Fischell Institute Fellow Spotlight: Ryan Sochol

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Fischell Institute Fellow Ryan Sochol is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering

His primary research focuses on 3D micro/nanoprinting-enabled strategies to solve pressing biomedical challenges. He is the Director of the Bioinspired Advanced Manufacturing (BAM) Laboratory and his expertise comprises micro/nanoscale additive manufacturing and 3D printing, soft medical and surgical robotics, organ-on-a-chip systems, and biomedical devices. 

Sochol first became involved with the Fischell Institute through collaborative research with Fischell Institute Director William Bentley. Together, they focused on 3D nanoprinting gut microvilli with sophisticated architectures that accurately mimic those in the body and, in turn, provide a pathway to learn more about the human gut. 

Some of Sochol’s recent work includes 3D-Nanoprinted Soft Robotic Microcatheters for Neurosurgery and 3D printing a soft robotic hand that can play Nintendo, which can also be used for new types of prosthetics and rehabilitative devices. 

Sochol enjoys applying Mechanical Engineering – specifically, advanced manufacturing – principles to enable new classes of biomedical technologies that promote human health and well-being.  This interest has led to Sochol’s collaborative projects developing new medical technologies with researchers, doctors, and surgeons at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, and Children’s National Hospital. 

Outside of work, Sochol enjoys film and TV and tries to make movies and videos for research projects whenever possible. For example, he personally edited and compiled the video on his Youtube page about the Super Mario-playing soft robotic hand. Sochol also used to DJ (trance/EDM) and he loves to include music whenever possible in research project videos (like the chiptunes in the YouTube video) and in his “Additive Manufacturing” course’s lectures. 

Published December 7, 2022