Abstract
Advances in biomedical technology have significantly expanded the ability of researchers and healthcare providers to collect physiological and biometric data in real time. In preclinical research, continuous physiological monitoring is essential because measurements such as heart rate (HR) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) provide important indicators of cardiovascular stability, respiratory function, and overall health during experimental procedures (Kramer & Kinter, 2003). Reliable monitoring becomes especially important in mouse models due to their small size, rapid physiological fluctuations, and sensitivity to stress and movement. Despite the increasing use of physiological monitoring in research environments, many existing systems remain difficult to adapt for specialized small-animal applications because they can produce inconsistent readings, experience motion-related artifacts, or lack flexibility for experimental customization (Kramer & Kinter, 2003). Additionally, the growing collection and digitization of biological data has introduced broader ethical concerns surrounding privacy, security, and user control over sensitive, irreplaceable information. Together, these challenges show how biomedical technologies are shaped not only by engineering design, but also by the ethical and social systems they are implemented within (Oudshoorn & Pinch, 2003)
The technical portion of this project focuses on developing a pulse oximetry monitoring system capable of continuously measuring HR and SpO₂ in mice. The system integrates a MAX30102 pulse oximeter sensor with Arduino-based signal acquisition, custom processing code, and a graphical user interface (GUI) for real-time physiological monitoring (Analog Devices, n.d.). The overall goal of this project was to create a functional and adaptable platform that could improve small-animal physiological monitoring while also serving as a foundation for future MRI-compatible applications.
A significant focus of the Capstone project involved designing a stable and comfortable collar mechanism capable of maintaining reliable optical contact during monitoring. Multiple collar iterations were designed using SOLIDWORKS CAD software and fabricated through 3D printing to improve fit, comfort, and sensor alignment. Adjustable Velcro straps were incorporated to better accommodate differences in mouse neck size and improve stability during testing. Additional work focused on refining signal acquisition and filtering methods to reduce fluctuations and improve the physiological accuracy of HR and SpO₂ measurements. Future development of the system will investigate MRI-compatible modifications through the incorporation of non-ferromagnetic materials, polypropylene collar components compatible with autoclave sterilization, and potential fiber-optic signal transmission methods to minimize magnetic interference within MRI environments (Glover, 2011).
The STS portion of this thesis examined the sociotechnical implications of biometric data privacy and user autonomy within modern healthcare systems through analysis of the 23andME data breach. The 2023 breach exposed sensitive genetic and ancestry information belonging to millions of users and demonstrated how healthcare technologies can create vulnerabilities when user data is collected, stored and shared through centralized digital platforms (23andMe, 2023). Using the framework of user configuration, the STS research explored how platform design, consent systems, and privacy settings shape user behavior and influence the amount of control individuals maintain over their personal biometric information. The analysis argues that users are often encouraged to prioritize convenience and accessibility without fully understanding how their biological data may be stored, distributed, or exposed.
Together, the technical and STS components of this thesis address the broader relationship between biomedical technology, patient protection, and ethical responsibility. While the technical project focuses on improving physiological monitoring technologies for biomedical and neuroscience research, the STS research emphasizes the importance of informed consent and user autonomy in healthcare technologies involving biometric data. These projects both demonstrate that successful biomedical innovation depends on technical performance as well as careful consideration of the ethical and social systems in which these technologies are developed and applied (Oudshoorn & Pinch, 2003).
