Biography

I am the programme coordinator for the BSc/MSci Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) degree and course coordinator for BM2009 (Human Anatomy A). I am also leading the development of digital 3D Anatomy learning tools at the University of Aberdeen.

In my research, I am interested in structure-function relationships in connective tissues (such as bone and tendon) and the application of 3D modelling to biomechanics and musculoskeletal research with the ultimate aim to develop new tools for patient-specific modelling. For my PhD at the University of York I studied the mechanics of the human lower jaw using a combination of virtual 3D reconstruction techniques, 3D mechanical modelling and experiments.

As Honorary Curatorial Fellow of the University Museums at the University of Aberdeen I have coordinated the 3D digitisation of specimens to promote our museum collections. This work builds on my previous experience as project manager at the Neanderthal Museum near Düsseldorf in Germany, where I contributed to the development of NESPOS, an interactive online archive for palaeoanthropologists and archaeologists.

Some recent newsworthy activities:

My video projects to support Anatomy students: Top tips for effective Anatomy revision, How to make the most of Anatomy practical classes & Dissection Safety

3D Anatomy tools applied to a cat mummy (covered by STV, The Scotsman and the Science website)

Development of a new digital Anatomy learning tool (covered by e.g. The Scotsman and Evening Press)

Computer models to cut down on animal experiments (BBSRC blog)

Scottish Crucible 2015 Award

Blasts from the past:

Our work on an early human fossil from Kent’s Cavern in Devon (published in Nature in 2011) made it into the Guardian's 2011 list of the year's 10 biggest science stories.

The mystery of the human chin (BBC Earth)

External Memberships

Full member of the Anatomical Society and European Society of Biomechanics

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Research Overview

My core interests include structure-function relationships in connective tissues (such as bone and tendon), the application of 3D modelling to the field of musculoskeletal research with the ultimate aim to develop new tools for patient-specific modelling and the development and evaluation of new interactive 3D learning tools for Anatomy.

Current PhD students: Laura Pérez-Pachón & Ronald Coutts

Knowledge Exchange

As STEM Ambassador I frequently coordinate and take part in public engagement events about 3D modelling, Anatomy and musculoskeletal research.

Funding and Grants

Wellcome ISSF Public Engagement Grant 2020-2021

Carnegie Undergraduate Vacation Scholarship 2020

Roland Sutton Academic Trust Grant 2017-2021

TENOVUS Scotland 2017-2018

BBSRC Research Grant 2015-2018

IKEC Award from the University of Aberdeen 2017

Roland Sutton Academic Trust Grant 2015-2016

Anatomical Society Summer Research Scholarship 2015

BBSRC Research Grant 2011-2014

Marie Curie Integration Grant 2011-2014

Teaching Responsibilities

Programme coordinator for the BSc/MSci Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) degree & course coordinator for BM2009 (Human Anatomy A)

In addition, I contribute to the following courses:

• Human Anatomy for MBChB Years 1-3
• AN3504 Human Movement Dissected
• AN3009 Architecture of Life
• AY1502 Archaeology in Action
• BM2509 Human Anatomy B
• BM4010 Advanced Molecules Membranes and Cells
• BM4501 Biomedical Sciences Honours Project (incl. project skills workshops)
• ME33HA Medical Humanities
• SR3508 Clinical Exercise Physiology
• SR4301 Exercise Physiology
• MSc Medical Physics and Medical Imaging
• PGCert in Clinical Education

My video projects to support Anatomy students (in collaboration with Zee Allison and Colm Sheenan): Top tips for effective Anatomy revision, How to make the most of Anatomy practical classes & Dissection Safety

My projects to develop new 3D learning resources for Anatomy teaching have been supported by Curriculum Development Summer Studentships from the Development Trust of the University of Aberdeen and the Roland Sutton Academic Trust. My key partner in many of these project has been my former research assistant and current PhD student Laura Pérez-Pachón.