Student researchers create first 3-D cartilage map

Visual representation of the final 3-D map of cartilage

College students do more than sit in lecture halls and take exams. Ask Colorado State University students Daniel Woldtvedt (left) and Wes Womak, who developed the first 3-D map of the cervical facet-joint cartilage. Facet joints link vertebrae, preserve flexibility in the spine, and provide needed limits to motion, especially rotation.

Collaborative success

Woldtvedt, an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering and biomedical science, was recently awarded the 2007 Biomedical Engineering Society Undergraduate Research and Design Award for his work on the map.

The project, initiated by Womack, a graduate student in mechanical engineering, incorporates the geometry of facet joints into a finite element model of the cervical spine.

The student researchers dissected cervical vertebrae from seven human cadavers, sectioned the vertebrae into 1 millimeter slices, and photographed each slice to create the map. Womack then wrote a mathematical code to define the cartilaginous regions on each slice as 3-D coordinates.

Biomedical applications

Such mechanical models will provide numerous applications for biomedical advancements. The cervical facet cartilage maps already have been implemented into Womack's finite element model of the cervical spine.

The model will simulate spine biomechanics to help scientists understand the effects of intervertebral disc replacements on load distribution at the facet joints.

Website offers glimpse of future workforce

Adrianna Casillas, CSU senior in mathematics, works with students in Horcajo de Santiago, Spain. Casillas taught for a year in Spain through a grant provided by the Spanish government’s Ministry of Education and Science.

Josh Gumina, CSU computer science major, heads down a 100-foot-long ladder to explore a mine shaft in Death Valley, Calif.

Shabda Gyawali, CSU economics and applied computer technology major, in Kathmandu, Nepal, visits with a Jyapuu (local farmer) in his traditional costume.

MyCSU – a student-developed website that features videos, blogs, articles, and photos of Colorado State students interacting in the world – highlights students’ real-world experiences as part of globally connected Colorado State University. The site is produced by students in the Presidential Internship Program at CSU.

In addition to providing real-world information for current and prospective students, MyCSU has provided senior mathematics student Adrianna Casillas with real-world problem-solving opportunities of her own. As the coordinator of MyCSU, Casillas hones her leadership skills as she manages the program’s budget, marketing, staffing, and communications. The site is updated weekly with new profiles, stories, videos, and photos. Visit My CSU website.