University of Saint Joseph Assistant Professor Heba Eassa Published Works on Augmented Reality and 3D-Printed Microfluidics
West Hartford, CT (08/05/2022) — University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Heba Eassa, B.Pharm., M.PSc., Ph.D., and a team of collaborators have published a review article on "Mobile-Based Augmented Reality Application in Pharmacy Schools Implemented in Pharmaceutical Compounding Laboratories" and "3D-Printed Microfluidics Potential in Combating Future and Current Pandemics (COVID-19)."
"Mobile-Based Augmented Reality Application in Pharmacy Schools Implemented in Pharmaceutical Compounding Laboratories: Students' Benefits and Reception," published in Pharmacy, was initiated in 2019 when Dr. Eassa joined USJ as a Postdoctoral fellow.
"We aimed to design and implement a mobile-based augmented reality application as a self-paced, interactive, student-centered learning tool to be used in the pharmaceutical compounding laboratory course for first-year pharmacy students. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first mobile-based application that addresses enhancing the learning experience in pharmaceutical compounding labs. The research was conducted for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) to evaluate the ease of use, acceptability, and usefulness of this application for student learning. The software development funds came from internal university grants and professional development funds for three co-authors (Dr. Mohamed Ismail Nounou, Dr. Ivan O. Edafiogho, and Dr. Ola Ghoneim). Special thanks to the corresponding author (Dr. Ola Ghoneim, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Western New England University) for bearing the publication costs," said Dr. Eassa.
The second publication in Recent Advances in Drug Delivery and Formulation explores "3D-Printed Microfluidics Potential in Combating Future and Current Pandemics (COVID-19)."
Dr. Eassa explains, "Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare systems worldwide started to collapse as shortages of medical devices and personal protective equipment emerged. Reports of 3D printed devices that could address the issue began to appear. This encouraged our team of researchers to explore the potential of scaling this technology to resolve such shortages. Therefore, the team sought to investigate the potential of 3D printing in accelerating disease diagnosis and monitoring and fulfilling shortages of certain medical devices and personal protective equipment. The team concluded that 3D printing provided reusable, low-cost solutions to mitigate shortages. We believe lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic can help the world prepare for the upcoming outbreaks."
Read about Dr. Eassa's research on Mobile-Based Augmented Reality.
Read about Dr. Eassa's research on 3D-Printed Microfluidics.
Learn more about USJ's Pharmacy program.
########################################################################
The University of Saint Joseph is the premier small private university in Connecticut developing professionals for in-demand fields of health care, social services, education, and the sciences. A USJ degree is a proven credential for undergraduates seeking a traditional New England college setting with exceptional NCAA Division III athletics and a strong sense of community. For graduate students ready to learn more and earn more, USJ offers online, hybrid, and on-ground masters and doctoral programs with innovative modular curricula that attract students from around the world.
To learn more, view our website at www.usj.edu.
OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS 1678 Asylum Avenue | West Hartford, Connecticut 06117 | Tel: 860.231.5661 www.usj.edu
Media Attachments
University of Saint Joseph Assistant Professor Heba Eassa, B.Pharm., M.PSc., Ph.D.