Atharva Shetye
PhD Researcher in Mechanical Engineering at UCLA and former R&D Engineer at BD, specializing in medical device innovation, computational mechanics, and biomedical image analysis. My work spans mechanical design, FEA simulation for product development, and advanced image analysis pipelines to quantify the biomechanical response of human ocular tissues. Over the course of my career, I have managed full-lifecycle product development from concept and prototyping through testing and production. I hold 8 US patent filings and have authored 2 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals.
Work & R&D Experience
Doctoral Researcher @ Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA
Los Angeles, CA
PhD Research Projects:
R&D Design Engineer II @ Becton Dickinson and Company (BD)
Bengaluru, India
BD Key R&D Project:
Featured Projects
Quantification of In Vivo Retinal Vessel and Retinochoroidal Strains Induced by Gaze Ductions
Investigating how gaze ductions induce optic nerve tethering and localized stress concentration in the posterior eye. Quantified in vivo retinochoroidal strain fields from cSLO imaging using deep learning segmentation and RAFT optical flow.
Quantification of In Vivo Retinal Vessel and Retinochoroidal Strains Induced by Gaze Ductions
During large gaze ductions, reduced structural redundancy causes the optic nerve to tether the globe, generating localized stress concentration zones within the optic disc and peripapillary tissues. Repeated mechanical strain accumulating over extended periods can induce microstructural damage to axons and microvasculature, predisposing the eye to progressive ocular pathologies. The goal of this research is to quantify tissue deformation in vivo using confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) images across varied gaze positions (±30° horizontal and ±10° vertical) compared against central gaze, extracting strain fields by tracking ocular structural feature movements.
Cardiac Pulse Detection from Ocular Strain Responses in Sequential cSLO Imaging
Isolated cardiac pulse-induced vascular pulsations from gaze-induced deformations in sequential cSLO imaging. Applied RAFT optical flow and Lomb-Scargle periodogram spectral analysis to evaluate strain periodicity and heart rate matches.
Cardiac Pulse Detection from Ocular Strain Responses in Sequential cSLO Imaging
When sequential cSLO video streams are captured centered about the optic disc at varied gaze positions, vessels originating from the disc exhibit prominent vascular pulsation. The goal of this research is to determine the extent to which cardiac pulsation influences gaze-induced strain distributions, estimate the periodicity of pulse-induced tissue strain cycles, and evaluate how pulse-induced strain responses vary across different gaze ductions.
Linear Viscoelasticity of Human Ocular Tissues During Tensile Stress Relaxation
Characterized region-specific dynamic viscoelastic material properties across six donor ocular tissue structures. Fitted second-order Prony series constitutive models to uniaxial stress-relaxation experimental data to enable dynamic finite element simulations.
Linear Viscoelasticity of Human Ocular Tissues During Tensile Stress Relaxation
Rapid saccadic eye rotations (up to 500°/s) impose transient mechanical loads on ocular tissues that substantially exceed static forces, potentially contributing to optic nerve and peripapillary pathologies. Accurate dynamic finite element modeling of these ocular movements requires region-specific viscoelastic material parameters. In this study, uniaxial tensile stress-relaxation experiments were conducted on postmortem human donor tissues across six distinct anatomical regions under controlled physiological conditions. A second-order Prony series derived from Generalized Maxwell constitutive models quantified significant regional heterogeneity, determining tissue-specific relaxation time constants and viscoelastic moduli for full characterization of human ocular tissues.
3D Finite Element Modeling of Dynamic Saccadic Ocular Biomechanics
Developing an anatomically complete 3D finite element model of the human ocular assembly from MRI datasets. Simulating physiological extraocular muscle activations and dynamic saccadic rotations to evaluate transient stress concentration.
3D Finite Element Modeling of Dynamic Saccadic Ocular Biomechanics
Developing a comprehensive 3D finite element model (FEM) of the human ocular assembly, incorporating the eye globe, optic nerve, and extraocular muscles (recti and oblique muscles). The project aims to construct a complete anatomically realistic FEM framework, applying physiological muscle activation vectors to induce motion and simulate dynamic saccadic eye movements. By integrating empirically derived linear viscoelastic material properties, the model should evaluate transient tissue deformation, stress concentration, and biomechanical strain responses across ocular structures during rapid gaze shifts.
In Vivo Characterization of Retinal Viscoelastic Relaxation Time Constants from High-Speed cSLO Strain Tracking
Quantifying in vivo retinal viscoelastic relaxation dynamics during post-saccadic gaze fixation. Processing high-speed cSLO video sequences at 9 Hz to track transient strain decay curves and non-invasively estimate retinal time constants.
In Vivo Characterization of Retinal Viscoelastic Relaxation Time Constants from High-Speed cSLO Strain Tracking
While the viscoelastic properties of the sclera and optic nerve sheath have been characterized experimentally ex vivo, the dynamic mechanical behavior of the human retina in vivo during saccadic gaze shifts remains largely unquantified due to rapid post-mortem retinal detachment. Utilizing high-speed confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) during rapid saccades allows non-invasive tracking of transient retinal strain dynamics in vivo, offering critical insights into mechanical strain concentration and underlying ocular disease etiologies. This project applies an automated strain image-processing pipeline to high-speed cSLO video sequences, capturing post-saccadic strain decay over time to estimate viscoelastic relaxation time constants of retinal tissue.
Luer Redesign and ISO Compliance of Hypodermic Syringes and Needles
Redesigned legacy luer lock and slip taper geometries across high-volume hypodermic syringe and needle portfolios to achieve full ISO 80369-7 compliance. Integrated 3D CAD modeling, FEA structural simulation, GD&T, and DFM.
Luer Redesign and ISO Compliance of Hypodermic Syringes and Needles
Prior to the establishment of ISO 80369-7 standards, legacy luer taper interfaces (luer slip and luer lock) across hypodermic systems posed significant clinical risks due to universal inter-connectability with neuraxial, enteral, and anesthesia fluidic lines, increasing the potential for fatal medication misconnections. To mitigate misconnections, ISO 80369-7 introduced stringent geometrical constraints specifically for hypodermic syringes and needles. BD’s proprietary luer designs, established for over a century, were classified as legacy geometries, needing a comprehensive engineering overhaul across the entire hypodermic portfolio. This project executed the mechanical redesign and ISO 80369-7 compliance transition for 9 high-volume syringe and needle product lines across 4 manufacturing plants in 4 countries. Utilizing SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling, GD&T tolerance stack-up analysis, and ABAQUS FEA and DFM, the legacy geometries were successfully updated to fulfill ISO 80369-7 requirements.
Education & Research Training
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA•GPA 3.90 / 4.00
Focusing on studying the mechanical response of ocular tissues during static gaze fixations and dynamic eye movements. Using principles of mechanical engineering, currently working toward tissue property characterization using deep learning-based image analysis, non-linear FEA, and experimental tests to quantify real-time ocular tissue response under physiological dynamics.
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA•GPA 3.90 / 4.00
Specialized in the design of mechanical systems and robotic manipulators specifically compliant mechanics, and kinematics, dynamics, and control of robotic arms.
B.Tech. in Production Engineering
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli, India•GPA 3.93 / 4.00
Core production and industrial engineering program focusing on advanced manufacturing processes, CAD/CAM prototyping, operations research, quality control, precision machining, and industrial automation.
Journal Publications
Evidence That Cardiac Pulse Strains Retinal Vessels in and near the Optic Disc During Ocular Ductions
Bioengineering Journal (MDPI, June 2026)
Abstract: Ocular ductions deform the optic disc and peripapillary blood vessels, and deformations can be interpreted as mechanical strain. We used confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) to map strain in disc and peripapillary retinal vessels associated with the cardiac pulse and determine if such strain is influenced by gaze direction. Sets of 13 infrared cSLO images were obtained sequentially for each eye using a Heidelberg Spectralis scanner in cinematic mode over a 3 sec interval in adults. Imaging was repeated in central, and horizontally (30° adduction/abduction) and vertically eccentric gazes (10° supraduction/infraduction). Retinal vessels, optic disc, and fovea were segmented using custom-trained, deep learning-based models. Frame to frame vascular displacements were automatically determined using optical flow analysis, allowing computation of equivalent strain. A total of 25 eyes of 13 subjects of mean age 39 ± 18 (standard deviation, range: 25 to 81) years were included. Average equivalent strain over 3 sec ranging from 0.27% to 0.36% exceeded the 0.16% noise threshold across all gazes and regions, indicating measurable pulse-induced deformation. After adjustment for age and axial length, pulsatile maximum and minimum strain were influenced slightly by gaze direction, maximally for supraduction, whereas mean strain did not vary significantly with gaze. The cardiac pulse induces measurable deformation of retinal vessels that can be quantified as equivalent strain in the image plane using optical flow-derived displacement fields. However, the interaction of pulse strain with gaze direction is unlikely to be a significant confound for investigations of strains associated with eye movements.
Linear Viscoelasticity of Human Ocular Tissues During Tensile Stress Relaxation
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS, May 2026)
Abstract: PURPOSE. To quantitatively describe viscoelastic properties, we characterized the tensile stress relaxation of human ocular tissues using a Prony series model. METHODS. Specimens from eight pairs of postmortem human eyes were dissected from six regions: the anterior, equatorial, posterior, and peripapillary sclera; the optic nerve (ON); and the optic nerve sheath (ONS). Each specimen underwent uniaxial tensile loading under controlled physiological conditions at strain levels ranging from 4% to 6% to identify the optimal strain range within which the tissues exhibit linear viscoelastic behavior. Stress relaxation curves were fitted to a generalized Maxwell model using a Prony series to determine tissue-specific relaxation time constants and relative moduli. RESULTS. All tissues exhibited linear viscoelastic behavior within 5% strain. The anterior sclera showed the greatest stress level, with 12.6 MPa instantaneous modulus and 8.8 MPa equilibrium modulus, whereas the ON exhibited the fastest stress decay and lowest stiffness, with moduli of 3.5 MPa and 1.1 MPa, respectively. The ON had the longest long-term relaxation time of 460 ± 77 seconds, and the ONS had the shortest time at 60 ± 5 seconds. Prony series parameters successfully captured the relaxation profiles across all tissues. CONCLUSIONS. This study supports the use of Prony-based models for numerical simulation to describe the region-specific viscoelasticity of ocular tissues. These findings provide foundational data for future investigations into ocular biomechanics, particularly under dynamic or pathologic loading.
Patents & Inventions
Disinfecting Cap for Male and Female Needleless Connectors with Clamping Arms
U.S. Patent Application US20240269454A1
Disinfecting Cap for Male and Female Connectors Including Deformable Housing
U.S. Patent Application US20240245899A1
Medical Device Kit with Integrated Organization and Waste Disposal Features
U.S. Patent Application US20240139466A1
Universal Disinfection Device with Rotatable Sleeve
International Patent Application WO2025198953A1
Universal Fluid Connector Assembly with a Regulating Valve Component
U.S. Patent Application US20240123211A1
Secondary Securement Device for Vascular Access Device I
U.S. Patent Application US20250082904A1
Secondary Securement Device for Vascular Access Device II
U.S. Patent Application US20240424261A1
Secondary Securement Device for Vascular Access Device III
International Patent Application WO2024151251A1
Awards & Honors
Graduate Student Research Excellence Award
Jules Stein Eye Institute · UCLA
Awarded for excellence in biomechanics research, specifically for pioneering deep learning segmentation and optical flow pipelines to quantify ocular micro-strain and tissue deformation during eye movements.
Retina Research Foundation Travel Grant
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
Competitive travel grant awarded to present novel research on ocular micro-strain in peripapillary retina due to eye movements at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual conference.
BD "Drive Results" Award for Design Excellence (FY23)
Becton Dickinson (BD)
Awarded for executing key design deliverables ahead of schedule to accelerate product launch through cross-functional leadership.
BD "Strong Teams" Award for Cross-Functional Leadership
Becton Dickinson (BD)
Awarded for driving essential cross-functional collaboration to deliver core fiscal-year business objectives.