Ryan Siegel.

M.S. Candidate in BME at the University of Vermont

Exploring the world as an engineer & lifelong learner

About Me

My partner and I at Niagara Falls, NY. We love exploring the world and all it has to offer!

Since I was young, I have always been good at breaking things (and putting them together) and helping others. My mother hated that I broke everything, but I couldn’t help it, I just wanted to know how it worked, how well it worked, and what else it was capable of. I never enjoyed sitting still, and if I wasn’t breaking something, I was likely spending time with friends or volunteering both at church or my martial arts studio. Time spent volunteering was when I realized how much our own success relies on others’ support and that I never want to stop contributing to this world.

My choice to pursue Biomedical Engineering (BME) was decided in middle school. It has been what keeps my mom’s heart beating with her pacemaker. It was what treated my mom’s cancer when I was five. It was the medicine that allowed my mom’s patients, veteran’s at the VA with traumatic injuries, to live without a limb or survive a TBI. Biomedical Engineering was the field that gave me the flexibility to explore my world while helping those around me.

Curiousity and kindness drive me to learn. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Vermont, where I am focused on machine learning and computational modeling of microbial interactions.

I never expected to fall in love with coding & computational work, but the mathematical principles at the core of it all are too inherently beautiful!

When I’m not working on research or school, I am usually working on some personal project(s), spending time with my friends and family, or traveling. My personal projects (some shared below) are fun gadgets that I have designed, assembled, or somehow worked on to fill my time and continue exploring the world as an engineer. With my family and friends, I am often cooking food, baking (bread, cookies or pies are most common). playing cards, or relaxing at a nice campfire. I love traveling and have been fortunate to travel to 36 U.S. States (Including Alaska, Hawaii, & Puerto Rico) and 2 Countries (Costa Rica & Canada).

The world is an amazing place, with so many fascinating people to meet and things to learn. I am excited to continue exploring it, and make an impact to allow others to explore it as well.

Experience

University of Vermont
Microbiome Metabolic Modeling Lab
Center for Biomedical Innovation
Glass Brain Lab
Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County
Evolve Senior Living

Teaching Assistant - University of Vermont

Jan 2024 - Present

I have assisted in teaching the following courses (Chronologically):

BME 1600: Introduction to BME Design (Spring 2024)
BME 2000: Biomechanics & Sensing (Fall 2024)
BME 2600: BME Design 1 (Fall 2024)
BME 1600: Introduction to BME Design (Spring 2025)
EE 2145: Electrical Engineering Concepts (Fall 2025)
BME 3000: Systems & Signals (Fall 2025)
CMPE 5990: Machine Learning for Engineers (Fall 2025)
BME 1605: Introduction to BME Design (Spring 2026)

Across each of these courses, I have been responsible for leading lectures, grading assignments, holding office hours, and ensuring each student receives the support they need.

Research Assistant - Microbiome Metabolic Modeling Lab

Aug 2024 - Present

Projects I have contributed to:

Predicting Butyrate Production from Microbial Abundance Data using Machine Learning (First project and introduction to Microbiome Engineering)
Design of Lab Website
Chapter on Spatio-temporal Modeling of Microbial Interactions
(ACTIVE) Hybrid Optimization & Deep Learning approach for predicting single microbe phenotypes. (Masters Project)
(ACTIVE) Python Package with a new method of simulation microbial community growth. Publication in progress.

Initial work focused on gaining skills and intuition for the field, while currently I am leveraging these skills to re-think metabolic modeling. A soon-to-be-released tool, Greedy Interaction FBA, is a novel method of understanding emergent microbial community interactions using an iterative approach. Furthermore, metabolic models are inherently prone to error due to the vastness of the networks, the Master’s Project seeks to leverage differentiable optimization with deep learning to learn & adjust existing models for.

Skills & Tools Used:

COBRApy
COMETSpy
CVXpy
Assorted Machine Learning Tools
KBase
ModelSEED
AGORA & Virtual Metabolic Human

Lab Manager - Center for Biomedical Innovation

Jan 2025 - May 2026

I helped facilitate lab resources, organization, event-planning, and communication. I consulted on BME Capstone projects, based in the lab. I aided in training other students and faculty on Soldering and 3D printing. Coordinated Biomedical Engineering Society Club events for professional development, community service, & networking

Research Assistant - Glass Brain Lab

May 2025 - Present

I am currently leading the development of the electronic components of a novel multi-sensor system for monitoring elderly individuals’ mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in their homes. This is part of a pilot study to create & compile the full suite of sensors for wearable and non-wearable monitoring of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Inclusion Aide & Support Staff - Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County

May 2024 - Aug 2024

I worked as a support staff for individuals of varying ages, cognitive abilities, and physical abilities. I provided support during various summertime activities allowing each individual to have fun, be active, and feel included in a safe environment.

I was recognized for my dedication and excitement in the Friendly Face Friday Shoutout

Assisted Living Staff - Evolve Senior Living

March 2021 - Jan 2025

Employee of the Month July 2021 & December 2021 for my dedication, organizational skills, and ability to work with a variety of people. I have also been recognized for my ability to work with patients with dementia and other cognitive disorders.

Departments: