Lomas Persad

About

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, I hold a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the West Indies. I pursued further studies at Imperial College London, earning an MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Biomechanics.

I'm a passionate individual based in Miami, FL, dedicated to exploring the fascinating realms of biomechanics research and data science. I strongly believe in the transformative power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Through my work and projects, I am constantly seeking to expand my expertise and uncover new insights in these intersecting fields. From analyzing intricate movement patterns to extracting meaningful information from complex datasets, I am driven by a curiosity to understand the mechanics of life and harness data-driven approaches to make meaningful contributions.
I am also a pandit at SWAHA International, a non-profit Hindu organization based in Trinidad.

This website serves as a platform for sharing my research, projects, and insights.

Data Scientist & Researcher

Graduate of Imperial College London and former Reseach fellow at Mayo Clinic's Motion Analysis Lab, Department of Orthopedic surgery, Rochester, MN.

I have 5+ years of studying human movement and collecting valuable in vivo muscle data. Through my extensive research, I have gained proficiency in data collection methodologies, data processing, analysis using tools such as MATLAB ,R and Python.

I have a strong track record of contributing to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications. My research findings have been published in renowned journals, showcasing my ability to conduct rigorous research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

With a strong foundation in biomechanics and expertise in data analysis, I am well-equipped to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to advancements in human movement science.

  • Degree: PhD Bioengineering
  • Website: lomaspersad.github.io
  • Phone: (507) 319 1150
  • City: Miami, FL

Publications

Explore my journey through academia

Publications

Citations

H-index

Procedures for obtaining Muscle Physiology Parameters during a Gracilis Free-Functioning Muscle Transfer in Adult Patients with Brachial Plexus Injury

This article presents a comprehensive guide for intraoperative, in vivo measurement of whole muscle-tendon parameters, including muscle-tendon unit length, sarcomere length, passive tension, and active tension. By obtaining these rare experimental data in situ, along with muscle volume and weight, this protocol enables a complete understanding of muscle mechanics for accurate modeling of human muscle function for studying human locomotion and evaluating surgical interventions.

In vivo human gracilis whole-muscle passive stress–sarcomere strain relationship

In this study, we measured the passive mechanical properties of intact, living human gracilis muscles in patients undergoing surgery for brachial plexus injury. Measurements included whole-muscle force, sarcomere length, muscle volume, and optimal fiber length. The average physiological cross-sectional area was approximately three times larger than that measured in cadaveric specimens. Passive tension and sarcomere length increased, following the descending limb of the sarcomere length-tension curve. Human muscle passive properties were found to be more similar to rodent muscles than rabbit muscles. These direct measurements provide valuable insights for modeling studies and understanding comparative passive mechanical properties in mammalian muscles.

Qualifications and Skill Portfolio

Here, you can explore my educational accomplishments, professional certifications, and an overview of the skills I have acquired throughout my career.

MATLAB 100%
Python 70%
R 60%
SQL 50%
HTML 50%
CSS 30%
OpenSim 80%
LABview 55%
Degree 1 Degree 2 Certificate 1 Certificate 2 Certificate 3 Certificate 4

Résumé

I am an aspiring research scientist with over five years of practical experience in biomechanics research. In particular, I am interested in understanding the mechanisms of human locomotion and how healthy muscles function within the musculoskeletal system. I apply data science practice to biomechanics research for data processing and visualization. I am happy to talk to you about how you blend the fields of data science and biomechanics research. Please feel free to reach out to me.

Sumary

Lomas Persad

Driven and accomplished professional with a strong background in biomechanics research and publication, spanning over five years. A keen interest in data analysis and visualization further fuels my drive to uncover meaningful insights that advance our knowledge in this field.

Education

PhD Bioengineering Research

2012 - 2016

Imperial College London, London, England

Courses include:

  • Becoming an effective researcher
  • Writing for publication
  • Technical writing lecture series
  • Stats for research: Intermediate Statistics

MSc Advanced Mechanical Eningeering

2010 - 2011

Imperial College London, London, England

Courses include:

  • Advance Control
  • Aircraft Engine Technology
  • Advanced Stress Analysis
  • Advanced Vibration Eningeering
  • Finite Element Analysis and Applications
  • Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics

BSc Mechanical Eningeering

2006 - 2009

University of the West Indies, Trinidad

Courses include:

  • Engineering Statistics
  • Strength of Materials
  • Engineering Thermodynamics
  • Mechanical Vibrations
  • Engineering Design
  • Manufacturing Technology

Professional Experience

Biomedical Engineer

March 2023 - December 2023

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL

Continuation of work and responsibilities from former Mayo Clinic appointment. Duties include independent analysis of experimental data and communicate findings via presentations and publication of peer-review manuscripts.

Research Fellow

2019 - 2023

Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Involved in a research team aiming to quantify the active and passive mechanical properties of the human gracilis muscle by collecting in vivo data intraoperatively. Responsibilities involved:

  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design and execute the research study
  • Consented potential patients
  • Developed and refined research protocols and methodologies
  • Performed data analysis using custom code (MATLAB,Python and R) to derive meaningful insights.
  • Presented research findings at multiple conferences and participated in scientific discussions
  • Applied ethical considerations in all aspects of research, including patient confidentiality and informed consent

awards Awards

Scholarship for outstanding achievement

2010-2016

Government of Trinidad & Tobago

  • 2016, PhD qualification
  • 2011, MSc qualification

Dean’s Honor Roll

2009

Univeristy of the West Indies

  • Outstanding academic performance (Mechanical Eningeering)

interest Passions and Activities

  • Cricket
  • Soccer
  • Table tennis
  • Gaming

Portfolio

Feel free to explore my portfolio section to gain a deeper understanding of my skills, expertise, and interests. I invite you to reach out with any questions or inquiries you may have, as I am always eager to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations.

  • All
  • Python
  • Photogrammetry
  • Travel
  • Life
  • Cricket

Dharma (धर्म)

I am a Pandit of SWAHA international, a non-profit hindu organisation based in Trinidad that was created for the purpose of spiritual instruction and guidance, social and cultural direction and leadership, and development of the general well-being of the national community.

God’s Hands

In the realm of Hindu deities, one striking characteristic sets them apart—their depiction with multiple arms. Whether it's Ganesh, Durga, Kali, or Vishnu, many gods and goddesses are illustrated as having numerous hands.

Greatness of the name Ram

The name of Shri Ram, like a radiant lamp, illuminates the path through life's struggles, dispelling darkness and fears.

Shri Ganesh Utsav

The essence of Shri Ganesh Utsav embodies a profound reminder of the power within us—the power of 'vivek' or discernment. It signifies resilience in the face of challenges, a refusal to succumb to lower tendencies, and a commitment to clearing the veil of illusion (maya).