Fischell Institute welcomes two new MPower fellows

Last semester, the Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices welcomed its newest MPower Entrepreneurship fellows, Elizabeth Barski (BIOE ’24) and Kelly Yeung (BIOE ’24).

The Fischell Institute and MPower Entrepreneurship Fellowship guides graduate students creating innovative medical devices through the prototyping and commercialization process. Fellows also earn their master’s degrees through the University of Maryland’s Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program while working with the Fischell Foundry to develop their device ideas into functional prototypes.

Yeung, who is pursuing her M.Eng. in bioengineering, realized during her undergraduate studies that she wanted a career where her work could directly improve health outcomes—something hands-on, ever-evolving, and rooted in real-world impact. She gravitated toward medical devices for their multidisciplinary nature, which allows her to build a wide range of skills and see how they intersect to create something new.

“I like being able to work on something physical—something I can hold—and explain it to my mom, who doesn’t understand what biomedical engineering is,” Yeung said.

As an MPower fellow, she is developing her bioengineering capstone project, a coaching device for a Bag Valve Mask. Much like an automated external defibrillator helps during cardiac arrest, the Bag Valve Mask guides users through the process of giving life-saving breaths during respiratory emergencies, enabling non-medically trained persons to assist an individual at risk before EMS arrive.

“The Fischell Institute has equipped me with all the tools I need to prototype and build my skills to bring this idea to life,” said Yeung.

After graduation, Yeung plans to work in the medical device industry, ideally at a small- or medium-sized company focused on research and design.

Barski has been interested in STEM since she was young. Having parents that are scientists offered her constant exposure to the disciplines, allowing math and science to quickly become her favorite subjects in school.

As a bioengineering major, Barski intended to follow a pre-medical track for her undergraduate studies. However, she shifted her focus to engineering her junior year. Finding herself drawn to problem-solving and design, pivoting her focus to engineering allowed Barski to blend her drive for creativity with her passion for impact.

“Over time I fell in love with the engineering process, and wanted to make it the focus of my career,” said Barski. “I really enjoy the intersection of classic engineering and medical applications that can change an individual’s life. I like how many different skills come into play to produce a single device.”

After applying for and being accepted into the MPower Fellowship program, Barski decided to pursue her M.Eng in robotics to support her fellowship project proposal.

Now, Barski is developing a low-cost, motorized prosthetic socket for upper extremities. Featuring two modes—an idle mode, where the socket stays loose when not in use, and an active mode, which tightens when it senses the user is preparing to move—the device aims to improve all-day comfort, reduce residual limb swelling, and give users greater adjustability and control, while being more affordable than current prosthetic offerings.

“Movement has always fascinated me—I love learning how our bodies move,” she said. “Combining that interest with medical devices led me to robotics, since it's so relevant in mobility.”

Barski said one of her favorite parts of working at the Fischell Institute is the lab space, which is fully equipped with the tools she needs to develop her prototype. She also appreciates the collaborative environment.

“The Fischell Foundry has incredibly knowledgeable engineers who are always willing to help, answer questions, and guide me as I figure out the direction for my project,” she said. “To be an engineer is to create, and the MPower Entrepreneurship Fellowship is the perfect program and environment for me to do just that.”

After graduation, Barksi is considering pursuing a Ph.D., but is also drawn to research and development roles in industry.

Published April 4, 2025