Guy Elisha
Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. Candidate
I use mathematics, physics, and computation to create formal, theory-based explanations to clinical observations.
Employing biophysiological modeling, encompassing both computational neuromechanical models and reduced order models, I investigate the intricacies of organ function and dysfunctions. This involves exploration of organs’ neural architecture, mechanical properties, and muscle contraction patterns. Particularly, during my PhD, I delved into unraveling the fundamental mechanisms underlying esophageal transport and understanding the behavior of sphincters. Additionally, I ventured into employing analytical stability analysis techniques to identify aortic aneurysms and utilized analytical derivations to characterize uterine contractions.
Guy Elisha
Ph.D., Candidate
Mechanical Engineering Northwestern University
(2019-present)
B.S., Mechanical Engineering
summa cum laude
University Of Oklahoma
(2015-2019)
Contact me
guyelisha2024@u.northwestern.edu
Education
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering
Dissertation Title: Computational and Theoretical Investigation of Esophageal Physiology
Focus Areas: Biomechanics, neuromechanics, and computational modeling of organ physiology
Committee: Neelesh A. Patankar, PhD (chair), Horacio D. Espinosa, PhD, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD, John E. Pandolfino, MD
Expected July 2024
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
B.S., (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Valedictorian, summa cum laude.
Focus Area: Structural dynamics and HVAC
Aug 2015 - May 2019
University of Oxford, Study Abroad Program, Oxford, England
A study abroad summer program at the University of Oxford with the University of Oklahoma’s Honors College. Analyzed banned books in Great Britain by looking at their political influence and literary interpretation.
Jun - Aug 2016
Red Cross Nordic United World College, Flekke, Norway
International educational program which aims to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future through education.
Academic Focus: Mathematics and Visual Art
Aug 2012 - May 2014
Research and Design Experience
Graduate Research Assistant
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
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Developed a reduced-order mechanical model to study esophageal transport.
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Conducted a parametric study to identify peristaltic regimes.
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Advanced the understanding of peristaltic activity in tubular organs and provided insightful information about the effect of tube stiffness, fluid/bolus density, and contraction strength on the contraction pattern.
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Revised and offered a novel mechanics-based perspective on the various phases of the pressure-cross-sectional area hysteresis loops within the esophageal body.
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Classified and unraveled major trends observed in human sphincters through processing large clinical data sets and reduced-order simulations.
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Reproduced sphincters’ patterns using simulations and revealed the underlying mechanism behind the identified trends.
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Provided a mechanics-based explanation to sphincters’ opening and closing patterns through work and power calculations.
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Developed a reduced-order neuromechanical model to study esophageal motility disorders.
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Demonstrated how emergent behavior of a neuromechanical dynamical system can help resolve longstanding questions.
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Reproduced normal and abnormal esophageal response to distension, unveiling the underlying mechanism of involved in healthy and unhealthy esophageal behavior.
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Settled an ongoing debate on the emergence of esophageal contraction patterns through the empirically guided model.
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Presented a template to interrogate neurologically driven mechanophysiological pathologies of organs.
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Identified a fluid-structure instability that is associated with abnormal aortic dilatation and obtained a measurable dimensionless number and its analytically derived critical threshold.
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Analytically derived a mechanics-based measurable physiomarker for Endometriosis diagnosis through marking the competition between uterus and fallopian tubes peristalsis.
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Collaborated with the Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
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Nine publications: Four published first-author peer-reviewed papers, two high-profile first-author papers under internal review, three publications as a co-author in peer-reviewed journals.
Aug 2019 - present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
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Developed methodologies and algorithms to enhance the accuracy of a home thermal model, slated for integration into software codes on a smart thermostat hardware platform.
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Computed a standardized table that will serve future nationwide studies for minimizing HVAC expenses while maximizing indoor comfort.
Aug - Dec 2018
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
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Examined an innovating methodology for detecting dynamic characteristics of buildings during ground motion.
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Investigated and implemented a novel approach for monitoring the dynamic characteristics of buildings.
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Co-authored two peer-reviewed papers.
Jan - Jul 2017
Human Powered Vehicle Challenge
Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma
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Designed, analyzed the loads, and built a recumbent bicycle as a member of the university’s engineering competitive team, Sooner Powered Vehicle.
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Competed with the team at the annual competition organized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Human Powered Vehicle Challenge.
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Directed and chaired the team as the Vice President as well as the Safety Officer.
WindBAG Challenge
Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma
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Designed, manufactured, and tested a system capable of converting wind energy into stored mechanical and electrical energy, used to propel a vehicle.
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Internalized the Principle of Engineering Design and developed competencies required for a career as a professional engineer.
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Understood and translated customer requirements into technical specifications while emphasizing authentic design and team work.
Sep 2016 - May 2019
Aug - Dec 2018
Publications
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Elisha, G., Acharya, S., Halder, S., Carlson, D.A., Kou, W., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. Peristaltic regimes in esophageal transport. Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology, 22(1), pp.23-41
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Elisha, G., Halder, S., Acharya, S., Carlson, D.A., Kou, W., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. A mechanics-based perspective on the function of the esophagogastric junction during functional luminal imaging probe manometry. Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology, pp.1-19.
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Elisha, G., Halder, S., Carlson, D.A., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. A mechanics-based perspective on the pressure-cross-sectional area loop within the esophageal body. Frontiers in Physiology, 13, p.2693.
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Elisha, G., Halder, S., Acharya, S., Carlson, D.A., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. A mechanics-based perspective on the function of human sphincters during functional luminal imaging probe manometry. Journal of biomechanical engineering. p.1-23.
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Zhao, T.Y., Johnson, E.M.I., Elisha, G., Halder, S., Smith, B.C., Allen, B.D., Markl, M. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. Blood-wall fluttering instability as a physiomarker of the progression of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Nature Biomedical Engineering, pp.1-13.
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Halder, S., Pandolfino, J.E., Kahrilas, P.J., Koop, A., Schauer, J., Araujo, I.K., Elisha, G., Kou, W., Patankar, N.A. and Carlson, D.A., 2023. Assessing mechanical function of peristalsis with functional lumen imaging probe panometry: Contraction power and displaced volume. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, p.e14692.
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Halder, S., Yamasaki, J., Acharya, S., Kou, W., Elisha, G., Carlson, D.A., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2022. Virtual disease landscape using mechanics-informed machine learning: Application to esophageal disorders. Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, 134, p.102435.
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Harvey Jr, P.S. and Elisha, G., 2018. Vision‐based vibration monitoring using existing cameras installed within a building. Structural Control and Health Monitoring, 25(11), p.e2235.
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Harvey Jr, P.S., Elisha, G. and Casey, C.D., 2018. Experimental investigation of an impact-based, dual-mode vibration isolator/absorber system. International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics, 104, pp.59-66.
Under Review
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Elisha, G., Halder, S., Liu. X., Carlson, D.A., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. Neurological disorders leading to mechanical dysfunction of organs: emergent behavior of a neuromechanical dynamical system – internal review
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Elisha, G., Gast, R., Halder, S., Solla, S.A., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. Propagation direction in unidirectionally coupled Wilson-Cowan oscillators – internal review
Honors and Awards
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Martin Outstanding Doctoral Fellowship
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Walter P. Murphy Fellowships
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Student Speaker at the Gallogly College of Engineering Convocation
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Pre-Capstone Best Practice
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Jennifer Scott Smith Memorial Scholarship
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Design of Mechanical Components Outstanding Junior
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Accepted to the Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Master’s Program
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Honors Engineering Research
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University of Oklahoma’s Honors College
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2016 David L. Boren Scholarships Institute of International Education
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United World College Davis Scholar
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Red Cross Nordic United World College Scholar
2022
2019
2019
2018
2018
2018
2018
2016
2015 - Present
2016
2015 - Present
2012 - 2014
Conference Presentations
Oral Presentations
Elisha, G., Halder, S., Liu, X., Pandolfino, J.E., Kahrilas, P.J. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. Neurological disorders leading to mechanical dysfunction of organs: emergent behavior of a neuromechanical dynamical system. Bulletin of the American Physical Society DFD, Washington DC, USA
Liu, X., Halder, S., Elisha, G., Kou, W., Carlson, D.A., Kahrilas, P.J., Pandolfino, J.E. and Patankar, N.A., 2023. Mechano-pathogenesis of esophageal hypertrophy and atrophy. Bulletin of the American Physical Society DFD, Washington DC, USA
Elisha, G., Halder, S., Pandolfino, J. E., Kahrilas, P. J., Patankar, N. A. (2022, November 19-22). Neuromechanical model of esophageal transport. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Liu, X., Elisha, G., Halder, S., Pandolfino, J. E., Kahrilas, P. J., Patankar, N. A. (2022, November 19-22). Understanding esophageal pressure-area loop patterns in different diagnostic devices. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Elisha, G., Halder, S., Patankar, N. A. (2022, April 14). A unified understanding of the function of human sphincters using functional luminal imaging probe. Gender Equity in Academic Research Symposium, Evanston, IL, USA.
Elisha, G., Acharya, S., Halder, S., Pandolfino, J. E., Kahrilas, P. J., Patankar, N. A. (2021, November 23-25). Pressure–area loop based phenotypic classification and mechanics of esophagogastric junction physiology. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Phoenix, AR, USA.
Zhao, T. Y., Elisha, G., Johnson, E. M. I., Halder, S., Smith, B. C., Allen, B. D., Markl, M., Patankar, N. A. (2021, November 23-25). The fluid-structure instability driving aneurysm formation and growth. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Phoenix, AR, USA.
Halder, S., Yamasaki, J., Acharya, S., Elisha, G., Kou, W., Pandolfino, J. E., Kahrilas, P. J., Patankar, N. A. (2021, November 23-25). Esophageal virtual disease landscape for disease pathogenesis and diagnostics using mechanics-informed machine learning. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Phoenix, AR, USA.
Elisha, G., Acharya, S., Halder, S., Pandolfino, J. E., Kahrilas, P. J., Patankar, N. A. (2020, November 22-24). Peristaltic regimes in esophageal transport. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Chicago, IL, USA.
Acharya, S., Halder, S., Elisha, G., Kou, W., Kahrilas, P. J., Pandolfino, J. E., Patankar, N. A. (2020, November 22-24). Fluid mechanics-informed clinical practice in gastroenterology. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Chicago, IL, USA.
Halder, S., Acharya, S., Elisha, G., Kou, W., Pandolfino, J. E., Kahrilas, P. J., Patankar, N. A. (2020, November 22-24). Mechanics-informed radiology, fluoroscopy, and endoscopy enabled by deep learning techniques. APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, Chicago, IL, USA
Poster Presentations
Elisha, G., Halder, S., Liu, X., Pandolfino, J.E., Kahrilas, P.J. and Patankar, N.A., 2024. Neurological disorders leading to mechanical dysfunction of organs: emergent behavior of a neuromechanical dynamical system. International Biofluid & Mechanobiology Symposium, Eilat, Israel
Elisha, G., Halder, S., Patankar, N. A. (2022, July 16). A unified understanding of the function of human sphincters using functional luminal imaging probe. Context, Connections, and Community Symposium, Evanston, IL, USA.
Zhao, T. Y., Elisha, G., Johnson, E. M. I., Halder, S., Smith, B. C., Allen, B. D., Markl, M., Patankar, N. A. (2022, February 2-5). Fluid-Structure Stability Analysis to Predict Aortic Dilation. Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Scientific Sessions, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant and Grader
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Courses: Engineering Fluid Mechanics, Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics
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Taught weekly recitation session
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Held weekly office hours and engage with students
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Planed and graded weekly assignment and exam
Graduate Student Mentor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
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Mentored and trained an undergraduate and masters students in their first research experience
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Facilitated weekly meetings and assigned weekly tasks
Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics Tutor
Student Learning Center, Norman, Oklahoma
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Assisted and instructed students in mechanical engineering and mathematics courses such as Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Statics, Dynamics, and Differential Equations.
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Collaborated with professors and fellow employees in developing effective teaching strategies and forming study groups.
English Learner Reading Instructor
Madison Elementary School, Norman, Oklahoma
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Taught English and helped a young English learner read a new book each week
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Explained new vocabulary to them in simple, understandable terms
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Engaged in fun conversations that allow the learner to use their new vocabulary
Mathematics and Hebrew Instructor
Youth Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Taught and instructed mathematics to elementary and middle school students of lower income refugee families.
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Encouraged the students to succeed in school and guided them through the journey of entering a foreign discourse community by teaching the local language.
Leadership and Extra-Curricular Activities
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Board member and Social Chair at GradSWE - graduate student community of the Society of Women Engineers
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Board member and Social Chair at Graduate Women Across Northwestern
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Northwestern Triathlon club (member)
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Northwestern Cycling club (member)
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Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Student Advisory Council (member)
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Sooner Engineering Entrepreneurs (member)
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University of Oklahoma Triathlon Club (member)
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Human Powered Vehicle (VP + member)
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University of Oklahoma Cycling Club (VP + member)
Public Speaking and Presentations
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Manage work life balance presentation at the Graduate Women in Science and Engineering mentorship circle
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Presented the methodology and results displayed in the article “Vision-based vibration monitoring using existing cameras installed within buildings” to civil engineering master and Ph.D. students.
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Gave a presentation at the University of Oklahoma’s social justice event, Mosaic- Social Justice Symposium.
References
Neelesh A. Patankar, PhD
Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University
E-mail: n-patankar@northwestern.edu
Phone: 847-491-3021 (O)
John E. Pandolfino, MD
Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in the Department of Medicine
Department of Medicine
Northwestern University
E-mail: j-pandolfino@northwestern.edu
Ph: (312)-695-0182
Gregory J. Wagner, PhD
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Northwestern University
E-mail: gregory.wagner@northwestern.edu