What's Up World!

I'm Derek. I'm a researcher, engineer, and aspiring Savannah Banana who is enthusiastic about machine learning and biomechanics. I currently serve as the Data Scientist and Biomedical Engineer for the Clinical Electrophysiology Program in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System. My work focuses on applying machine learning to predict long-term outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac procedures. I earned my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from UVA, where I developed biophysical and statistical models to forecast the progression and regression of cardiac remodeling. I'm driven by complex questions that demand collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning. Outside of work, you'll usually find me sipping iced coffee, lifting weights and practicing handstands at the gym, or competing (and often winning) in flag football, ultimate frisbee, and softball with my friends.

Derek Bivona, PhD - Biomedical Engineer and Data Scientist at UVA Health

Projects

  • Machine Learning for
    CRT Response

    During my PhD and postdoc, I developed a machine learning model to characterize multidimensional response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and its relationship with long-term survival. Check out the model here (with username: 'tester' & password: 'BilchickCRT')!

  • Finite-Element Models
    of Myocardial Infarction

    As part of my PhD, I contructed finite-element models of the left ventricle (LV) that accounted for changes in composition, mechanics, and growth following a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Check out these models in augmented reality (AR) on your mobile devices here!

  • Predictive Model to Improve
    Fastball Velocity

    I built a recommendation engine that gives pitcher-specific advice to improve fastball velocity. Check out the complete summary of my work here!

Publications

  1. Bivona, D.J., Tallavajhala, S., Abdi, M., Oomen, P.J.A., Gao, X., Malhotra, R., Darby, A.E., Monfredi, O.J., Mangrum, J.M., Mason, P.K., Mazimba, S., Salerno, M., Kramer, C.M., Epstein, F.H., Holmes, J.W., & Bilchick, K.C. (2022). Machine learning for multidimensional response and survival after cardiac resynchronization therapy using features from cardiac magnetic resonance. Heart rhythm O2, 3(5), 542–552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hroo.2022.06.005.

  2. Bivona, D.J., Tallavajhala, S., Abdi, M., Oomen, P. J. A., Gao, X., Malhotra, R., Darby, A., Monfredi, O. J., Mangrum, J. M., Mason, P., Mazimba, S., Salerno, M., Kramer, C. M., Epstein, F. H., Holmes, J. W., & Bilchick, K. C. (2022). Cardiac magnetic resonance defines mechanisms of sex-based differences in outcomes following cardiac resynchronization therapy. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 9, 1007806. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.1007806

  3. Bivona, D.J., Oomen, P.J.A., Wang, Y., Morales, F.L., Abdi, M., Gao, X., Malhotra, R., Darby, A., Mehta, N., Monfredi, O.J., Mangrum J.M., Mason P.K., Levy W.C., Mazimba S., Patel A.R., Epstein F.H., & Bilchick, K.C. (2023) Cardiac Magnetic Resonance, Electromechanical Activation, Kidney Function, and Natriuretic Peptides in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Upgrades. J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis., 10, 409. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd10100409

  4. Morales, F.L.*, Bivona, D.J.*, Abdi M., Malhotra R., Monfredi O., Darby A., Mason P.K., Mangrum J.M., Mazimba S., Stadler R.W., Epstein F.H., Bilchick, K.C., & Oomen, P.J.A. (2023).Noninvasive Electrical Mapping Compared with the Paced QRS Complex for Optimizing CRT Programmed Settings and Predicting Multidimensional Response. Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.1007806

  5. Bivona, D. J., Estrada, A. C., Yoshida, K., & Holmes. J. W. (2022 – In Preparation) A Comprehensive Finite-Element Model of Changes in Mechanics, Composition, and Growth During Post-Infarction Healing. Journal of biomechanical engineering.

  6. Capone, D. J., Clark, G. L., Bivona, D. J., Ogola, B. O., Desrosiers, L., Knoepp, L. R., Lindsey, S. H., & Miller, K. S. (2019). Evaluating residual strain throughout the murine female reproductive system. Journal of biomechanics, 82, 299–306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2018.11.001

CV

To learn more about me, take a look at my CV here.