THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT
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Dr Mounir Boudali: travelled to Ohio, USA Mounir, an early-career engineer specialising in robotics, visited the renowned Cleveland Clinic in the USA to spend time at the Lerner Research Institute enhancing his knowledge of using robotics in biomechanical research for joint replacements. He spent a week with the developers of the SimVitro platform, which is at the heart of the KOBRA, a state-of-the art biomechanical testing facility at the Kolling. “During that time, I participated in a one-on-one intensive training program where I learned how to use the software and explored its capabilities. Towards the end of the training, I was able to observe the preparation and testing aspects of an ACL reconstruction study on human cadaver specimens,” he said. “The greatest benefit of my travel to Cleveland Clinic was gaining hands-on experience with the SimVitro software controlling a robotic testing machine, enhancing my technical skills, and understanding of advanced biomechanical testing. Additionally, the training program provided valuable insights into the practical applications and troubleshooting of the software, significantly boosting my confidence in operating the KOBRA effectively.” Mounir is now applying what he learned in a study investigating the impact of knee replacement on the soft tissues and how the placement of the implants can affect joint behaviour. My training at the Cleveland Clinic allowed me to quickly design the testing procedure and anticipate technical complexities related to the mounting and preparation of specimens.”
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Samantha Hefferan: travelled to Auckland, New Zealand Sam, from the Murray Maxwell Biomechanics Laboratory, visited the University of Auckland, where she was able to use the lab’s high-tech imaging methods to explore the ultrastructure of human tendons, and the impact of disease and injury. “I valued every moment of my three months in New Zealand. I was challenged every step of the way with both my research and living in an unfamiliar environment,” she said. “I gained a lot during my time, not only learning new technical skills but also understanding more about the complexity of independently planning and developing tailored protocols for my research questions. On top of strengthening our collaboration with research groups at the University of Auckland, I now have the knowledge- base to bring the practical components of planned collaborative projects closer to home for future research students at the Kolling Institute.”
Lionel Leck: travelled to Sweden
Lionel, a PhD student from the Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, undertook a three-month internship at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden to further his passion for cancer research, cancer stem cells and drug development. He spent time at the Institute’s SciLifeLab, further developing skills in relations to neuroblastoma, patient-derived organoid culture, single-cell omics, cell barcoding and high-throughput drug screening.
The greatest benefit was gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge techniques which is helping me to innovate our research at the Kolling Institute.”
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