University of Denver Autumn 2025

From left: Engineering student Gunnar Johnson presents the team’s work at the Senior Design Symposium; the DU Senior Design engineering team; senior Riley Alcala demonstrates the vein visualization device.

their subgroups, splitting off to code separate parts of the project. In the spring, they brought together all of the moving subparts, assembling the prototype based on sponsor recommendations. Aside from the technical skills, Clason says, communication across subsystems was key to making sure “all our parts could be meshed together into one product.” Managing time was challenging, as students worked at their own pace, not following typical class structure. Mulugeta (BSCS ’25) says, “We didn’t have specific rules or directions to follow, like homework. We instead just had a set 27 weeks to produce a project.” Over a seven-month period, the team created structure for themselves while balancing coursework, communicating with their sponsor, applying for jobs after graduation, and all the other things that come with being a senior. It was helpful that Gandhi was flexible and easy to work with, Clason says. “I really appreciated his willingness to take a chance on us. We learned skills and gained experience for the job market that no lecture could compete with.” Rewarding work, real-world impact The students’ hard work culminated in a successful prototype, one that offers a way to see veins more distinctly than existing devices do. VANTAGE allows nurses “to ensure catheter needles don’t pierce veins or deliver medication into surrounding tissues,” says Clason—reducing the risk of infection and ensuring patients are treated safely and effectively.

The final design uses near-infrared technology and machine learning to spot veins, distinguish them from surrounding tissue, and track catheters of different sizes. Two cameras—one for viewing veins and one for tracking the needle—combine their feeds into a single screen, showing veins in color and marking the exact needle tip location in real time during insertion. Clason notes that this makes needle insertion easier for patients with deep veins, scar tissue, excessive hair, or other conditions that make naked-eye vein identification difficult. “Botched insertions are both painful and dangerous, so a device that can be used on all patients to make catheter insertion easier can drastically improve patients’ quality of life during their hospital stay,” she says. For the six students, seeing the prototype come together was deeply rewarding. “We had all the separate moving bits and pieces​,​​​and being able to present it all together was very fulfilling,” says Mulugeta. Beyond the classroom, they’re proud ​t​ hat ​t​ he device could make a real difference. “It’s nice to know we created something that could help people in the medical field and make catheter insertion easier for all patients who need it,” Clason says. While the future of the device rests with B. Braun, the six new alumni are launching careers in fields ranging from electrical and computer engineering to robotics. They have gained a deeper understanding of how multiple disciplines intersect as well as valuable industry connections—and a hope that they have played a part in making life easier for health care professionals and patients alike.

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UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2025