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Cornell University · Research Group

Engineering the
future of surgical
training & biomaterials

We develop high-fidelity surgical simulators and advanced hydrogel biomaterials to transform surgical education, guide cancer treatment, and improve patient outcomes.

Explore Research Meet the Team
Lab at a Glance
4
Active research projects
5
Researchers
2
Poster abstracts accepted 2025
3+
Manuscripts in progress
Veridien · Surgical Simulation & Biomaterials
About the Lab

Built on curiosity,
driven by clinical need

Veridien is an undergraduate-led research group at Cornell University, founded and directed by Zaid Elnasser and Hamilton Jeong, overseen by faculty advisor Prof. Suélia de Siqueira Rodrigues Fleury Rosa. We operate at the intersection of biomedical engineering, material science, and surgical education.

Our work spans two interconnected research tracks: the development of high-fidelity physical surgical simulators that give surgeons and trainees realistic, hands-on experience — and the formulation of advanced hydrogel biomaterials that faithfully replicate the mechanical properties of human tissue and organs.

We are also actively developing hydrogel-based tissue phantoms to support MRI-guided robotic interventions for cancer treatment, including brachytherapy and prostate cancer applications.

InstitutionCornell University, Ithaca, NY
Faculty AdvisorProf. Suélia de Siqueira Rodrigues Fleury Rosa
Contactveridien@gmail.com
4
Active research projects
5
Researchers in the group
2
Poster abstracts accepted in 2025 — with multiple publications currently in progress
3+
Manuscripts currently in progress across research tracks
Research

Four active research tracks

Our work bridges material science and surgical practice — from hydrogel formulation to full-system simulator development and cancer treatment guidance.

Featured Project
01

Laparoscopic Full Hysterectomy Simulator

A modular, high-fidelity physical simulator designed to train surgeons in laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures. The system delivers realistic anatomical feedback, progressive difficulty, and performance assessment in a safe, controlled environment.

Surgical Simulation Women's Health Medical Training Laparoscopic
02

Triple Hydrogel System — Mechanical Modeling

Mathematical and physical modeling of a triple-layer hydrogel system engineered to accurately replicate the distinct mechanical feedback of different organ types and tissue layers. This platform forms the tactile foundation of our surgical simulators.

HydrogelsBiomechanicsMathematical ModelingTissue Engineering
03

MRI-Guided Robotic Needle Devices — Tissue Phantoms

Development of hydrogel tissue phantoms for testing and validating MRI-guided robotic needle-driven devices in two oncological contexts: interstitial brachytherapy for vaginal cancers, and targeted robotic intervention for prostate cancer treatment.

BrachytherapyProstate CancerMRI-Guided RoboticsTissue Phantoms
Team

The researchers

An interdisciplinary group of Cornell undergraduates working across biomedical engineering, biology, and material science.

Zaid Elnasser
Co-Founder & Lead Researcher
Zaid Elnasser
Cornell University
Co-founder and director of Veridien. Leads research operations across surgical simulation and hydrogel biomaterials, with multiple manuscripts currently in preparation.
Hamilton Jeong
Co-Founder & Lead Researcher
Hamilton Jeong
Cornell University
Co-founder of Veridien. Focuses on laparoscopic and robotic surgical training model design and AI-driven instructional systems for skill acquisition and assessment.
Camden Venator
Researcher
Camden Venator
Sophomore · Biology & Society
Brings expertise in immunology and cancer research to the lab's tissue dynamics work, directly informing our hydrogel design and simulation models.
Tyler Gerst
Researcher
Tyler Gerst
Sophomore · Biology & Society
Contributing to surgical simulation technology and hydrogel research, developing expertise across biomaterials and experimental methodology.
Prof. Suélia Rosa
Faculty Advisor
Prof. Suélia de Siqueira Rodrigues Fleury Rosa
Associate Teaching Professor · Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University
M.Eng. Program Coordinator
Dr. Rosa's work focuses on translating innovative health technologies from concept to market through translational research. Her career spans industrial engineering at Siemens, developing patient solutions at SARAH Hospital in Brasília, and contributing to Phase I–IV clinical trials. She has been a professor at the University of Brasília since 2005 and currently serves at Cornell's Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, where her greatest motivation is her students.
Credentials
  • B.A. Electrical Engineering, São Paulo State University (2001)
  • M.Eng. Electronic Engineering & Computing, ITA (2005)
  • Ph.D. Biomedical & Electrical Engineering, University of Brasília (2008)
  • Postdoc, Human-Machine Interface & Biomedical Engineering, MIT (2013–2014)
231
Publications
563
Citations
Research Interests
  • Translational research & health technology transfer
  • Physiological systems modeling via Bond Graph
  • Digital health & model-based systems engineering
  • Biomedical device development & clinical trials
  • Organ-on-a-chip platforms
Awards & Links
  • 1st Place, Brazilian National Science & Innovation Award — Innovative Researcher (2023)
  • Honorable Mention, Mercosur Science & Technology Award — Senior Researcher (2022)
  • Motion of Praise, Legislative Chamber of the Federal District of Brazil (2024)
Cornell Faculty Profile ResearchGate
Publications & Outputs

Research outputs

Peer-reviewed abstracts, presentations, and publications from Veridien.

2025
Development of a Modular, High-Fidelity Physical Simulator for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Training
Veridien — Cornell University
Poster Abstract
2025
Reflux-Based Dissolution of Polyvinyl Alcohol for Reproducible Hydrogel Mold Fabrication
Veridien — Cornell University
Poster Abstract
2025
Standardization of Laparoscopic Peritoneal Lavage for Hinchey III Diverticulitis
Contributing Author: Zaid Elnasser
In Progress
2025
Additional Manuscripts in Preparation
Veridien — Cornell University
In Progress
Contact

Get in touch

We welcome inquiries from prospective collaborators, industry partners, clinical researchers, and students interested in joining the lab.

Email
veridien@gmail.com
Location
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Partner Institutions
Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School · Cornell University Cornell University · Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University · Brigham & Women's Hospital Brigham & Women's Hospital · Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School · Cornell University Cornell University · Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University · Brigham & Women's Hospital Brigham & Women's Hospital · Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School · Cornell University Cornell University · Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University · Brigham & Women's Hospital Brigham & Women's Hospital · Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School · Cornell University Cornell University · Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University · Brigham & Women's Hospital Brigham & Women's Hospital ·