ECE M.S. Student Mateo Lim Recognized at AVS71

ECE M.S. Student Mateo Lim received an oral presentation award at the American Vacuum Society (AVS) 71 International Symposium and Exhibition, which took place in September 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. AVS is an international organization focused on the science and technology of materials, interfaces and processing.

Lim’s research focuses on the development of a bioimpedance sensor for detecting inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract caused by inflammatory bowel disease, such as Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease. A bioimpedance sensor sends small electrical currents in the body to measure electrical resistance to quantify tissue permeability. Since these types of diseases can cause degradation of mucous membrane, a higher rate of permeability is present, allowing the passage of undesired bacteria, contributing to inflammation.

The sensor that Lim and his team are developing is attached to the surface of an ingestible capsule and is enhanced with a conductive polymer that will interface with biological tissue and fluid, resulting in minimal sensor degradation. Ultimately, this will lead to a future ability for stable, continuous measurements during the use of ingestible capsules to detect inflammation in the GI tract.

Lim received his BS in Electrical Engineering from UMD ECE in 2024. He is currently a 2nd year M.S. student and a member of the MEMS Sensors and Actuators Lab (MSAL). He is advised by Distinguished University Professor Reza Ghodssi. The paper presented by Lim, who was the primary author, was co-authored by Justin Stine (ECE Ph.D. ’23) and Professor Ghodssi.

Published January 16, 2026