Nicholas Boltin (middle) pictured above with some of his undergraduate research assistants.
Artificial intelligence is on track to reshape various aspects of medicine, with the potential to better assist doctors and improve patient experiences. In a groundbreaking convergence of biomedical science and cutting-edge AI, Biomedical Engineering Instructor Nicholas Boltin is leading a new era of innovation.
Boltin, who earned his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from the University of South Carolina, has an extensive background in computer science and engineering. He now applies his knowledge to ongoing research projects.
“After receiving my undergraduate degree, I went into industry and travelled the world. I lived in Australia and the United Kingdom. When I returned to the U.S., I decided I wanted another challenge and pursued a Ph.D.,” Boltin says.
Boltin skillfully combines AI, machine learning, data mining and predictive analytics to extract invaluable insights from a variety of data sets. His efforts are focused on harnessing the power of information technology to enhance patient care and elevate medical outcomes.
He is currently collaborating with Prisma Health on an innovative project focused on monitoring the brainwave activity of emergency department clinicians during their shifts. The project involves collecting electroencephalogram data from these clinicians and analyzing it to gain insights into traumatic events experienced during their work. The objective is to identify the most traumatic events for each clinician and use that data to prevent burnout and potentially reduce the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in their later careers.
“By characterizing these events and understanding their impact, the project aims to develop effective strategies to support the mental well-being of emergency department clinicians. Hopefully, this will ultimately contribute to improved patient care and the well-being of the clinicians,” Boltin says.
Biomedical engineering major Ava Wickberg is an undergraduate research assistant on Boltin’s project this summer.
“Getting started in research with Dr. Boltin has allowed me to see biomedical engineering from a new perspective. Learning more about the analytics behind the data collection has been very interesting to see,” Wickberg says.
Boltin strongly emphasizes the invaluable experiences of undergraduate student researchers in his projects. The immersive experience broadens students’ understanding and inspires them to contribute meaningfully to the development of innovative solutions in biomedical engineering.
“There are a lot of undergraduates helping me with this project,” Boltin says. “We worked in the emergency department [at Prisma] for a day and worked with these clinicians and saw everything firsthand. This was something that allowed them to see the clinicians on the front lines and their experiences.”
Through his research, Boltin is reshaping the landscape of healthcare science. By merging biomedical science with cutting-edge technology, he is unlocking the potential to transform patient care and improve medical outcomes. With a collaborative mindset and commitment to student engagement, Boltin has significantly contributed to the advancement of biomedical engineering and the well-being of healthcare professionals and patients.