About the project
This PhD studentship will combine state-of-the-art imaging techniques, mechanical testing and finite element modelling to assess bone microstructure and function following extreme exercise regimes used within the military to better understand and predict fracture risk in men and women.
It will also explore new technologies (phage-display) for stratification of fracture repair and bone regenerative treatments by gender.
Bone adapts to mechanical loads by changing its overall geometry, microstructure and tissue properties such as degree of mineralisation. These functional bone adaptations are closely coupled to the bones’ vascular health, maintaining overall bone strength and fracture resistance.
There is an acknowledged divergence in age-related bone fracture risk between men and women. Further, sexual dimorphism in fracture risk has been reported in young active individuals, with lower limb fracture occurrence reported to be 3-fold higher in women than men during military training.
This project offers a unique interdisciplinary programme at the engineering, life science, and biomedical science interface.
This project is funded by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS). They are recruiting candidates interested in digital, physical, and biological systems to create a diverse and interconnected training environment.
Besides training with a world-leading research group, a CISDnS membership will give you the skills and knowledge to handle real-world interdisciplinary challenges through a Systems Thinking approach.
You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector.
