Pablo F. Argote, PhD
PhD Mechanical Engineer | Medical Device Development
I develop medical devices and imaging systems, bridging research, startups, and venture diligence.
Portfolio
Predictive Wear – Smart Compression Bioimpedance System
We built a smart compression garment that tracks swelling using bioimpedance sensors, resulting in a US patent.
Magnetic Resonance Electrical Properties Tomography (MR‑EPT) for Early Cartilage Degeneration
We developed a new MRI technique to detect early cartilage changes by combining conductivity mapping with controlled knee loading.
Deming Center Venture Fund
We evaluated early-stage startups and supported $300K in investments as part of a cross-functional team.
ExoMIND Glove – Smart Stroke Rehabilitation Wearable
We built a rehabilitation glove prototype that measures muscle activity and movement to guide stroke therapy.
LOOMIA Muscle Activity Monitor
Designed a modular EMG wearable prototype using soft electronics integrated into textiles.
SporeSat Space Biology Mission
Prepared SporeSat payload biology at Purdue's Physiological Sensing Facility: biocleanroom characterization of C. richardii spores; response-surface models for germination under simulated nanosatellite conditions; integrated with engineers for SpaceX CRS-3.
High-Rate Cartilage Impact & Multiscale Damage Modeling
Developed experimental model to test strain-rate dependence in cartilage and cell viability.
Research Engineering Co‑op (Cook Medical)
Worked on biomaterials, stent development, device integration, and early in-house IP/prototyping.
Low-Noise Power Systems for Implantable Devices
Built power electronics test board to select regulators for implantable device subsystems; implemented layout per existing AFE/MCU schematics; fabricated and tested boards.
EsthesioTouch Electronic Esthesiometer
Created diagnostic sensory device for neuropathy assessment (Senior Design).
MediTrak Wearable Vitals Prototype Development
Multi-parameter vitals monitoring with subsystem integration and testing across hardware, sensors, and firmware.
Smart Sock Prototype for Foot & Leg Biomeasurement (BootMakers)
Dimensional leg measurement with textile sensors for bespoke boot manufacturing.
Bioastronautics Systems Engineering
Applied systems engineering to aerospace projects; foundations for medtech systems integration.
Publications & Patents
US patent and publications in cartilage mechanics, space biology, and medical devices.
About me
Colombian-American engineer who thrives on collaboration and aims to genuinely help in every endeavor.
Education
Expertise
Let's Connect
Open to roles in R&D Engineering, Imaging/Diagnostics, Device Development, and Data/Modeling. Fluent in English, Spanish, French; conversational Italian, Portuguese, German.
Predictive Wear – Smart Compression Bioimpedance System
Co‑Founder & CTO · US Patent 11,672,288 · Medical Device Startup
Problem
Chronic edema, post‑thrombotic syndrome (PTS), and DVT — Deep Vein Thrombosis — risk lack continuous, at‑home, quantitative monitoring. Compression therapy is passive today and provides no diagnostic feedback.
Objective
Develop a Class II compression legging with integrated bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and textile electrodes to monitor fluid shifts in real time while maintaining therapeutic compression levels (30–40 mmHg).
Methods
- Subsystem & Architecture Development: Textile current‑injecting and voltage‑sensing electrodes; conductive traces; enclosure interfaces; hardware/patient connectors
- Bioimpedance Integration: Tetrapolar electrode routing in garment; early benchtop BIS prototyping and circuit planning
- Design Controls & Documentation: DHF deliverables, design inputs, hazards analysis, DMR planning; test plans and device requirements under 21 CFR 820.30
- Cross‑functional Team Leadership: Coordination across textiles, hardware, and software during prototype planning
- Funding & Grants: Supported Phase I SBIR documentation for DVT/PTS patient monitoring
Results
- Awarded US Patent 11,672,288 for smart compression legging
- Designed and documented architecture across 9 subsystems (textile, hardware, software)
- Created early hardware enclosures with textile‑electrode integration
- Established BIS sensing framework for edema and DVT detection
- Generated DHF, Design & Development Plan, and system specifications
Impact
Built foundational experience in regulated medical device development, textile‑integrated sensing, BIS hardware design, and interdisciplinary leadership. Established a patented platform for future clinical translation of wearable edema and DVT monitoring.
Patent & Documentation
Magnetic Resonance Electrical Properties Tomography (MR‑EPT) for Early Cartilage Degeneration
PhD Research · MR‑Based Biomarkers · University of Colorado Boulder
Problem
Existing imaging methods (T2, T1ρ, dGEMRIC — delayed Gadolinium‑Enhanced MRI of Cartilage —, sodium MRI) detect degeneration only after structural or biochemical decline is advanced. There is no direct biomarker for the ionic and proteoglycan‑dependent electrochemical state of cartilage.
Objective
Develop, optimize, and validate an MR‑EPT pipeline to map cartilage conductivity (QCM) as an early, noninvasive biomarker of degeneration.
Methods
- Technique Development: Helmholtz‑based conductivity reconstructions using B1 phase; forward simulations to optimize smoothing, Laplacian parameters, and coil assumptions
- Phantom Validation: Multi‑compartment saline phantoms; magnet variability, coil reassembly, and rotation tests with 3T bSSFP — balanced steady‑state free precession
- Mechanical Loading Integration: MRI‑compatible knee loader; tested conductivity shifts in loaded vs. unloaded tibiofemoral cartilage
- In Vivo Scans: Feasibility in healthy volunteers; cross‑sectional post‑ACLR — Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction — (6 months); longitudinal 6→12 months
- Automated Analysis: Processing in MATLAB, R, and HPC clusters; integrated with T2/T2*/T1ρ and patient‑reported outcomes
- Study Management: Co‑managed 40‑patient reconstruction cohort; recruitment, scheduling, anonymized workflows
Results
- Phantom testing confirmed repeatability across magnet sessions and setups
- Healthy knees showed spatially consistent conductivity (~2.1–2.5 S/m)
- Mechanical loading produced measurable regional shifts
- ACLR knees showed lower femoral conductivity at 6 months; partial recovery trends at 12 months
- Conductivity exhibited unique signal not captured by qMRI alone; weak‑to‑moderate correlations with T2/T1ρ
- Co‑authored provisional patent: MRI of Electromechanics (63/855,127, 2025)
Clinical Significance
QCM — Quantitative Conductivity Mapping — reflects cartilage ionic content and proteoglycan‑dependent electrochemical properties. Early results show detectable changes before morphological decline, suggesting QCM may complement or precede traditional qMRI — quantitative MRI — biomarkers in clinical workflows.
Future Directions
- Edge‑preserving reconstructions & noise suppression
- Expanded loading paradigms and motion compensation
- Multi‑parametric fusion with sodium MRI and T1ρ
- Broader ACLR and OA cohorts with matched controls
- Translation to ankle, hip, and lumbar disc
- Regulatory and clinical integration for orthopedic screening
Research Links
Deming Center Venture Fund
Applied Venture Capital
Problem
Early‑stage startups need capital and strategic guidance to scale technology and reach market viability. Many strong technical teams fail due to gaps in market validation, product strategy, and capital planning.
Objective
Evaluate investment opportunities, conduct technical and market diligence, and provide strategic guidance to portfolio companies in a cross‑functional investment team.
Methods
- Investment thesis development and market analysis
- Due diligence on technology, team, regulatory, and market fit
- Financial modeling and valuation analysis
- Portfolio company support and strategic guidance
- Investment committee presentations and recommendations
- Cross‑functional collaboration with JD, MBA, and PhD engineering students
Results
- Evaluated 50+ investment opportunities across sectors
- Conducted comprehensive diligence on promising startups
- Supported portfolio companies with strategic guidance
- Developed investment frameworks and evaluation criteria
- Collaborated closely across JD, MBA, and PhD engineering cohorts
Impact
Bridged technical feasibility with commercial viability in investment decisions. Strengthened product‑sense, regulatory awareness, and market thinking while supporting founders from diligence to early scaling.
Portfolio Companies
Barn Owl Ag
Agricultural technology company developing smart farming solutions and precision agriculture tools.
Driven Plastics
Advanced materials company focused on sustainable plastic alternatives and polymer solutions.
Fueled
eCommerce attribution platform providing first‑party data solutions for analytics and marketing optimization.
Instinct Environmental
Environmental technology company developing monitoring and sustainability solutions.
SeaSats
Maritime technology company focused on autonomous ocean monitoring platforms.
Vitro3D
3D bioprinting company developing high‑resolution additive manufacturing for biomedical applications.
Venture Resources
Deming Center for Entrepreneurship | Leeds School of Business
ExoMIND Glove – Smart Stroke Rehabilitation Wearable
Biofeedback · Soft Robotics · Sensor Integration · 3rd Place, China–US Maker Competition
Problem
Stroke patients often struggle to regain hand mobility, and clinics lack quantitative biofeedback tools for tracking therapy progress. Existing devices are expensive, bulky, and lack real‑time motion and muscle monitoring.
Objective
Develop a lightweight wearable glove integrating soft robotics, motion tracking, and EMG‑based biofeedback to support stroke rehabilitation and clinician decision‑making.
Methods
- 7 custom PCB‑mounted IMUs (MPU6050) in fingertip housings
- 1 dry‑electrode EMG sensor embedded in the forearm brace
- Arduino‑based control unit with wired sensor routing
- Custom PCBs for IMU and EMG subsystems
- Biofeedback software for ROM tracking and EMG visualization
- Soft‑robotics‑enabled wearable integrating textile, brace, and electronics
- Interactive calibration GUI and guided rehab prompts
- Prototype documentation, risk analysis, and competition submission
Results
- Real‑time tracking of finger ROM and forearm muscle activation
- Fully wearable glove with 8 integrated sensing nodes
- Arduino‑based biofeedback interface for clinicians and patients
- 3rd place out of 70+ teams in the 2017 China–US Young Maker Competition
- Presented to U.S. Ambassador and international judges
- Featured on Hackaday and Hackster
Media & Documentation
Impact
Validated a low‑cost rehab wearable combining IMUs, EMG, and soft assistive tech. Laid the foundation for later work in wearable health systems, bioinstrumentation, and multi‑sensor device integration.
LOOMIA Muscle Activity Monitor
E‑Textiles | Creative Tech Residency | Smart Fabric Integration
Problem
Traditional muscle activity monitoring requires bulky, uncomfortable electrodes and complex setup. There is a need for comfortable, textile‑integrated sensors that enable continuous monitoring.
Objective
Develop a smart textile‑based muscle activity monitoring system using conductive fabrics and integrated electronics for comfortable, continuous monitoring of muscle activation patterns.
Methods
- Conductive fabric electrode design and integration
- Signal conditioning and amplification for EMG processing
- Textile‑electronic interface optimization
- Prototype testing and validation
- Comfort and wearability assessment
Results
- Integrated muscle activity sensors into textile substrate
- Functional prototype with signal conditioning
- Wearable form factor suitable for extended use
- Signal quality comparable to conventional electrodes
Impact
Established foundations in smart textile electronics and wearable sensor integration for health technologies.
E‑Textiles Resources
SporeSat Space Biology Mission
NASA Ames Research Center | Space Biology | Physiological Sensing Facility
Problem
Understanding how biological systems respond to microgravity is crucial for long‑duration missions. SporeSat studied how gravity affects development and behavior of C. richardii spores in microgravity.
Objective
Support SporeSat operations by developing and operating physiological sensing workflows, biocleanroom sample prep, and data collection under simulated nanosatellite conditions.
Methods
- Biocleanroom characterization protocols for spore handling
- Response‑surface modeling for germination
- Simulated nanosatellite testing and mission integration
Results
- Supported SpaceX CRS‑3 mission operations
- Collected data on biological responses to microgravity
- Contributed to NASA's understanding of space biology
Mission Resources
Impact
Provided foundational experience in space biology and physiological sensing relevant to human spaceflight, informing future long‑duration missions.
High-Rate Cartilage Impact & Multiscale Damage Modeling
Purdue SURF | Osteoarthritis & Mechanobiology | Osteoarthritis & Cartilage (2019)
Problem
Post‑traumatic osteoarthritis often begins with acute high‑rate mechanical injury, but biomechanical triggers at cell and matrix scale were poorly understood.
Objective
Determine how strain‑rate influences chondrocyte death and tissue damage, linking macro‑level impact to cellular‑scale mechanics.
Methods
- Impact Loading Model: Custom indentation (40% compressive strain at 0.1%/s vs 80%/s)
- Cell Viability & Microscopy: Live/dead staining with confocal; ImageJ spatial quantification
- Biomechanics: AFM — Atomic Force Microscopy — micro‑indentation for microscale stiffness; DualMRI (DENSE‑FISP — Displacement ENcoding with Stimulated Echoes‑Fast Imaging with Steady‑State Precession) for intratissue strain
- Computational Modeling: Multiscale FE (ABAQUS) of ECM/PCM/cellular regions
- Statistics: ANOVA‑based comparisons across strain‑rates and regions
Results
- High strain‑rate loading caused immediate chondrocyte death localized to impact region
- AFM confirmed regional stiffness loss after rapid loading
- DualMRI showed elevated principal/shear strain patterns not seen in quasi‑static loading
- FE simulations showed strain—not stress—transmitted and amplified into PCM and cells
- Publication: Osteoarthritis & Cartilage (2019), co–first author
Impact
Established a validated experimental/computational framework for post‑traumatic OA initiation; built foundations in mechanobiology, MRI‑based strain mapping, finite element modeling, and translational MSK research.
Publication
Research Engineering Co‑op (Cook Medical)
Medical Device Industry | Biomaterials
Problem
Translating biomaterials and device concepts into clinically relevant prototypes requires industry‑grade processes, testing, and cross‑functional collaboration.
Objective
Contribute to biomaterials R&D, stent development, device integration, and early in‑house prototyping while embedding quality and regulatory awareness.
Methods
- Biomaterials research and device integration
- Stent design iterations and benchtop testing
- Early IP exploration and prototype builds
- Quality systems and regulatory exposure
Results
- Hands‑on experience across materials, prototyping, and testing
- Improved device concepts through iterative evaluation
- Strengthened collaboration across R&D and quality
Impact
Built foundations in industry‑standard practices and professional collaboration for medical device development.
Company Resources
Low-Noise Power Systems for Implantable Devices
Analog Front‑End | LDO Characterization | PCB Prototyping
Problem
Implantable devices require low‑noise, multi‑rail power for analog front ends (AFE) and microcontrollers with high PSRR, low noise, and stability under load.
Objective
Design, prototype, and validate regulated ±0.9 V and ±1.2 V rails for implantable AFE and MCU subsystems using multilayer PCB layouts, SPICE simulation, and benchtop characterization.
Methods
- LDO Selection: Compared >20 regulators via figure‑of‑merit (PSRR — Power Supply Rejection Ratio, load regulation, noise, package, Vin_min, Iq)
- LTSpice Simulations: Stability modeling, transient behavior, ripple response
- PCB Design & Fabrication: LDO test board with split rails (VDD/VSS for MCU and AFE)
- Bench Characterization: PSRR (10 Hz–10 MHz), load transients, noise spectral density
- Assembly & Bring‑up: Milling, SMT soldering, oscilloscope validation, troubleshooting
Results
- Designed and assembled functional LDO regulator test board
- Characterized ±0.9 V and ±1.2 V rails across multiple regulators
- Validated noise figures, load regulation, and PSRR
- Ranked configurations for MCU vs AFE needs
Impact
Built strong foundations in implantable‑grade power electronics, SPICE modeling, benchtop validation, and PCB prototyping—transferable to med‑device systems, wearable electronics, and sensor integration.
Technical Specifications
- ±0.9 V and ±1.2 V regulated rails
- PSRR testing 10 Hz–10 MHz
- Load transients and noise spectral density measurements
Technical Resources
EsthesioTouch Electronic Esthesiometer
Neuropathy Diagnostics | Human‑Centered Medical Device Design | Senior Capstone
Problem
Conventional tactile sensitivity assessments (e.g., monofilaments) exhibit high variability and subjectivity, with limited digitization and inconsistent signals.
Objective
Design and prototype a handheld electronic esthesiometer capable of quantifying tactile thresholds using force sensing, controlled actuation, and wireless data streaming.
Methods
- System Architecture: Rack‑and‑pinion mechanical actuation with stepper motor
- Piezoresistive force sensor with optimized divider and op‑amp conditioning
- NRF52 microcontroller with BLE — Bluetooth Low Energy — for wireless comms
- Smartphone GUI — Graphical User Interface — (Android) for control and data capture
- Calibration & Control: Force range 0.05–5 N; velocity 0.3–10 mm/s
- Housing and sterilizable probe design
- Verification & testing, FMEA and preliminary risk assessment
Results
- Motorized handheld esthesiometer prototype
- Consistent force output and wireless transmission
- Accelerometer‑based off‑axis motion detection
- Smartphone GUI for control and data logging
- Subsystem calibration and early verification plans
Impact
Established early foundations in medical device development, subsystem integration, GUI design, and DHF creation; applied FMEA and verification planning aligned with clinical workflows.
MediTrak Wearable Vitals Prototype Development
Multi‑Sensor Wearable Vitals | Alpha‑Prototype | Contracted Development
Problem
Ambulatory patients need a comfortable, multi‑parameter vitals monitor to track oxygenation and pressure‑related metrics continuously during real‑world use. Off‑the‑shelf systems are bulky, fragmented, and not integrated into a wearable enclosure suitable for day‑to‑day monitoring or future EMR workflows.
Objective
Design and deliver an alpha‑prototype wearable platform integrating pulse oximetry, pressurization and pressure sensing, embedded processing, power management, and a basic UI pathway to enable data capture and future productization.
Methods
- Hardware subsystem integration: Pulse oximetry module, pressurization and pressure sensing, embedded controller, and regulated power rails.
- Electronics design: PCB schematic and layout prepared for wearable form factor; enclosure planning.
- Interface path: Serial output and LCD/touchscreen placeholder for user interaction.
- Prototype verification: Benchtop bring‑up and subsystem testing.
- Documentation: Early DHF — Design History File — scaffolding and risk consideration to support future V&V — Verification & Validation.
Results
- Breadboard prototype demonstrated vitals data streaming over serial output.
- Miniaturized hardware revision with wearable enclosure.
- LCD/touchscreen pathway planned and partially implemented.
- Stable acquisition across core sensors with iterative reviews.
Impact
Enabled next‑step UI iteration, EMR — Electronic Medical Records — integration planning, and documentation practices consistent with medical device development. Established a platform for subsequent refinement and V&V — Verification & Validation.
Prototype Specifications
- Multi-sensor integration: pulse oximetry, pressure sensing
- Microcontroller-based data acquisition and processing
- Serial interface for real-time data streaming
- LCD/touchscreen interface for user interaction
- Wearable form factor with enclosure design
Systems Integration
- Multi-sensor hardware integration
- Microcontroller firmware development
- Power management optimization
- Serial interface and data streaming
- Prototype validation and testing
Development Resources
Smart Sock Prototype for Foot & Leg Biomeasurement (BootMakers)
Textile Sensors | Dimensional Measurement | Bespoke Manufacturing
Problem
Custom boot makers rely on manual measurements that can be inconsistent and time‑consuming. A comfortable, sock‑based device is needed to capture circumferential leg and foot dimensions during real‑world use.
Objective
Create a proof‑of‑concept wearable that captures multi‑point leg and foot dimensions via textile electronics and analog strain sensing, enabling future digitization and customization workflows.
Methods
- Textile‑electronics: Conductive fabric and silver‑plated nylon thread strain sensors
- Custom‑knitted sock with integrated access channels ("pockets")
- Manual integration of electrodes, snaps, and wiring
- Hardware: Breadboard/protoboard prototypes; analog front end using MCP6002, voltage divider, and load resistors
- Firmware & DAQ: Arduino‑based streaming and calibration; ADC with RMS averaging
- Iterative PoC testing and dimensional validation on multiple segments
Results
- Multi‑sensor PoC capturing resistance‑based strain changes across 6+ sites (ball, instep, ankle, calf, etc.)
- Feasibility of converting analog strain signals into dimension estimates
- Preliminary correlation curves and RMS validation
Impact
Established groundwork for textile‑integrated biometric measurement in customizable footwear; architecture transferable to smart garments and rehab sensing devices.
Bioastronautics Systems Engineering
Space Habitats | Medical Systems | Mission Integration
Problem
Human spaceflight requires tightly integrated life‑support, medical, structural, and mission systems. We focused on lunar habitat definition (ELECTRA — Enabling Lunar Exploration via Crewed Transport, Rendezvous, and Ascent) and space medicine operations (MiSSE — Medicine in Space and Surface Environments), applying interface definition, human factors, and risk planning.
Objective
Apply systems engineering to develop lunar habitat baseline architecture and field‑test space medicine operations in analog environments.
Methods
- Functional decomposition and subsystem allocation (pressurized habitat, ECLSS — Environmental Control and Life Support System, power, structures)
- Interface and mass/power/volume analysis; subsystem trade studies
- Crew/EVAs — Extravehicular Activities — and operational sequencing
- MiSSE field simulations at MDRS — Mars Desert Research Station; CPR/WFA — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Wilderness First Aid — certification and readiness drills
- Risk and reliability planning (fault modes, redundancies, mission constraints)
Results
- Lunar habitat baseline with subsystem mass/power estimates
- Operational concept and full functional decomposition
- Defined interfaces across ECLSS, structure, thermal, EVA — Extravehicular Activity — access, docking, and power
- Field‑tested space medicine systems at MDRS
- Completed MS in Aerospace Engineering Sciences (human spaceflight)
Impact
Demonstrated ability to build complex human‑rated architectures; experience in risk management, subsystem trade studies, mission ops, and human factors—transferable to med‑device system integration.