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The Project
Cranial sutures are the soft connective tissue that joins bones in the skull. Suture tissue is unique in that it facilitates growth and remodeling of bone connected to it in the presence of applied mechanical stimuli, and will generally fuse to become bone over time. In its unfused form, cranial sutures are a complex structure consisting primarily of vasculature, collagen fibres, and extracellular matrix, and may have varying levels of bone present throughout as they begin to fuse over time. We aim to better understand the mechanical response of suture tissue to applied loading and how this in turn drives the biological response to facilitate bone remodeling and growth at suture sites. This specific research project will focus on studying the mechanical response of cranial suture tissue using advanced experimental and modeling techniques. In vivo experiments will use a rat model with mechanical stimuli applied locally at suture sites to generate differential loading regimes leading to varied biological adaptations. We will then use imaging (e.g. X-ray tomography) and cellular analysis to generate data to be correlated with mechanical simulations and better link the local mechanics of suture tissue with the resulting adaptations. This project involves an exciting collaboration with those in engineering, advanced imaging analysis, biology, and surgery. Our overarching goal for project results is to better inform clinical interventions involving cranial sutures (e.g. invasive surgical procedures correcting premature suture fusion or orthodontic treatments) through a foundational understanding of their response to mechanical stimuli, leading to improved treatment planning and design/development of necessary appliances.
Required Qualifications
Start Date: September 2021 (earlier or later start dates may be considered)
How to Apply
Interested candidates may contact Drs. Dan Romanyk or Lindsey Westover by email (dromanyk@ualberta.ca or lwestove@ualberta.ca) to discuss their qualifications and the project. To apply for this opportunity, please submit a complete application package including a brief statement detailing your specific interest in this project, resume, and transcripts as soon as possible!
Cranial sutures are the soft connective tissue that joins bones in the skull. Suture tissue is unique in that it facilitates growth and remodeling of bone connected to it in the presence of applied mechanical stimuli, and will generally fuse to become bone over time. In its unfused form, cranial sutures are a complex structure consisting primarily of vasculature, collagen fibres, and extracellular matrix, and may have varying levels of bone present throughout as they begin to fuse over time. We aim to better understand the mechanical response of suture tissue to applied loading and how this in turn drives the biological response to facilitate bone remodeling and growth at suture sites. This specific research project will focus on studying the mechanical response of cranial suture tissue using advanced experimental and modeling techniques. In vivo experiments will use a rat model with mechanical stimuli applied locally at suture sites to generate differential loading regimes leading to varied biological adaptations. We will then use imaging (e.g. X-ray tomography) and cellular analysis to generate data to be correlated with mechanical simulations and better link the local mechanics of suture tissue with the resulting adaptations. This project involves an exciting collaboration with those in engineering, advanced imaging analysis, biology, and surgery. Our overarching goal for project results is to better inform clinical interventions involving cranial sutures (e.g. invasive surgical procedures correcting premature suture fusion or orthodontic treatments) through a foundational understanding of their response to mechanical stimuli, leading to improved treatment planning and design/development of necessary appliances.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s of Science (or Engineering) degree in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering
- Candidates with a Bachelor’s of Science (or Engineering) degree in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering wishing to pursue a Master’s degree may also be considered
- Willing to register in the University of Alberta’s PhD in Mechanical Engineering Program
- Keen interest and/or experience (coursework, research, and/or industrial) in: tissue mechanics, biological tissue experimental methods, biomedical engineering, finite element analysis, knowledge of bone biology, and programming (e.g. Matlab, Python) are assets
- Minimum GPA of 3.3
- Proven ability to work independently
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in English
- Open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and foreign students
Start Date: September 2021 (earlier or later start dates may be considered)
How to Apply
Interested candidates may contact Drs. Dan Romanyk or Lindsey Westover by email (dromanyk@ualberta.ca or lwestove@ualberta.ca) to discuss their qualifications and the project. To apply for this opportunity, please submit a complete application package including a brief statement detailing your specific interest in this project, resume, and transcripts as soon as possible!