Kennesaw, Georgia | May 28, 2026
Kennesaw State University student Josiah Ware is helping convert CT scans into digital models of the human heart. This research could one day help doctors spot problems faster and tailor treatment to patients.
Under the direction of Lei Shi, associate professor of mechanical engineering at KSU’s Southern College of Engineering and Technology (SPCEET), Ware is helping develop patient-specific virtual heart models using machine learning and advanced imaging. This study uses CT scans to reconstruct a detailed representation of the human heart and analyzes it through computer modeling and finite element analysis to simulate how the organ functions under different conditions.
This research could ultimately help medical professionals diagnose heart conditions more efficiently and tailor treatment to individual patients.
Ware, a graduate of Roswell High School and current student in South Carolina State University’s Journey Honors College, learned of See’s research project during his freshman year through South Carolina State University’s First Year Scholars program, which connects undergraduate students with faculty-led research.
“I have always been interested in biomedicine and the intersection of engineering and health,” said Ware, a mechanical engineering student. “This project caught my eye right away.”
At the heart of the project is digital twin technology, which allows researchers to create virtual models of real-world systems and study how they work. Once converted to a digital model, researchers can run simulations to identify heart problems that may not be visible through traditional imaging alone. The technology also allows researchers to incorporate patient-specific data to create more personalized models that can help improve treatment outcomes.
“The great thing about this is that we can take patient-specific data from the CT scan and simulate how a real human heart works,” Ware says. “Everyone’s body structure is slightly different, so the more you can personalize your treatment, the better the results will be.”
Ware’s role focused on the early stages of the modeling process using the software programs SimVascular and Meshmixer. He created and refined a 3D model of the heart using CT scan images and then prepared the model for finite element analysis, a computational process used to simulate real-world behavior.
SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman said Ware’s research shows what kind of research opportunities are available to undergraduate students at Kennesaw State University.
“Research experiences like this allow students to apply engineering concepts to real-world challenges that can directly impact people’s lives,” Whitman said. “Josiah’s research demonstrates how Kennesaw State University undergraduates contribute to innovative research while preparing for engineering careers in the medical field.”
Ware said one of the challenges during the project was learning machine learning concepts while actively conducting research. Although the learning curve was steep, the experience strengthened his technical knowledge and taught him perseverance.
“Nothing goes well at first,” Ware said. “This experience taught me perseverance and how to overcome mistakes and failures. I believe that dealing with such challenges early will help prepare me for my future career.”
– Story by Raynard Churchwell
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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State University is a member of the University System of Georgia, which has 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong international connections, and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from across the country and around the world. Kennesaw State University is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), one of an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. universities with R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
