Anthony Sergnese

I first debugged the electronics system, identifying a logic-level mismatch (2.1 V output vs. 1.8 V required) as the root cause of failed communication. I designed an intermediate level-shifting PCB using Altium Designer to slot between the existing circuit boards, which restored full system function. In parallel, I developed a passive, pH-activated trigger by coating copper electrodes with Eudragit L100-55, a polymer that dissolves only in neutral intestinal fluid. This mechanism prevented premature capsule activation in the stomach while reliably powering the device in the small intestine. With these solutions, I assembled four test devices that completed nine successful in vivo trials. Using pilot trial data, I also wrote algorithms to average healthy versus ischemic signals and set diagnostic thresholds, achieving 90% diagnostic accuracy with 98% sensitivity and 85% specificity. In addition to the engineering and experimental work, I constructed the methods section of a manuscript describing FIREFLI’s design, validation, and in vivo testing.