Division of Bioengineering

People

On this page:

• Academic Members
• Postdoc Research Assistants
• Professional Services
• Current PhD Students
• PhD Graduates

Academic Members

Prof Teresa Alonso-Rasgado PhD Professor in Mechanical Engineering  +44 (0)20 7882 3028      t.alonso@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Kaspar Althoefer PhD Professor of Robotics Engineering Professor Althoefer's research focuses on robot autonomy, soft robotics, modelling of tool-environment interaction dynamics, sensing and neuro-fuzzy-based sensor signal classification with applications in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation, assistive technologies and human-robot interactions in the manufacturing environment.  +44 (0)20 7882 3419      k.althoefer@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Helena Azevedo MEng, PhD Reader in Biomedical Engineering & Biomaterials Molecular self-assembly, the spontaneous organization of molecules into ordered aggregates by noncovalent interactions and without external control, is of central importance to life (e.g., protein folding, formation of lipid bilayers). Using biological inspiration and tools of chemistry, physics and engineering, we aim to explore new (macro)molecular units (peptides and sugar polymers) mimicking the composition and structure of carbohydrates and proteins (vital constituents of all organisms) to develop materials by self-assembly with particular properties and function for bioengineering applications. We expect that combinations of these building blocks and their controlled self-assembly can generate the discovery of innovative biomaterials with unprecedented properties that can revolutionize tissue engineering and other forms of regenerative medicine.  +44 (0)20 7882 5502      h.azevedo@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Aleksandra Birn-Jeffery MSci, PhD Lecturer in Bioengineering My research aims to understand how different movements are achieved across a variety of steady and non-steady tasks; in particular, how the mechanics and muscles are used to control movement. I apply this knowledge to differentiate healthy gait from injury and disease, by identifying these fundamental control priorities. Identification of these control priorities, and using these to discover markers for disease severity will help assess the effectiveness of different treatment interventions for gait deficits. Non-steady tasks, such as walking over obstacles are key to identifying these underlying control parameters.  +44 (0)20 7882 3677      a.birn-jeffery@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Adrian Briggs BSc (Eng) PhD (Lond) Reader in Mechanical Engineering Enhanced Heat Transfer, Two-Phase Flow, Condensation  +44 (0)20 7882 8876      a.briggs@qmul.ac.uk

Prof James Busfield MA, PhD, CEng, FREng, FIMMM, FHEA Professor of Materials Examining the physical behaviour by experiment and modelling techniques of soft matter such as elastomers and rubber materials. Properties of interest include abrasion, friction, fracture, creep, fatigue, viscoelastic behaviour, modulus enhancement and composite filler reinforcement. Developing smart soft materials that can sense their environment and soft actuating materials that can change shape in response to a physical stimulus.  +44 (0)20 7882 8866      j.busfield@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Tina Chowdhury BSc, MSc, PhD, PGCAP, SFHEA Senior Lecturer in Regenerative Medicine Inflammation, mechanobiology, regenerative medicine.  +44 (0)20 7882 7560      t.t.chowdhury@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Joost de Bruijn BSc, PhD, FBSE Professor of Biomaterials Hard tissue replacement, bone tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, synthetic osteoinductive materials, bioreactor systems for adult stem cell expansion  j.d.debruijn@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Julien Gautrot PhD Professor in Biomaterials and Biointerfaces Synthesis and characterisation of biomaterials. Micro- and nano-patterning. Bio-interfaces. Stem cell biology.  +44 (0)20 7882 5263      j.gautrot@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Nuria Gavara PhD, FHEA Honorary Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials Lab website: https://gavaralab.wordpress.com/ Image-based diagnostics and screening, machine learning and development of algortihms for data analysis, Atomic Force microscopy, cell and nuclear mechanics, mechanobiology, tissue engineering, stem cell biology, traction force microscopy,  n.gavara@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Himadri Gupta Reader in Bioengineering and Biophysics Multiscale imaging of hierarchical materials; Synchrotron X-ray biophysics; In situ and scanning X-ray scattering techniques; Nano- and microscale tissue mechanics; Ageing and degeneration of musculoskeletal tissues; Mechanobiology  +44 (0)20 7882 8867      h.gupta@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Karin Hing CEng, PhD, BSc, MIMMM, FRMS, FWES Reader in Biomedical Materials My research is focused around the development of pioneering biomaterials and healthcare therapies through development of novel materials and processing technologies and investigation of the phenomena behind biocompatibility, and the stimulation of tissue regeneration. I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms behind enhanced bone healing or regeneration in the presence of porous synthetic scaffolds, known as synthetic bone graft substitutes, via manipulation of both synthetic graft chemistry and hierarchical pore structure. This has resulted in the development of 3D mechanosensitive in vitro models for investigation of these phenomena in the laboratory. I also have extensive experience in translating research from the bench to the bed side through my involvement in the successful development and commercialisation of a progressive series of synthetic bone graft substitute materials with tuneable hierarchical structures to support rapid, reliable bone regeneration, which are now in global clinical use in a range of applications including trauma, maxillofacial reconstruction, joint revision and spine surgery.  +44 (0)20 7882 7804      k.a.hing@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Thomas Iskratsch Dipl.-Ing. (Equiv. to MSc/MEng), PhD Co-director of Division of Bioengineering / Reader in Cardiovascular Mechanobiology and Bioengineering Cardiomyocyte and Vacular Smooth Muscle Cell Mechanobiology, Rigidity Sensing, Micro and Nanopatterning, Cellular Force Measurements, Advanced Imaging Techniques  +44 (0)20 7882 3674      t.iskratsch@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Martin Knight BEng, MSc, PhD, FHEA Professor of Mechanobiology My research is focussed on 'mechanobiology' or how living cells and tissues respond to physical forces. In particular I am interested in the role of the fascinating cellular structure known as the primary cilium (cilia in plural). My work also explores the development of organ-on-a-chip models incorporating biomechanical stimulation for predicting the performance of pharmaceuticals. I work on a variety of different diseases including osteoarthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis and the development of novel therapeutics.  +44 (0)20 7882 8868      m.m.knight@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Rob Krams MD, PhD Director of Division of Bioengineering / Professor in Molecular Bioengineering mechanotransduction, flow studies, molecular biology, CRISPR, knock out, knock in, finite element modelling, fluid structure modelling, imaging, animal studies  +44 (0)20 7882 7940      r.krams@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Steffi Krause Dr. rer. nat., MRSC, FHEA Professor of Electroanalytical Systems Electrochemical sensors and characterisation techniques including: (i) impedance and quartz crystal microbalance based chemical sensors and biosensors, (ii) electrochemical imaging using photocurrent measurements at field-effect semiconductor devices with scanning photo-induced impedance microscopy (SPIM) and light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS).  +44 (0)20 7882 3747      s.krause@qmul.ac.uk

Prof David Lee BSc (Hons), MA, PhD Deputy Vice Principal - Research (Enterprise) Tissue engineering and mechanobiology, Mesenchymal stem cell biology  +44 (0)20 7882 8874      d.a.lee@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Andrew Lewis BSc, PhD, CChem, CSi, FRSC, FAPS, FIMMM, FREng Visiting Professor Biomedical Polymers, Drug Delivery, Biomaterials, Combination Products  andrew.lewis@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Alvaro Mata BSc, MSc, DEng Visiting Professor in Biomedical Engineering & Biomaterials Our team strives to develop innovative technologies and high impact research (Science 2008, Nature Materials 2010, Nature Chemistry 2015) to generate creative technologies and solutions for a variety of bioengineering applications. We use highly interdisciplinary approaches that integrate engineering, materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, biology, and medicine to develop materials and devices that are hierarchical, biomimetic, offer spatio-temporal control, adaptability, tuneability, self-healing, and functionality. Current research in our lab includes the development of in vitro biomimetic environments, dynamic and directed self-assembling systems, molecular printing within 3D environments, and molecularly-designed bioactive implants for applications such as tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, drug screening.  +44 (0)20 7882 6279      a.mata@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Jens-Dominik Mueller Dipl-Ing, MSc, PhD Reader in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Optimisation Computational Fluid Dynamics, Fluid-Structure Interaction, Biofluids, Shape Optimisation, Adjoint methods, Mesh adaptation, Sensitivity Analysis.  +44 (0)20 7882 5421      j.mueller@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Hazel Screen BEng MRes PhD(Lond) CEng Professor of Biomedical Engineering My research aims to understand how our tissues are built to be able to withstand the loads they experience in the body. I am particularly interested in understanding tendon and heart valve; how and why they get injured, and ways to prevent this happening. By looking at the ways a tissue is supposed to work when it is healthy, we can identify how small changes in the structure, such as those which occur with age, can make injury more likely and look to prevent or treat these specifically.  +44 (0)20 7882 8875      h.r.c.screen@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Hasan Shaheed PhD (Sheffield), PGCAP (London), SFHEA, MIEEE, CEng, MIET, NTF Reader in Robotics & Renewable Energy (a) Systems/Applications: Aerial Robotics, Solar Aerial Robotics (Solarcopter), Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Osmotic Power, Blue Energy, Medical Robotics including Miniature Robots for Extreme Environment, Endoscopic Capsule Robots, Master-slave Robots, Medical / Surgical devices, Prosthetics, Water Desalination and Cancer. (b) Approaches: System Design, Modelling, Identification, Control, Optimisation, Artificial Intelligence (Deep Learning Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic), Machine Learning (Whale Optimisation, Grey Wolf Optimisation, Ant Colony etc.) Biomedical Signal Processing, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology with application to Cancer Prognosis and Classification.  +44 (0)20 7882 3319      m.h.shaheed@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Julia Shelton BA(Cantab) PhD(Lond) Professor of Biomechanical Engineering Wear of total hip replacements, surface coatings, particle analysis, orthopaedic systems, tissue engineering, tendon mechanics  +44 (0)20 7882 8877      j.shelton@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Stoyan Smoukov Reader in Chemical Engineering  +44 (0)20 7882 5305      s.smoukov@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Lei Su BSc, MRes, PhD, FHEA Senior Lecturer My research is centred on sensors and instrumentation, optical devices and optoelectronic materials for detection, imaging, monitoring and communication, interfacing with Artificial Intelligence, Materials, Chemistry and Nanotechnology, in applications such as healthcare, energy and security.  +44 (0)20 7882 5184      l.su@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Yi Sui PhD, MInstP, Fellow HEA Reader in Fluid Mechanics  +44 (0)20 7882 7763      y.sui@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Gleb Sukhorukov Professor of Biomedical Materials Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Materials Science. Area of research: Multifunctional Nanoengineered Delivery Systems  +44 (0)20 7882 5508      g.sukhorukov@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Elizabeth Tanner OBE, FREng, FRSE, PhD (Hon Caus) Bonfield Professor of Biomedical Materials My research interests are in the development, testing and use of biomaterials for bone and joint replacement. In particular composites of bioactive ceramics and polymers which can encourage bone ongrowth yet have sufficient mechanical properties to be used for load bearing applications. These are based on either non-degradable or degradable artificial or natural polymers depending on application. In parallel I have interests in the mechanical properties of bone and the effects of pathology on these properties.  +44 (0)20 7882 6785      k.e.tanner@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Pankaj Vadgama MB, BS, BSc, PhD, FRCPath, CChem, FRSC, CPhys, FInstP, FIMMM, FRSB, CSci, EuSpLM Emeritus Professor of Clinical Biochemistry Development of enzyme and antibody based biosensors for Point of Care Testing. Electrochemical sensors for in vivo monitoring of oxygen and metabolites for application to critical care and diabetes. Polymeric membranes and laminates designed for enzyme based biosensors for optimised sensitivity, selectivity and bio-stability. Laminates and composites developed for biodegradable sensors for chronic wound monitoring, on body electrolyte tracking in exercise and increase of bone adhesive strength.  +44 (0)20 7882 5151      p.vadgama@qmul.ac.uk

Prof Wen Wang PhD, CEng, FIMechE, FHEA, FAIMBE, FREng Vice-Principal and Executive Dean for Science and Engineering Vascular endothelial mechanics, cell mechanobiology, flow and solute transport in extracellular matrices, microcirculation, arterial haemodynamics, cell & tissue mechanics  +44 (0)20 7882 3031      wen.wang@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Yousef  Zawahreh BEng(Hons), PhD, PGCert, FHEA Senior Lecturer in Engineering Materials & Design My background is in materials, an area of that spans all other engineering disciplines (almost). My interests lie in identifying and commercialising design-related solutions that come from the boundaries between disciplines. Sustainability and healthcare are at the top of my list. Engineering education is another passion of mine. The current coronavirus pandemic upheaval has been challenging but perhaps in a good way. Innovation and progress are borne out of adversity and this situation is no different. I am extremely interested in how can we use this upheaval to advance engineering education in a post-COVID era.  y.zawahreh@qmul.ac.uk

Postdoc Research Associates

Dr Minerva Bosch Fortea Postdoctoral Research Associate  m.bosch@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Stephen Burrows MEng, MSc, PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant  07999088315      s.burrows@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Stoyan Smoukov

Dr Jianxin Chen PhD Visiting Postdoctoral Research Assistant  +44(0)7421466592      jianxin.chen@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Stoyan Smoukov

Dr Anirban Das Marie-Curie Fellow  a.das@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Steffi Krause

Dr Stefania Di Ciò PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant Development of nano- to micro-scale fabrication processes for the control of cellular microenvironment. Design of microfluidic chips with multiple hydrogel compartments for the embedding of organotypic cultures and spheroids. Microvascularisation within organ-on-chip platforms. Study of the mechanisms regulating cell sensing of nanoscale topography. In particular, the processes controlling actin dynamics and their impact on cell adhesion, spreading and fate decision.  +44 (0) 20 7882 5301      s.dicio@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Simon Grossemy Postdoctoral Research Assistant  s.grossemy@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Hazel Screen

Dr Hannah Heywood Postdoctoral Research Assistant  +44 (0)20 7882 5368      h.k.heywood@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Martin Knight

Dr Sheetal Inamdar MEng, PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant My work is focused on understanding how the collagen network in cartilage contributes to the tissues mechanical properties both in health and disease. More specifically, I utilise small angle X-ray scattering techniques combined with in-situ mechanics to probe the complex nanoscale mechanisms within the tissue. This combined methodology provides real time information into how the collagen fibrils behave under tissue level loading.  +44 (0)20 7882 3119      s.r.inamdar@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Himadri Gupta

Dr Weiqi Li BMed, MMed, PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant My research focuses on the vascular biology and vascular engineering. Particular interest goes to the endothelial glycocalyx, a protective layer along the luminal surface of the blood vessel. I aim to elucidate how the glycocalyx develops and sheds under healthy and diseased vascular conditions. I also work on endothelial mechanics and directional cell migration on different types of substrate, with the ultimate gold of understanding the process of vascular stiffening and aging.  +44 (0)20 7882 7821      wei-qi.li@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Wen Wang

Dr Yaqi Lyu PhD Marie Sklodowska-Curie Research Fellow  y.lyu@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Helena Azevedo

Dr Emilie Marhuenda PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant  e.marhuenda@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Thomas Iskratsch

Ms Magda Martinez Intern  m.magda@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Alvaro Mata

Miss Megan McFie Postdoctoral Research Assistant  m.mcfie@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Martin Knight

Dr William Megone Postdoctoral Research Assistant  w.v.megone@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Khai Duong Quang Nguyen KTP Postdoctoral Research Associate synthesis and characterisation of polymers and polymer composites; silicone elastomer and composites; photorheology; formulation science; 3D printing.  +44 (0)20 7882 7821      k.nguyen@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Nam Nguyen BSc MSc PhD MRSC Postdoctoral Research Assistant  nam.nguyen@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Julien Gautrot

Dr Joanne Nolan Postdoctoral Research Assistant  joanne.nolan@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Martin Knight

Dr Ehsan Nourafkan Postdoctoral Research Assistant  e.nourafkan@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Stoyan Smoukov

Dr Babatunde Okesola Postdoctoral Fellowship (Self-Assembling Peptides for Tissue Regeneration)  +44 (0)20 7882 6686      b.okesola@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Tina Chowdhury

Ms Sophie Skach Postdoctoral Research Assistant  s.skach@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Kaspar Althoefer

Dr Pamela Swiatlowska Postdoctoral Research Assistant  p.swiatlowska@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Thomas Iskratsch

Dr Clare Thompson MBiochem, PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant Mammalian cell culture, cell biology, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, confocal and super resolution microscopy, image analyses, PCR, molecular cloning, cell transfection, immunoprecipitation, , western blotting, ELISA, biochemical assays (various) and advanced data analyses.  +44 (0)20 7882 3603      clare.l.thompson@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Martin Knight

Dr Charlie Waugh Marie Sklodowska-Curie Research Fellow  c.waugh@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Hazel Screen

Dr Samuel Wood Postdoctoral Research Assistant  samuel.wood@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Rob Krams

Dr Ioannis Xanthis PhD Postdoctoral Research Assistant Cardiovascular Mechanobiology  i.xanthis@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Thomas Iskratsch

Dr Danae Zamboulis Postdoctoral Research Assistant  d.zamboulis@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Hazel Screen

Dr Bo Zhou Postdoctoral Research Assistant Light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS), photoelectrochemical imaging of dynamic cellular activities with high spatiotemporal resolution, synthesising nanomaterials as sensor substrates for photoelectrochemical imaging.  bo.zhou@qmul.ac.uk  Supervisor: Steffi Krause

Professional Services

Dr Russell Bailey PhD, FRMS, T/SI Analytical Laboratories Manager Oversees the technical support provision within the analytical laboratories of the school. Facilitates support for research and teaching, in line with the university’s long-term strategic objectives. Primary areas of expertise are electron and scanning probe microscopies, and mechanical testing.  +44 (0)20 7882 8468      r.j.bailey@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Erica Di Federico PhD Mechanical Testing Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for the mechanical testing facilities for academic staff, postgraduate, and undergraduate students within the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. This comprises supporting appropriate research projects, managing contract testing and assisting with practical classes, demonstrations and in the development of prototypes and experimental equipment for teaching and research. Responsible for the operation and upkeep of the materials processing and mechanical testing laboratories. Responsible for the instruction, guidance, and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 5054      e.difederico@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Nick Duggan Workshop Technician I'm a mechanical production engineer with many years experience in all aspects of mechanical maintenance, manufacture and workshop practice. I have wide experience in working on a range of equipment and plant in the chemical, process and mechanical engineering fields, specifically those in research, teaching and pilot plants.  +44 (0)20 7882 6836      n.duggan@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Benjamin Gridley MChem, PhD Technical Facilities Manager  +44 (0)20 7882 8740      b.m.gridley@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Benjamin Gridley MChem, PhD Technical Facilities Manager  +44 (0)20 7882 8740      b.m.gridley@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Shoghik Hakobyan PhD Materials Characterisation Technician  +44 (0)20 7882 6943      s.hakobyan@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Dennis Ife Mechanical Workshop Manager Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. Responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory areas of CAD-CAM. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 6383      d.ife@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Shafir Iqbal Laboratory Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. To be responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory areas of Cell and Tissue. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 6991      s.iqbal@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Armando Lacerda PhD Research Laboratories Manager  +44 (0)20 7882 7461      a.m.lacerda@qmul.ac.uk

Ms Jun Ma BSc, MSc, MPhil Laboratory Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. To be responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory area of Instrumentation. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 5057      j.ma@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Andrew McDonald Mechanical Workshop Technician Apprentice trained mechanical engineer providing support to students and staff in manufacturing and CAD/CAM processes.  andrew.mcdonald@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Danny Neighbour BSc,MSc,CEng MIEE Laboratory Technician Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. To be responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory areas of Robotics and Servo PBL. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of laboratory equipment and techniques as appropriate.  +44 (0)20 7882 5056      d.neighbour@qmul.ac.uk

Mr Stefano Pinku Ahluwalia Assistant Laboratory Technician To provide fundamental technical assistance to enable to day to day functioning of the Schoolâ??s laboratories, primarily in the division of bioengineering. The role will carry out a range of operational tasks including equipment maintenance, replenishing stocks of consumables, chemical reagents and cryogenics, maintaining communal laboratory spaces and demonstrating procedures to lab users.  +44 (0)20 7882 6991      s.ahluwalia@qmul.ac.uk

Mr James Searles Mechanical Workshop Technician I have 20 years experience in the manufacturing industry primarily in the f1 and aerospace industry  j.searles@qmul.ac.uk

Dr Dongsheng Wu PhD Laboratory Technician - Imaging Provides comprehensive technical support for staff and students in the School to enable the achievement of teaching and research aims and objectives. Responsible for the operation and upkeep of the laboratory area Imaging. Responsible for the instruction, guidance and supervision of staff and students in the use of Confocal microscope, Multiphoton microscope, Spinning Disk microscope, Super-resolution microscope, Epifluorescence microscope, and in performing projects associated with genetic modification.  +44 (0)20 7882 5051      dong.wu@qmul.ac.uk

Current PhD Students

PhD Graduates