EPSRC Funded PhD Studentship: Mathematical Modelling of Aortic Valve Calcification

Swansea University is a UK top 30 institution for research excellence (Research Excellence Framework 2014), and has been named Welsh University of the Year 2017 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Applications are invited for an EPSRC funded PhD studentship in Biomedical Engineering and Computational Biomechanics at Swansea University. A strong background in mathematical modelling and a basic understanding of the biology will be expected for this project.

In this project, the student will develop a mathematical model of the calcification process in the heart valves. Work will involve performing multi-scale analysis and using experimental data (already available) to develop the mathematical details of the model.

This study is part of an EPSRC funded project, and will be divided into two parts: one focussing on purely mechanical signalling, and the other exploring the coupling of mechanical and chemical signalling. Once complete, the model will help predict the onset of cardiac disease, facilitating ahead of time planning.

The project will be supervised by Dr. Ankush Aggarwal and Prof. Perumal Nithiarasu in the reputed Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering at Swansea University. All required resources will be provided, such as a computer, software, access to supercomputing facilities etc. There will be opportunities to develop strong computational skills and their application to biomedical problems.

Eligibility:

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.

Since this is an inter-disciplinary area, the applicant should have a desire to learn about new topics (such as biology of the process). Experience in numerical analysis (using programming languages such as C++) is desirable.

International students are welcome to apply, however the student will be responsible for the difference between international and UK/EU fees (currently £14,255 per year, subject to 3% yearly increase).