Tweet
The Fatigue and Fracture of Skeletal Tissues (F2) Lab in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California San Diego has one opening for a PhD position available starting January 2024. The F2 Lab investigates the structure, function mechanisms, and dynamics of skeletal tissues using an experimental multi-scale approach. Some of the most essential crack resistance qualities of skeletal tissues occur at the micrometer length scale. We are characterizing them using Synchrotron Radiation X-ray MicroTomography (SRuT). This technique provides crucial 3D microstructural information related to Haversian canals and osteocyte lacunae geometry, mineralization levels, microcrack initiation and growth, and volumetric deformation fields (via VDIC). Using this technique, we investigate how biological changes caused by age and disease affect the microstructural features and their interaction with the crack growth and in turn, how these factors alter the fracture resistance.
The objective of the project is to reconstruct 2-D angular radiographs from Synchrotron microtomography scans in 3D images and to process these images (using ImageJ, Dragonfly softwares) to visualize, segment, and quantify microstructural features and crack paths in bone samples. In a second step, the project will focus on poor-quality data scans. Machine learning algorithms based on deep neural networks will be used for image reconstruction and processing. The algorithms will be trained on 3D microstructural pattern recognition. With this approach, we will gain a better understanding of the microstructural changes induced by bone fragility that govern the mechanics of fracture resistance.
Prospective students should
‣ Hold a BS or MS in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or equivalent
‣ Have a strong background in applied mathematics, algorithms, image analysis, and computational tools (e.g., Python, Matlab, etc) or a related field
‣ Be fluent in English and have writing skills
‣ Enthusiasm for conducting original research in the field and striving for scientific excellence
‣ A track record of peer-reviewed publications is preferred but not required.
Our lab is located in La Jolla, San Diego, CA. UC San Diego, as one of the top 20 research universities in the world, is driving change far beyond our walls to advance society and propel economic growth. UC San Diego's main campus is located near the Pacific Ocean on approximately 1,200 acres of coastal woodland in the beautiful La Jolla, California.
Successful candidates will be able to work with experts with different backgrounds, such as mechanical and bioengineers, material scientists, and physicians.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Acevedo (claire.acevedo@gmail.com or csacevedo@ucsd.edu) with the following material:
Claire Acevedo, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of California San Diego
csacevedo@ucsd.edu
The objective of the project is to reconstruct 2-D angular radiographs from Synchrotron microtomography scans in 3D images and to process these images (using ImageJ, Dragonfly softwares) to visualize, segment, and quantify microstructural features and crack paths in bone samples. In a second step, the project will focus on poor-quality data scans. Machine learning algorithms based on deep neural networks will be used for image reconstruction and processing. The algorithms will be trained on 3D microstructural pattern recognition. With this approach, we will gain a better understanding of the microstructural changes induced by bone fragility that govern the mechanics of fracture resistance.
Prospective students should
‣ Hold a BS or MS in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or equivalent
‣ Have a strong background in applied mathematics, algorithms, image analysis, and computational tools (e.g., Python, Matlab, etc) or a related field
‣ Be fluent in English and have writing skills
‣ Enthusiasm for conducting original research in the field and striving for scientific excellence
‣ A track record of peer-reviewed publications is preferred but not required.
Our lab is located in La Jolla, San Diego, CA. UC San Diego, as one of the top 20 research universities in the world, is driving change far beyond our walls to advance society and propel economic growth. UC San Diego's main campus is located near the Pacific Ocean on approximately 1,200 acres of coastal woodland in the beautiful La Jolla, California.
Successful candidates will be able to work with experts with different backgrounds, such as mechanical and bioengineers, material scientists, and physicians.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Acevedo (claire.acevedo@gmail.com or csacevedo@ucsd.edu) with the following material:
- Curriculum vitae
- A statement of research interests and prior experience (up to 2 pages)
- Contact information for three professional references
Claire Acevedo, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
University of California San Diego
csacevedo@ucsd.edu