielectrophoresis to discern chemically similar surface molecules on cells with high precision. We are also exploring the impacts of micro(nano)plastics on host-microbiome physiology and developing novel electrochemical biosensors for clinical screening of vitamins from microliter volumes of biofluids like tears.
μM.D.-ERL is committed to cultivating creative and inclusive engineering research environments that enable the generation of new knowledge and foster the growth of graduate and undergraduate research excellence.
Interested in joining the team? Apply for graduate school via: MTU Graduate School.
Our Director
Dr. Adrienne Minerick is a Distinguished Professor at Michigan Technological University and has served in numerous leadership roles, including founding Dean of the College of Computing and President of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).
Since 2003, she has built a vibrant research team, mentored over 100 graduates, published 115 peer-reviewed articles, and secured over $15M in funding. She is a Fellow of AAAS, AIChE, and ASEE (in April, AIMBE as well), and is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion in STEM.
View Full CVKey Research Areas
- Dielectrophoresis (DEP) and Microfluidics: Dr. Minerick's research focuses on using dielectrophoresis for cell characterization, including red blood cell (erythrocyte) behavior, ABO-Rh blood typing, and pathogen-infected cell detection.
- Cell-Chip Interfaces: She has authored research on designing nano-interfaces in microfluidic chips to analyze cellular physiology.
- Electrokinetics: Studies include the investigation of pH gradients in microfluidic channels and their effect on cell transport.
Recent Accolades
AIMBE College of Fellows Induction
Inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows, representing the top 2% of medical and biological engineers.
Amira Valenza earns CoE REU Award
Natalia Krakhaleva earns the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation Graduate Assistantship
Natalia Krakhaleva earns the HRI Fellowship
Faculty Distinguished Service Award
Recognized by Michigan Tech for transformative mentorship and institutional service that has significantly improved campus life.
Karenine Ornevil earns Pavlis Honors College URIP Award
Daisy Schultz earns CoE REU Award
Natalia Krakhaleva accepted into the Global Talent Accelerator (GTA) Program
Waruni Mampage earns the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Michigan Student Research Award
Waruni Mampage earns her MS Degree
Distinguished Professor Appointment
Appointed as Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at Michigan Technological University.
ASEE Hall of Fame
Inducted into the ASEE Hall of Fame for exceptional contributions to engineering education and leadership.