Meet Dr. Lathers | Curiosity Engineering

Meet Dr. Lathers, PhD

Dr. Steven Lathers is an innovative and data-driven biomedical R&D leader with over 11 years of multidisciplinary experience driving medical device innovation from concept through regulatory submission. With a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Arizona State University and a solid foundation in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University, Dr. Lathers has a diverse background that spans both biomedical and traditional engineering fields, including an additional 5+ years of experience in automotive and fastener engineering.

A Michigan native, Steven's early career began in the automotive industry, where he honed his problem-solving skills in the high-performance engineering environment of Detroit. This foundation provided a strong technical base that he later applied to the biomedical field, where his focus shifted to improving patient outcomes through innovative medical technologies. Throughout his career, Dr. Lathers has led research teams, navigating complex biomedical challenges and successfully integrating clinical and business strategies to deliver effective solutions.

Dr. Lathers has a proven track record in transitioning projects from Phase 0 to commercial product release, specifically within the surgical and biomedical engineering domains. He thrives in environments that require collaboration between engineering, clinical, and business functions, seamlessly bridging these disciplines to accelerate research translation and bring groundbreaking solutions to market.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)

Biomedical Engineering
Arizona State University

Research focused on developing biomimicking fixation, movement, and tactile sensing components for intelligent prosthetics. Utilized mechanical design, material science, manufacturing techniques, data analytics, and pre-clinical testing to develop unique solutions.

Master of Science (M.S.)

Biomedical Engineering Arizona State University

Research focused on mechanical design and material science for various prosthetic applications, while mentoring and managing a research laboratory.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Mechanical Engineering Kettering University

Focused on mechanical designs while working on fastener engineering systems for military and automotive applications, and automotive safety systems for medium to large size vehicles.

Awards

National Science Fooundation (NSF) IGERT - APAcT Fellowship

Fellowship for the Alliance for Person-Centered Accessible Technologies to support the development of next generation medical devices to improve patient's lives and livelihood.

Publications

Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology

Distribution of surgical smoke particles within a simulated laparoscopic cavity utilizing an AirSeal® system

Journal of Robotic Surgery

Clinical outcomes of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in minimally invasive urological surgeryClinical outcomes of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in minimally invasive urological surgery

Critical ReviewsTM in Biomedical Engineering

A Staggered Nitinol array for high linear displacement and force-to-weight ratioA Staggered Nitinol array for high linear displacement and force-to-weight ratio

Technology & Innovation, Journal of the National Academy of Inventors

Initial cadaver implantation strength and polymer biocompatibility of a Fused Filament Fabricated osseointegration screw for trans-humeral amputation prostheticsInitial cadaver implantation strength and polymer biocompatibility of a Fused Filament Fabricated osseointegration screw for trans-humeral amputation prosthetics

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufactured FFF 4D printed biomimicking actuator with PLA and TPU shape memory polymer composite for prosthetic actuatorsAdditive manufactured FFF 4D printed biomimicking actuator with PLA and TPU shape memory polymer composite for prosthetic actuators

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing FFF 3D printed pressure sensor for prosthetics with low elastic modulus and high filler ratio filament compositesAdditive manufacturing FFF 3D printed pressure sensor for prosthetics with low elastic modulus and high filler ratio filament composites

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Advanced manufactured FDM 3D printed osseointegrated prosthesis for a transhumeral amputation using Taulman 680 FDAAdvanced manufactured FDM 3D printed osseointegrated prosthesis for a transhumeral amputation using Taulman 680 FDA

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Logistics for Designing a Recharging Grid for the Hybrid Vehicle System – Part IILogistics for Designing a Recharging Grid for the Hybrid Vehicle System – Part II

Patents

Active surgical access port filtration fittings.

Patent #: US20220354536A1

Passive surgical access port filtration fittings.

Patent #: US20220257877A1

Thermally responsive shape memory polymer actuator, prosthesis incorporating same, and fabrication method.

Patent #: US20210322646A1

Flexible sensors incorporating piezoresistive composite materials and fabrication methods.

Patent #: US10948366B2

Osseointegratable prosthetic device and manufacturing method.

Patent #: US10925755B2