About the project
During adolescence a quiet transformation is taking place in our limbs; when the growth plate fuses we fundamentally alter our biomechanics. This project aims to better understand this critical process to protect our future joint health.
The transformation happening during our teenage years is both biological and mechanical. The shock absorber that our growth plates have been providing is mineralising, and the cartilage lining our joints now has to do all the work. This process happens once in our lives, how it happens lays down the foundations for our joint’s future. Bones are all slightly different; what role does shape play in this process? Should people with certain bone shapes be encouraged to do certain things to encourage better long-term health?
You'll use imaging data to design and manufacture physiologically accurate moulds for living cell models of growth plate tissue. You'll then use custom loading devices to apply physiological loads to these tissue models, coupling this with biomechanical modelling to build a complete picture of what is happening, offering insight into the role geometry plays in growth plate closure and its implications for long-term health.
This project is supported by an enthusiastic and committed supervisory team from bioengineering and biology. Between us we have a good level of supervisory experience and wide network to draw upon. You'll also join our interdisciplinary team and develop skills in:
- image analysis
- 3D printing
- Bioengineering
- Biomaterials
- Biomechanics
We seek either an engineer with an interest in the beautiful mechanical system that is the human body, or a biologist with an interest in examining the human body from a more biomechanical perspective.
